Winemaker Randall Grahm is one of my favorite winemakers because of his skill, marketing prowess and pure wackiness.  If you can make it through his book, Been Doon So Long, you’ll know why wacky is a descriptor.  In 1980, Grahm founded the Rhone Rangers (along with Bob Linquist of Qupe) to produce and promote French Rhone Style wines with Syrah, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viogner.

Wine: Le Cigar Volant 2007

Region: California

Grapes:   Syrah

Tasting Note: Dry and smooth with deep blackberries and black cherries with notes leather and spice.  The tannins were smooth and velvety in this 2007.  Well-integrated acid and alcohol.

Assessment: This wine is elegant, flavorful, smooth and a downright treat.

Factoid: Grahm named this wine, “Le Cigar Volant”, as a tribute or in mockery of the Southern Rhone’s Chateauneuf-du-Pape producers who in the 1950′s passed an ordinance out lawing flying saucers (cigars in French) from flying over or landing in their vineyards.  The penalty for not abiding by the rules was that the flying saucers would be impounded!   There are many wine laws I don’t understand but this one takes the cake!

Pairing: Goes best with beef, I’d say.  However, we popped it open with a pot-luck of leftovers and random assortment of pasta salads, cheeses and a delicious snap pea salad with goat cheese and bacon bits.  I’m always a fan of pulling together a mix-matched meal with a great bottle of wine!

Price: $40.00