2007 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc, Beeswax Vineyard, Arroyo Seco.
SENSORY ASSESSMENT:
This white Rhône blend is closed with a screw cap, is pale gold in color, appears still and has very good clarity. Medium intensity honey aromas are accented by floral and almond notes and hints of pineapple. In the mouth, light intensity honey and mineral flavors and heat dominate notes of spice. This wine is big and weighty with softer acids and notable alcohol and mineral mouthfeel. The hot and mineral finish is short and accented by a hint of citrus.
OPINION:
This white is very ripe and very big. There is almost a mead-like quality here. Optimal serving temperature is critical for this wine because at either extreme it may seem particularly awkward. This blend is expected to fare better as a solo libation than as a food companion. The size, alcohol and acidity of this wine may limit its food pairing potential. Rich seafood such as lobster, shrimp and scallops as well as rich white fish such as catfish, sturgeon, bass or tilapia may benefit from this pairing but spice may flare up with this wine. This wine is not expected to benefit from additional cellaring.
BOTTOM LINE:
Fairly good. No serious flaws.
Worth trying.
ReadinessThis rating indicates whether a wine is ready to drink or requires additional bottle ageing.
Ready to drink.
Young. Age or drink.
Requires more ageing.
General DrinkabilityThis rating indicates how enjoyable the wine is as a stand-alone drink.
Very good by itself.
Acceptable by itself.
Not very enjoyable alone.
Food FriendlinessThis rating indicates how compatible a wine is with foods conventionally paired with it.
Very compatible.
Limited compatibility.
Not very compatible.
Value ("Quality-Price Ratio")This rating indicates the value represented by the wine. Quality relative to price compared to similar wines.
Excellent value.
Moderate value.
Poor value.
