The 2018 vintage marks a fundamental change in the style of Le Cigare Volant. After thirty-four vintages, winemaker Randall Grahm decided to “shake things up a bit”. Notably, a few adjustments were made to the blend, removing Mourvèdre from the mix and significantly elevating the percentage of the (greatly underappreciated and quite brilliant variety) Cinsault, creating a style of wine far more approachable and seductive in its youth. The Cinsault was sourced from the Loma del Rio Vineyard. 

Aromatically this wine is full of spiced, ripe red and dark fruits as well as black peppercorns and dried herbs. The palate is a touch more floral, with crushed rose petals, just ripened raspberries, and fine baking spices.