2011 Neyers Rossi Ranch Grenache

Neyers Vineyards in St. Helena was founded by Bruce and Barbara Neyers. The couple grew up together in Delaware, but the army sent Bruce to San Francisco where he developed a taste for wine and the wine business. He worked for wine importers and several Napa Valley wineries before starting his own label. Neyers Vineyards owns a 30-acre parcel that was formerly Sage Canyon Winery, and also owns the 50-acre Conn Valley Ranch. The estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and blends.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

One of the most popular red varieties planted, it ripens late and prefers hot dry climates. It probably originated in Spain, where it is still widely grown. Grenache is best known for its use in Southern Rhone wines, including those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.