Boony Doon Vineyard: 2008 Albarino

As a last minute addition to the line-up at the Wine Riot 2, Bonny Doon Vineyard was permitted to set up a table. Their maverick winemaker, Randall Grahm, was even present and it was my pleasure to meet this unique individual. Randall has just released a new book, Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology, and was in town promoting it. I have not read the book yet, but eagerly look forward to it.

I have enjoyed a number of Bonny Doon wines in the past but had yet to try their 2008 Albarino, Ca' Del Solo Estate Vineyard, Monterey County ($20). This wine is a blend of 75% Albarino, 21% Loureiro and 4% Treixadura. The vineyard is biodynamic and only 2500 cases were produced. It also has an alcohol content of only 12.8% alcohol.

The wine had a light greenish-yellow color with a very alluring smell of citrus, spice and mild floral notes. It was a bit more exotic and aromatic than the usual Spanish Albarinos I have had. It is the type of wine that you might just sit and smell for a while, savoring the aroma before even tasting it. Its taste though is equally compelling with a complex melange of flavors, including lemon, grapefruit, herbs, and savory spices. It is dry with plenty of acidity. The finish was lengthy and satisfying, and you definitely wanted to drink more.

This is a wine I could easily drink on its own, though it would also pair well with seafood or a light chicken dish. Though it does remind me of Spanish Albarino, it certainly has its own unique character and is a very good value for the price.