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The 2013 RunRig is entirely fresh and marks a significant point in the aging evolution of this cuvée. Now 12 years from harvest, the wine shows youth and vitality, alongside a cavalcade of tertiary characters. This is the point at which one can stand and look both into the future (of what this wine will look like as an older wine) and see its past, too (i.e., what the wine looked like in its youth). These precipice vintages are important to mark, and in the context of the RunRig, that precipice may occur at 12 years from harvest. Aromatically, for the first time one notes raspberry, cherry, licorice, blood plum, star anise and cracked fennel seeds. There is also leather, autumn leaves and a hint mahogany, all of which merge seamlessly. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Saturated violet. A deeply perfumed bouquet displays ripe black and blue fruits, exotic spices, potpourri and incense that are enlivened by a smoky mineral topnote. Offers alluringly sweet, penetrating cherry, blueberry, violet floral pastille and spicecake flavors show impressive focus and vivacity for their brawn. The floral and spice notes come back emphatically on the wonderfully long finish, which features smoothly interwoven tannins and a reverberating mineral note. (JR)
Old-vine magic. Some even come from 1858. The decadence and dusty, antique aromas and flavors are very impressive, yet it’s not overdone. Licorice, dark berries, smoke and graphite.
A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I'd try the first one about 10 years out. (JC)