A soft, supple and beautifully textured rose that stays fresh and lively , the 2012 Vin Gris de Cigare Rose (62% Grenache, 17% Mourvedre, 9% Roussanne, 6% Grenache Blanc and 6% Cinsault) delivers loads of sweet strawberries, peach and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors. Delicious and quaffable in the best sense of the word, this beauty should be consumed over the coming 6-12 months. Drink now-2013. Website: www.bonnydoonvineyard.com

The 2010 Vin Gris de Cigare, the finest dry rose he has yet produced, is a blend of 71% Grenache, 16% Roussanne, 11% Grenache Blanc and 2% Mourvedre. Aged in both stainless steel and barrel, it is a dead-ringer for a Bandol rose (even though it has only 2% Mourvedre). Abundant aromas of lavender, flowers, cranberries and cherries are followed by crisp, fresh, lively flavors. Move quickly to purchase this super value as there are only 3,300 cases. It is good to see Randall Grahm return to his roots. People often forget that despite his clever newsletters and obvious gift at turning a phrase and getting most wine journalists to be seduced by his slick prose, for many years he was, in fact, making industrial quantities (nearly 450,000 cases) of mediocre wines. Thankfully, this appears to be changing. Hopefully Grahm, who is a fascinating character, has decided to do what he did best in the mid-eighties ... make exciting wines from generally unusual and under-rated varietals.Tel. (831) 425-4518

A consistently excellent rose, Bonny Doon’s Vin Gris de Cigare lives up to expectations in 2008. Aromas of strawberries, cherries, and watermelon is followed by a crisp, fresh, fruity rose that is ideal for drinking over the next six months. www.bonnydoonvineyard.com