Jeff’s Letter From May 2026

It is almost May and the temperature in the house this morning is chilly. I just built and lit a fire in our fireplace. In February, we had a ninety-degree day that had me worrying about just how hot it might get this summer. The vines sensed the early season heat, and we had an early bud break, and it looked like we were off to the races with thoughts of an early harvest dancing in my head. Three significant rainstorms each dropping close to three inches of rain have tapped the brakes. Don’t get me wrong, I am in agriculture and will take the rain. I’m not complaining. It’s just the whipsawing that I am having trouble getting used to. Am I going to get Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

And here is my segue into my May release letter. With all the uncertainty in the world today be it the weather or gas prices, I want you to know there is one thing you can depend on and that is that every sixty days there will be five or six new wines from Jeff Runquist Wines that will brighten your day and soothe your senses. This May’s selection leads off with two longtime members of the lineup; Petite Sirah and “Z” Zinfandel. The Petite Sirah is another edition of a Runquist classic with big dark fruit aromas and flavors, plenty of rich creamy oak and soft smooth tannins. We have successfully walked the tightrope again with the “Z” Zinfandel delivering black raspberry without any signs of crossing over into the realm of late harvest. The Miravet Tempranillo is a delightful introduction to the ‘Noble Grape’ of Spain plenty of juicy dark fruits married with some sweet oak and tannins so smooth they melt into the finish. The Tannat is wine that I spent a couple of hours with while writing my tasting notes. I was enamored with the savory juiciness of the flavors. Here is a wine with a rich texture without any of the harsh extract that Tannat is known for. Yet it has an acidity that adds a unique definition to the fruit flavors. The Dal Porto Syrah is a great example of a ‘New World’ Syrah lots of fruit not much earth. Five reds to drink while you put winter into the rearview mirror and something to have on hand to celebrate the beginning of the bar-b-que season.

On the Dr. Jekyll side, we just experienced the bloom of our Easter Cactus. I planted it thinking it was a run of the mill barrel cactus and boy have we had a pleasant surprise. Photos attached. Not so unexpected were the results from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Seems like everywhere we staked a claim we struck gold. Full results are also attached. Last Saturday at the Amador County Fair Wine Competition our 2024 Zinfandel from the Esola Vineyard was deemed best the Amador Zinfandel. You will see it in September. The best Barbera prize went to the currently available 2023 Reserve Barbera.

The living room is starting to warm, and I have just been reminded that I have plenty to smile about. Join me.

Cheers,

– Jeff