A Summer Sobremesa: Wine, Smoke, and Setting Sun

After a hearty steak dinner accompanied by a good bottle of wine, we moved out to the deck to continue the evening under the open sky. As I perused the humidor in search of a fitting cigar to round out the experience, I selected the Sobremesa Solita Toro — a standout offering from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. It had been resting in the humidor for two months so was well-primed for lighting up.

The name Sobremesa — Spanish for “upon the table” — refers to the cherished Latin tradition of lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying conversation and company. Though we’d shifted from the dining room to the deck, the sentiment carried through.

The Solita Toro is a well-constructed 6 x 52 cigar, dressed in a smooth Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that takes on a reddish hue in the evening sun. Beneath the surface lies a binder of Mexican San Andrés Negro and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf ligero. The presentation is understated, adorned only with two simple gold bands.

My cigar had a slightly snug draw — tighter than I usually prefer — but not enough to warrant any correction. The burn was slow and even, delivering an ample, satisfying volume of smoke.

Medium-bodied in profile, the Solita offered a rich mix of cedar, cocoa, and coffee as core flavors. A gentle hint of pepper emerged on the retrohale, and the finish settled into a creamy sweetness. The cigar’s balance and nuance encouraged slow, thoughtful draws and a lingering exhale to fully savor its complexity. 

It burned evenly and cool for a long, relaxing 1 hour and 40 minutes — an ideal companion to an unhurried evening.

The wine of the night was Videre from Wilderness Run Vineyards — a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Malbec. Both varietals are personal favorites when pairing wine with food, and this blend hit a pleasing middle ground. Medium-bodied, it brought the bold, dark fruit notes characteristic of Malbec, while Merlot softened the tannins and softened the finish. The wine’s fruit-forward profile paired beautifully with the cigar’s creamy finish, creating a complementary interplay of flavors.

As the sun dipped below the trees and the temperature cooled ever so slightly, birdsong filled the air — an idyllic soundtrack to our “sobremesa.” It was a perfect way to end a meal and enjoyed the shared relaxation.

Cheers!