Tasting Notes, Friday 5/18

JEFF RUNQUIST “R” WINE TASTING, 5/18/12

 R PINOT NOIR 2010

                With this encore presentation of wines from the incomparable Jeff Runquist, we’re introducing several new varietals and vintages, including this one!  This is California Pinot all the way, beginning with aromas of rich cherry fruit augmented by vanilla, cola, and faint earth notes.  It’s made in a juicy, fruit-forward style, with cherry and strawberry flavors and just enough acidity.  88 points Jim Tobin.  $28.97.

 R GRENACHE 2010

                Jeff also takes a “New World” approach to his Grenache.  In his words, “The aroma delivers a delightful blend of strawberry, pear, cherry and cranberry. A brief nine months in barrel adds just a nuance of toast and vanilla. On the palate flavors of ripe red fruits lead to an elegant finish loaded with briary raspberries, cherries and creamy oak.”  88 points Tobin Bros.  $19.97.

 R 1448 BLEND 2010

                The “1448” refers to the altitude of Jeff’s winery in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but this wine may take you higher.  Its “aromas are of ripe black fruits, currant, cassis, and smoke, and its flavor profile is loaded with ripe blackberry and toasted wood flavors that add caramel and chocolate tones as counterpoints to the plush fruit.”  87 points Tobin Brothers.  $14.97.

 R PETIT VERDOT 2010

                Also a new arrival, this is classic Runquist.  The aromas are loaded with ripe black fruits and cassis, plus that unmistakable vanilla.  Jeff of course employs small oak barrels to lend a “creamy caramel, hazelnut and toasty oak bouquet.  On the palate there are rich flavors of black currants and black raspberries, deeply toasted oak, and dark chocolate.    Soft integrated tannins add structure and body without dryness or astringency.”  87 points Jim Tobin.  $25.97.

 R CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009

                Entirely from the Colina Poca Vineyard, this is delicious Paso Robles Cabernet.  It “delivers classic aromas of currant and cassis along with notes of tobacco leaf and dried herbs. Smoky vanilla oak is the featured scent in the bouquet. On the palate, the wine delivers juicy red and black fruits with a medium to full body with dusty, flinty tannins. The finish is typically soft and supple.”  90 points Tobins.  $26.97.

 R SYRAH 2009

                Clean, bright aromas of boysenberry, dark raspberry, and a touch of smoke precede succulent flavors of red and black fruits mingling with hazelnut and chocolate.  The tannins stay perfectly Runquist-smooth throughout.  Simply delicious.  89 points Bill Tobin.  $19.97.

 R PETITE SIRAH 2009

                As is typical of Petite Sirah the color is almost black – we’ll forgive you mistaking it for ink.  “The aromas of cassis and jammy blackberry come with an added dimension of concentration and density.  This wine just soaked up the new French Oak, and yet the bouquet of mocha and dark chocolate takes a back seat to the intensity of the 2009’s intense fruit.  Big creamy mouth-coating flavors of ripe sweet boysenberry and blackberries are balanced by creamy French oak.  The texture is full of thick viscous tannins, and the finish is long and lingers well after swallowing the wine.   Be forewarned this is one big rich red wine.”  90 points Bill Tobin.  $22.97.