($28): Le Cigare Blanc, the white counterpart of Bonny Doon’s Cigare Volant, which emulates the red wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a typical Rhône blend: Roussanne (55%), Grenache Blanc (26%), and Picpoul Blanc.  It’s a lovely interpretation of a white Rhône with stone fruit richness and sufficient balancing acidity to keep it interesting, but not so much as to make your mouth pucker.  Perhaps the name of the vineyard influences my perception, but it does have a subtle waxy texture.  As such, it’s a softer, gentler wine that would be a lovely aperitif that you carry to the table for a first course.
90 Michael Apstein Aug 16, 2016