Jeff Runquist Wines was founded in 1997 by Jeff and Margie Runquist. In 1995 Jeff crushed ten tons of zinfandel from the Massoni Ranch in Amador’s Shenandoah Valley and in 1997 he released 700 cases of that Zinfandel under his own label. In 2006 Jeff and Margie purchased a small five acre walnut orchard on Shenandoah Road in Amador. In the spring of 2008 Jeff and Margie opened their tasting room. Production facilities followed and Jeff was able to crush the majority of their production in Amador beginning 2011.
Massoni Ranch is situated in Amador County. The first vines on this dry-farmed property were planted in the late 1890s. The vineyard is planted to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Barbera.
Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah. Jammy nose of red and black fruits, anise and pepper. Full bodied with ample acidity. Plush, soft and creamy. Cherry liqueur, white pepper, vanilla and spiced plums on the palate. Nice length on the finish. Well made and easy to drink. Fairly priced at about $25. Best over the next few years.
My rating: 88 points.
This was my first go around with a wine from Jeff Runquist. I’ll be on the lookout for some of his other Zins.