Price: $15.00 @ Bonny Doon Vineyard
What They Said:
Per Bonny Doon Vineyard (pdf) “The great grenache years at Bonny Doon tend to be very late, when the grapes have had a better opportunity to develop the nuance and complexity we esteem. 2009, was no exception to this historical dictum – apart from the fact that this grenache does not, in fact, derive from Gilroy – hence the slightly perplexing nomenclature. The fruit this year is from the Alta Loma Vineyard in Greenfield and from our own estate vineyard in Soledad. The wine itself exhibits all the hallmarks of exceptional Grenache – bright raspberries; a strong suggestion of black pepper and kirsch; and a piney, resinous quality that shows up in only the best vintages of Grenache from cooler climats. To those yearning for the early days when CdG was the first wine out of the blocks, this vintage should induce a happy remembrance of Gilroy’s d’antan“
What I Think:
(13.5%) 88% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 2% Syrah – Almost translucent violet in the glass with violet aromas, cherry and a bit of pepper on the nose. Starts bright and juicy with nice strawberry flavors, rhubarb leafs and hints of cherry. This is delivered over a smooth yet firm structure that shows nice acidity throughout. Firm tannins emerge on the mid-palate and lead to a dry, spicy finish that lingers on nicely. For $15 this is all you can ask for and more. I’ll certainly be looking to buy more…(750 cases made)
Rating: Buy It
Rhubarb leaf? Those are inedible due to the high concentration of oxalic acid. Not particularly evocative of a commonly-known flavor.
Apologies Thomas! Perhaps the flavors were more rhubarb with the leafiness coming from the strawberries… I’ll be sure to confirm on my next bottle!