Winery: Jeff Runquist Wines

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: 1448

Wine Category: Red blend

Grape blend: Majority Petite Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sierra Nevada Foothills

State or country: California

Price: $17.00

ABV: 14.3%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  88 points

Review date: Aug 4, 2019

About the Winemaker: Jeff Runquist, whose winery is based in Amador County California has been a wine maker since the early 1980’s. Jeff sources grapes from around the state to produce his wines with. Jeff prefers grapes that will produce wines with vibrant flavors and plentiful tannins. Jeff produces wines in limited quantities, but offers a wide array of varietals that usually hit the mark for a good wine. An added bonus that Jeff’s wines offer is that the price/value ratio on Runquist branded wines is also very good.

Color:  Dark Scarlett

Nose: Blackberry and Raspberry

Taste: Ripened Cherry, raisin, fig, mild earthiness Finish: Black pepper and oak

Assessment: Medium to full body. I’m not completely sure what is in this blend as the proportions aren’t on the bottle and it changes from vintage to vintage. I do know that it is Petite Sirah based. This wine has well balanced tannins and acidity. From a character standpoint, it’s a bit hard to pin down. While it’s both tannic and acidic, the notes of raisin and dried fig keep it from being dry or tart (it is also not a sweet wine). The wine is silky, but the black pepper on the finish keeps it from fading from your palate without a bit of a punch. While a Petite Sirah on its own would be full bodied and inky, this wine has both softer tannins than a pure Petite Sirah and is “soft around the edges.” This wine is well suited for just about any type of wine drinker; most importantly, it’s well suited for me. Ready to drink now.

Jeff Runquist Wines 2010 1448 Red Blend is a very good wine and a great value. 88 points Buy here.

Pairing recommendation: Soft cheese, Caprese salad, or veal.