Nothing I could possibly write here could do justice to the maverick genius that is Randall Grahm; winemaker, philosopher, owner of Bonny Doon Vineyard and, in his own words, “insufferable wine fanatic”.
Discovering a passion for wine whilst sweeping the floor in a California Wine Merchants, Randall completed a degree in viticulture at the University of California, before setting out to revolutionise winemaking in the States with his own inimitable blend of skill and humour.
At Bonny Doon, Randall sang the praises of Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne and Viognier, a stance which led to his legendary soubriquet “The Rhone Ranger”. Try Bonny Doon Cigare Volant, an homage to Chateauneuf du Pape and the 1954 village council by-law prohibiting the landing of flying saucers (flying cigars) on their vineyards.
A love of all things Italianate, led to the Bonny Doon Ca’ del Solo range, amongst which you can find the like of the Bonny Doon Big House Wines and Bonny Doon Malvasia Bianca. Latterly, Randall has developed his “Critique of Pure Riesling” and who could argue with it when the prima facie case of Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling is in evidence? I drink, therefore I am.
The world of wine would be a sorrier place were it not for Bonny Doon Vineyard, so settle down with a drop of Bonny Doon Framboise (or indeed drizzle some over ice cream) and check out their website; it’s a scream.
