Here is our weekly roundup of recommended wines we tasted this week. They are all excellent choices, enjoy!

2017 Jeff Runquist Barbera, Amador County, California ($30)

Fresh raspberry and strawberry aromas with lively red fruit flavors, currant, and spice. Wonderful acidity, and well balanced, this Barbera finishes audaciously tart, with energy. A keeper for sure.

2017 Jeff Runquist “Z” Zinfandel, Massoni Ranch, Amador County, California ($25)

Round and inviting with layers of raspberry, chocolate and black fruits. It finishes velvety with coffee and toasted oak flavors; good tannin integration and wonderfully balanced.

2017 Jeff Runquist Petit Verdot, Damir Ranch, California ($26)

I’ve you’ve not tried a Petit Verdot, give this one a try. It’s a full-bodied, tannic red with lots of tobacco, black fruits and violet. The finish is solid with leather and spice.

2017 Jeff Runquist Petite Sirah, Salman Vineyards, Clarksburg, California ($28)

Well-made and showy with layers of cherries, plums and dark fruits. Grainy tannins with vanilla and pepper notes that carries through to the finish. The quality-to-price-ratio (QPR) is off the charts!

wines of the week

2018 Jeff Runquist 1448 Red Table Blend, California ($14)

This is a blend of 63% Petit Verdot, 25% Petite Sirah, 5% Barbera, 4% Tannat, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Charbono. It’s quite complex with lush, yet ripe red fruit flavors. The finish is lively with a nice earthiness. It’s a perfect food wine that goes well with anything rustic, grilled, or braised.

2016 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($110)

Dark fruits, smooth and seductive with well-integrated tannins. The finish is lingering with black tea and a tinge of eucalyptus. Anything grilled would compliment this superior wine.

2016 Sullivan Coeur de Vigne, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($90)

This is a balanced blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot.  It has a soft entry of raspberry and blackberry notes that leads to a lively finish of raspberry and spice.

2016 Sullivan Petit Verdot, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($95)

Bold and audacious with layered blackberry, black cherry and spice. It’s a hearty wine that finishes long, with a good dose of tannins. I paired this with a grilled ribeye but it would also go spectacularly with pork, lamb, sausage or veal dishes. If you’re adventuresome and have never tried a Petit Verdot, make this your first; you’ll love it.

2019 Sullivan Rose, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($35)

This is a Rose made from Malbec grapes. The tart wild strawberry flavors are lifted by aromatic spices. It’s a delicious summer wine that pairs beautifully with roasted springtime rabbit.

2017 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage, Sonoma County, California ($35)

This is a balanced and lively blend of 69% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Black fruits and spice lead the way with dusty, bold tannins to finish. Quite nice.

2017 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California ($25)

Blackberry, cassis and cherry notes lead to a mocha and espresso finish.  It’s a very smooth, balanced wine that pairs well with almost any protein dish. It’s a wonderful wone for the price. By two if you can find it.