Virtual Winemaker Tasting with Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon

Randall Grahm is an internationally-known winemaker who has been featured in all the major wine publications and received numerous awards including being inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintner’s Hall of Fame, Who’s Who of Cooking in America by Cook’s magazine, named Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 1994 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhône Rangers. He was on the cover of Wine Spectator in 1989 as the first "Rhône Ranger" and is, as far as I know, the only winemaker to have an asteroid named after him.

His colorful, literate writing was featured in his award-winning book, “Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology” and last year a group of us had the chance to taste with him in person at a sold-out event. Join us on May 21st for a virtual, interactive experience with him.

He is offering our group a discount of over 50% for the 4 wines we will taste with him. Only $61.26, including tax, for this package that would normally be over $131. I'll have to coordinate the ordering because all the wines will come to me and you can either pick them up at my house on the Mesa or I will deliver them if you can't come by. He is also offering deals on wines by the case when pre-ordered with the tasting wines as well as a 20% discount for any wines ordered after the tasting. I can give you all the details, just contact me at "insidewinesantabarbara @ yahoo.com" (remove the spaces).

Randall will discuss Popelouchum — "the most original viticultural project ever attempted in the New World". Popelouchum is the name of a 400-acre vineyard on which Randall has begun planting hundreds--if not thousands--of grape varietals to cross-breed them and develop varietals specifically tailored to his California terroir. He has sold Bonny Doon (though he remains a partner) so he can focus on this project.

We will have the chance to taste his Bonny Doon wines, some of the last vintages where he was the sole creator, in our May 21st virtual tasting

The deadline for ordering wine for the tasting has passed, but you can still join in. I have one 4-bottle pack extra, email me if you want to buy it from me. "insidewinesantabarbara @ yahoo.com" (remove the spaces)

We will taste with him:
2016 Vin Gris de Cigare Réserve, 92 Points! from Vinous:
"A limited release, carboy-aged bottling of our Vin Gris de Cigare. There is enormous depth to this wine and it possesses something like an infinity pool finish." (usual retail $26; our price $11)

2017 Le Cigare Blanc, the white analog of Le Cigare Volant
55% Grenache Blanc, 45% Roussanne (usual retail $28; our price $12)
"From a single vineyard source, the Beeswax Vineyard in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County. Farmed organically, the Beeswax Vineyard grows complex, concentrated and mineral intensive grapes from deeply rooted vines."

2015 Le Cigare Volant, 92 Points! Wine Spectator
(usual retail $45/btl; our price $21.33)
"Medium, vivid ruby color, with an incredibly lifted, ethereal floral aroma - almond blossoms, violets, sandalwood and wild strawberries. On the palate, silky tannins and an enormously persistent finish. The kind of wine that drives wine aficionados to drink, being a wine of great charm, elegance and intelligence."

2017 Viognier "Vin de Glacière" , 90 Points! Wine Enthusiast; 92 Point Vinous
(usual retail $26; our price $20.80) "On the nose, one gets cassis, pink grapefruit and the rather comforting fragrance of strawberry and rhubarb nose. Enormous depth and an infinity pool finish. The wine develops well in the glass with air and with time. Be very careful not to serve it too cold."

The $5/person for this Meetup to pay my expenses of Paypal, the Meetup platform and a Zoom Pro subscription. All profit made on virtual Inside Wine SB events will be donated to No Kid Hungry.

Looking forward to sharing! Tama