Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2015

Slowly but surely wine lovers in the USA are thinking pink during the more temperate months.   Whether following the influence of European wine fans (particularly in France), Brangelina making their own Rose Miraval in Provence to the typical fanfare that those two attract or perhaps the novelty of drinking pink, Rose’s and blush wines are beginning to attract some serious consumer dollars.  I recently had the opportunity to attend a Bonny Doon wine dinner, and to my surprise the Boony Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2015 stole the show!  Crisp, fresh with a flavor profile of pears and a hint of blood orange, yet this elegant Rose finishes bone dry with a savory touch.   Cleverly nicknamed “Pink Wine of the Earth”,  this Bonny Doon offering may have just become my summer go-to.   The style of this Gris de Cigare 2015 is very much reminiscent of a southern French Rose from Provence. Served properly chilled like a white wine, the Bonny Doon Rose is so smooth that is doesn’t seem to have a rough edge on it, despite the refreshing acidity present. This is a terrific poolside summer sipper, or it would be delectable with a triple cream brie cheese or even boiled shrimp.   The 2015 vintage is an unusual Rhone varietal blend of 44% Grenache, 20% Grenache Blanc, and remaining smaller portions of Carignane, Mourvedre, Cinsaut and Roussanne.   With the delicate touch of Bonny Doon’s owner and wine genius Randall Grahm, sometimes referred to as the “Rhone Ranger”, this is clearly a special wine.  It has a suggested retail of $18, but careful wine sleuths can find a bottle for several sheckels less.  Add a great review and a solid 90 rating by Wine Review Online, you have the very definition of a value wine in the terrific Bonny Doon Vin Gris  de Cigare 2015.  Stock up before your neighbor beats you to it!