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Bonny Doon 2006 Le Pousseur Syrah (Central Coast)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $20

This bottling, which is Randall Grahm’s hommage to the Northern Rhône, has varied over the vintages, but with this 2006, hits the mark as never before. Made with a splash of Grenache, it’s full-bodied, bone dry and compelling in the intricacy of flavors. The blackberries, black cherries, licorice, and raspberries have elements of roasted meats and wild mushrooms… — S.H. (8/1/2009)

Bonny Doon 2001 Vin de Glacière Muscat (California)

Price $17

It’s a blast of apricot chutney sweetened with smoky honey and a sprinkle of vanilla. The texture is glyceriney and creamy. It’s very sweet, but has orange-zesty acidity that keeps it from being cloying. — S.H. (6/1/2004)

Bonny Doon 2004 Le Cigare Blanc White (California)

Price $20

This is the white equivalent to Bonny Doon’s successful red Rhône blend, Cigare Volant. A blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Marsanne, it shows Randall Grahm’s touch in the way the richness has balance and complexity, going well beyond well-ripened peach, melon and spicy apricot fruit. There’s a stony minerality, a tangy taste of stone, that makes this wine… — S.H. (6/1/2007)

Bonny Doon NV Framboise Red (California)

Best Buy

Price $11

The ultimate chocolate liqeur. Winemaker Randall Grahm calls this “an infusion” that’s been boosted with brandied fruit that brings it to 17% alcohol. It’s gooey in raspberry essence finished with a chocolate dust, but a brilliant squeeze of lime adds life and zest. — S.H. (8/1/2004)

Bonny Doon 2007 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

With an official alcohol of only 13.5%, this is one of the leanest Syrahs ever to emerge from this famous vineyard. It’s bone dry, zingy in acidity and tannic, and the cherry and berry flavors flirt with earthier notes of tobacco and dried Provençal herbs. Feels narrow gauge at first, but grows in the glass as it airs, becoming increasingly elegant and interesting. — S.H. (11/1/2011)

Bonny Doon 2001 Le Cigare Volant Red (California)

Price $32

After the leanness of previous vintages, Randall Grahm is back to fruit. Namely, cherries, which ooze through this Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre-based blend. There are also aromas and flavors of rosemary, thyme and other field herbs. This bone-dry wine is complex and interesting. — S.H. (4/1/2004)

Bonny Doon 2000 Le Cigare Volant Red (California)

Price $32

Randall Grahm continues to make this wine harder and earthier with every vintage. The wine this year suggests sage and tobacco and black cherries, and is fairly tannic. It’s a sophisticated wine; complex, layered and interesting. Far from flamboyant, it’s understated and intense, with a dry finish. — S.H. (12/1/2002)

Bonny Doon 2007 Le Cigare Volant Red (Central Coast)

Price $35

A provocative wine. If you’re tired of soft, oaky red wines, try this Rhône-style blend. It’s super dry, rich in furry tannins and has a good cut of acidity that gives brightness to the wild cherry and raspberry, chamomile tea, nettle, lavender and black pepper flavors. — S.H. (11/1/2011)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Grenache Italian Red Mourvèdre Muscat Other Red Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Rhône-style White Blend Riesling Rosé Roussanne Shiraz/Syrah Viognier White Blend Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Regions [All]

Arroyo Seco California-Washington Monterey County Paso Robles San Luis Obispo County Santa Maria Valley

2010 Quady Elysium

With nearly 20% residual sugar, this wine is enormously sweet in honey…

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