The “Z” Zinfandel is my ’marquee’ wine. It is the wine that launched the Jeff Runquist Wines brand in 1997. I have always been impressed with the fruit that comes from the seventy and eighty year old vines that the Massoni Family planted during prohibition and when I decided to produce wine for myself I returned to Amador County for the grapes. During the 1920s and 1930s the grapes from these vineyards were used by home winemakers and the viticulture industry in Amador County thrived. I look to these old vines for an added dimension of flavor in a wine with a soft rich texture; a combination not often found with Zinfandel. Our objective is to deliver classic Zinfandel varietal character in a balanced and fruit forward wine with moderate levels of alcohol and integrated mature tannins.
The 2006 vintage wine has a deep ruby color with bright youthful purple hues. The aroma is classic Zinfandel with briary raspberry and plum aromas. We use a larger percentage of second fill barrels for the “Z” Zinfandel, and this produces a bouquet that allows the fruit to shine and adds just a waft of hazelnut, vanilla, brown sugar and perhaps even molasses. The flavors of succulent ripe red berries are delivered on a chassis of rich, viscous fluid. The texture of the wine is soft and velvety, reminiscent of fine Pinot Noir.
Varietal Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Oak Regime: 51% American Oak,49% French and Hungarian Oak
1,323 Cases Produced
Other wines in the category All Wines / Other Current Releases:
2005 "R" Cabernet Sauvignon, Rancho Sarco
2006 "R" Pinot Noir
2006 "R" Carignane
2006 "R" Primitivo
2007 "R" Grenache
2004 "R" Reserve Syrah
2006 "R" Barbera
2006 "R" Cabernet Franc
2005 "R" Nostro Vino Zinfandel
2006 "R" Petite Sirah
2006 "R" Sangiovese