Bonny Doon Vineyard
Ca’ del Solo Grenache Blanc
2009
13.4% ABV | Price: about $25*
Pale gold with an iridescent pink cast that reminds me of tourmeline. One hundred percent grenache blanc, it has the scent of new-mown hay, plus pineapple, citrus, and musk melon. As it warms in the glass, the wine opens into more lavish tropical fruits—guava and passionfruit—but retains its fresh herbaceousness. Lush on the palate, with a velvety texture and flavors of green almond, honey, citrus, peach, and pineapple.
It’s balanced, though, with good acidity and a savory minerality that rescues it from fauvism. Luscious, but not without restraint.
*Disclosure: Bonny Doon Vineyard is my employer. As an employee, I paid $12.50 for this wine.
