At a glance

Producer

Cedar Run

Region

United States, California

Grape variety

Refosco

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Notes of dark cherry and plum with hints of leather, earth, and Mediterranean herbs.

Evolution: Fruit is mellowing, tertiary notes becoming more prominent, tannins softer, complexity increasing.

At peak: Balanced combination of savory earthiness, dark fruit, and fine tannins with moderate acidity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium acidity providing good freshness

Tannins

Moderate to firm tannins, well-integrated after 10 years

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

Good for 15-20 years total from vintage due to firm tannic structure and balanced acidity.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2025

Optimal window

2016 to 2026

Current status

Mature and drinking well

Current condition

Wine is beginning to show mature tertiary notes with softened tannins.

The balance of tannin, acidity, and concentration in a quality vintage 2012 Refosco from Cedar Run supports a drinking window extending well into the mid to late 2020s. This wine’s structure allows it to evolve complex tertiary characters while retaining freshness and vigor.

Food pairing

Pairs well with hearty fare such as roasted lamb, game meats, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45-60 minutes) — To allow the wine to open up and soften after a decade of bottle aging.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Limited publicly available information; likely conventional viticulture. Packaging environmentally typical.

While no official sustainability certifications were identified, local production reduces some carbon emissions related to transport. Absence of organic or biodynamic certification means conventional practices likely used. Overall, sustainability is average.