Boatique Winery Runabout Estate Red 2023

Full-bodied red wine, rich and fruit-forward with complex structure. · Boatique Winery is a boutique estate producer located in Lake County, California, known for its unique nautical theme and focus on estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. Founded by owners who share a passion for classic wooden boats and fine wine, the winery marries these two distinct passions into a charming boutique operation that emphasizes sustainable farming and meticulous winemaking in the Red Hills.

Vintage: 2023

Boatique Winery Runabout Estate Red 2023

Type

Full-bodied red wine, rich and fruit-forward with complex structure.

Producer

Boatique Winery is a boutique estate producer located in Lake County, California, known for its unique nautical theme and focus on estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. Founded by owners who share a passion for classic wooden boats and fine wine, the winery marries these two distinct passions into a charming boutique operation that emphasizes sustainable farming and meticulous winemaking in the Red Hills.

Country

United States

Vintage

2023

Region & Appellation

Red Hills Lake County, California, USA

Grape Varieties

A proprietary blend of estate-grown red Bordeaux varieties, typically anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and complementary blending grapes suited to the high-elevation volcanic soils of Lake County.

Color & Appearance

Deep ruby-purple core with bright magenta highlights, moderate viscosity, and slow-moving legs indicating a rich extraction and solid body.

Aroma Profile

Aromatic and expressive, featuring upfront primary notes of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and red plum, layered with secondary hints of vanilla, cedar, and subtle baking spice from oak aging.

Tasting Notes

A generous and mouth-filling attack featuring lush dark berry fruit, transitioning through a mid-palate rich in cocoa and cassis, and finishing with a lingering, warming touch of toasted oak and fine-grained tannins.

Flavor Profile

Dominated by blackberry compote, black cherry, and plum, complemented by savory nuances of dried herbs, espresso bean, and a pleasant touch of sweet vanilla oak.

Body & Texture

Full-bodied with a velvety, rounded mouthfeel, plush extract, and a comforting warmth that smooths out the generous fruit profile.

Acidity & Tannins

Medium-plus acidity provides a vibrant freshness that balances the rich fruit weight, while the tannins are ripe, supple, and fine-grained, offering a supportive and approachable structural framework.

Sweetness Level

Dry with minimal residual sugar, though perceived as lush due to the ripe fruit concentration.

Alcohol Content

Approximately 14.5% ABV, standard for full-bodied red wines from the warm sunny days of the Red Hills Lake County AVA.

Aging & Oak

Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels (a portion new) to impart subtle notes of spice, vanilla, and toast while allowing the vibrant estate fruit to remain the focal point.

Food Pairings

Ideal alongside grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, rich mushroom risotto, or hard aged cheeses like sharp cheddar and gouda.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes helps open up the aromatics and soften the young tannins.

Price Range

$35 - $50 USD

Quality Assessment

Solid premium tier offering excellent value for a boutique California estate red, showcasing the distinct volcanic terroir of Lake County.

Production Methods

Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs for color and tannin extraction, followed by maturation in oak barrels.

Terroir

Grown in the Red Hills Lake County AVA, characterized by distinctive red volcanic soils rich in iron and obsidian, high elevations ensuring intense solar radiation during the day, and cool mountain nights that preserve crisp acidity.

History & Heritage

Boatique Winery was conceived as a celebration of classic wooden boats and high-end winemaking, turning a scenic Lake County ranch into a beloved destination for wine and boating enthusiasts alike.

Interesting Facts

The winery features an on-site museum showcasing a stunning collection of vintage wooden boats, perfectly tying into the nautical naming convention of wines like the 'Runabout'.

Cellaring Potential

Approachable and delicious upon release, but structured enough to evolve gracefully in a proper cellar over the next 5 to 8 years.

Similar Wines

Napa Valley red blends, Sonoma County Cabernet blends, and robust red wines from the Sierra Foothills.

Identified on 10/1/2026