Bonny Doon Clos de Gilroy Grenache – Make Your Mouth Happy

75% Grenache, 13% Cinsault and 12% Syrah from California.

SRP of $18 and available for $15. Sample received courtesy Bonny Doon Vineyards for review purposes.

From the bottle:

“For a long time I went to be aïoli, clovèd in nothing but the barest essential oils. The Wine Formerly Known as Clos de Gilroy (TWFKaCdG) pays homage to the quaint, rustic town of Gilroy, the spiritual locus of all matters alliaceous and to the burg that is meridional to the max.

The exceptionally fruity, strawberry-rhubarbarity of 75% Grenache, complemented by the delicate note of kirsch from the 13% Cinsault and 12% Syrah’s white pepper, is the perfect foil for anything prepared al fresco, especially when anointed with olive oil.

13.1% Alcohol”

Ah, Bonny Doon, how I love thee. And it’s easy to see why with exceptional wines like the “Bulk Buy” rated Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé and the Top 10 mainstay, Le Pousseur Syrah. Today’s wine, although not quite as memorable as those two, is still pretty darn good.

The 2010 Bonny Doon Vineyard Clos de Gilroy Central Coast Grenache begins with aromas of dark spicy fruit, earth, leather and pepper. The wine tastes of smooth dark fruit but I wouldn’t classify it as a fruit bomb since there’s so much more going on here, liked notes of dried herbs, a little earthiness and some smoked meat. The wine ends with some lightly spicy tannins. A very nice wine with lots of different flavors and sensations!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

All ratings use a simple 10 point scale with 10 being the best. Find out more about my rating systemhere and check out the Interactive Wine Rating Chart to find all my reviews! You can sort by type of wine, cost, rating, etc. in the interactive spreadsheet.