Bonny Doon Vineyard, Monterey County (California) Grenache 2012

 This single-vineyard Grenache from Rhone master Randall Grahm shows impressive intensity of aroma, a spicy combo of red-fruit aromas that are the signature of this grape variety so prominent in France’s southern Rhone. It pushes the envelope on the alcohol, but manages to maintain its balance and euro-centric charm. The Rancho Solo vineyard in Monterey was formerly Bonny Doon’s Ca’ del Solo vineyard, making the name change little more than a tweak. But by any name, the Rancho Solo Grenache is a serious wine and a captivating expression of Grenache.