Jeff Runquist, Alta Mesa, Lodi (California) Grenache 2021

 I appreciate Jeff Runquist’s ability to go in his winemaking choices where the fruit leads him rather than exerting any overt force of personality.  Grenache might be the variety that shows the most variation vintage to vintage in his lineup, and whether they are light, heavy, or somewhere in between, they’re always good.  This vintage leans light, oaky and bright, with strawberry, cherry and zesty citrus, with fall spice hints adding interest.  If you like a refreshing quality to your red wine, you can’t go wrong here. I would even cellar some a while to fully integrate the wood.