Every wine has a story…

Our vision is to celebrate the story of wine, terroir and each unique vineyard site we work with, so it is only fitting that our bottles should tell a story as well. Each wine we make has its own characters and story line. The story progresses with each vintage, told both through an excerpt on the back of the bottle as well as an original artistic rendering by artist Daniel Helzer on the front. For years, Rune fans have been asking where they can read and see the story so far. The story is, at long last, compiled below.

ROSÉ

2013: With a long journey coming to a close, the ship approaches a life bearing planet. The specimens are delicately loaded into the craft. For these vines, the future is unknown. 

2014: Sphere by sphere the craft releases the specimens from its hold. Placed perfectly in orbit to achieve the desired terroir, the multitude of vines begin their final descent towards a new home.

2015: Surreal it is to see such a sight. The heavens, to which rain and snow reside, have brought a delivery of another nature. The many orbs rain down from the sky and fall to their resting place. From here they shall grow.

2016: As the sands of time run their course, the shattered remnants of the past erupt vibrantly with life. The once nascent vine now weaves its path upwards towards the stars, offering rewarding clusters to a curious visitor below.

2017: The lively fruit, freshly plucked from the vine, is gathered into a tightly woven basket of his own creation. The finest clusters, as with most things in life, remain barely out of reach. Guarded by the cackles of the local troublemaker, he must overcome this obstacle to his resolve.

2018: Returning to his stony abode, harvest in hand, the man gazes back into the valley as a curious observer looks on. The lands have been generous this fall, but soon the earth will grow quiet and cold. Little does he know that his diligent work will provide in unexpected ways. 

2019:Guided by pure instinct, the man has let nature take control. In his bedrock vat, the grapes have come alive, emanating warmth as bubbles rise to the surface. What is this magic? Some force he cannot see is at work as a transformation is unfolds before his eyes. 

2020: The man’s cliffside shelter is vibrant with pleasing aromas and lively bubbling as an unnamed magic gives these grapes new life. He proudly observes his accomplishments with a new companion by his side - a meddling thief, or a charming mischief maker?

2021: The lonely cliffside terrace is given new life as man and creature enjoy the pleasing effects of their elixir. The gregarious mood blossoms with the magic of their craft. A thief, a pest no more - but a friend, indeed.

AMPHORA ROSÉ

2019: The man peers into his humble cache of possessions, eyeing a beautiful amphora. Its clay walls adorned with designs, the fingerprints of its maker grace its neck and handles. The remainder of his harvest will be safeguarded here, fermenting and aging within the terra cotta walls.

2020: The fruits of the man’s labor are sweet. Yet, as he peers into his bubbling creation, a horrible stench fills the air and a shadow clouds the entrance to his cave. The man isn’t the only creature drawn in by the alluring aroma. A giant sloth has come to claim his share.

2021: The once docile sloth, captivated by the scent of the sweet potion, is alive with desire. His approach is slow but determined as the man’s uncertainty transforms to amusement.

VIOGNIER

2013: Across the canyon a young woman gathers nature’s offerings. Under the desert sun, she spies a ripe golden cluster on a vine. She plucks a berry, examines it, and considers dining upon it. Wisely, she places the small treasure in her satchel…. for the destiny of this fruit is unknown.

2014: The freshly picked fruit adorns the baskets before her. With an eye on quality she gently squeezes the juice into the ornately embellished dolium, filling the air with the vibrant smells of a fermentation in full swing. With the harvest drawing to a close she longs for home.

2015: As darkness falls upon the village, flickers of torchlight and the clattering of guards emanate from the corridors beyond. With her finest wine in hand, she initiates her daring escape. For she must share this creation with those who have graced her in the past.

2016: Finally free, the young woman enters the mouth of an old familiar canyon. In an instant, the many years since she last wandered here disappear, erased by the smell of sycamores blooming along the creekside. A robed silhouette turns to greet her, impassive as the rock face from which he slowly emerged.  At long last, she has come home.

2017: A brief exchange of smiles is met with with the sound of soldiers advancing through the corridor. The two companions scurry up the canyon walls, finding refuge behind a craggy outcrop. Clutching her precious wine, she sinks into hiding and pretends to be invisible as the monk glares down upon the column. He knows these men, and more importantly, what they seek.

2018: The cloud of dust slowly settles upon the canyon floor as the conquistadors fade into the distance beyond. The faint, glimmering silhouette of a chest becomes visible amongst the hazy air. Fallen from their cargo in the haste of their departure, it lies forgotten. The companions scurry down the canyon wall to investigate the treasure before them. What mysteries might it hold within? 

2019: As the threat of the conquistadors fades with the dust on the horizon, the compatriots are left alone, mysterious chest and wine vessel in hand. Their path is uncertain, as is their fate. Their moment of solace is brief, interrupted by the sudden appearance of a figure emerging from around the canyon bend. The woman’s rush of fear is quickly supplanted by relief. A familiar and friendly face, at last! 

2020: With this happy reunion, the hazards of her journey fade away, if only for a moment. She longs to tell him the harrowing tale of her adventures, but there are more pressing matters at hand. They must continue their flight from their pursuers, but first, there is the business of the mysterious chest…

2021: The three companions, their minds dancing with visions of what treasures the mysterious chest might hold, gathered in hushed silence. Blessedly, the shackle guarding the chests contents had shattered as it fell from the Conquistador’s caravan. The metal remnants fell away as the ancient wood creaked open.

ROUSSANNE + COLIBRI ROUSSANE

2016 Colibri: Some thought her extinct while others considered her a figment of arcane mythology. A presence so powerful that the forest below falls silent with anticipation. Alas, here she stands illustriously poised on the ancient outcrop. Drawn from her mountain home, she gazes upon her new domain. 

2019: In the craggy hills, the prospector and the jaguar are each closing in on their prey. The prospector has spotted a promising mineral vein whilst the jaguar has spotted the prospector. His loyal beasts of burden shift nervously, sensing the nearby danger while the prospector, tense from the excitement of his find, suddenly gets the primal feeling that he is being watched from afar.

2020: The slow instincts of man and mule are no match for the slinking jaguar. Gold ore scatters as claws tear through saddle bags searching for flesh and the mule spins like a top to dislodge the predator. Pick in hand, the miner careens to his loyal companion’s aid.

2021: Facing down the jaguar, the miner’s lust for gold fades, as he now simply desires to survive. The worn pickax glints in the midday sun as the miner swings his weapon wildly, his blows bouncing off rocks and dirt to no avail. The jaguar evades him, toying with this human invader who has violated his territory. 

PICPOUL BLANC

2019: Their glasses raised to a prosperous journey, the merchant and his hoplite mercenary embark on the voyage home. The shouts of men ring out from below as the numerous oars spur the trireme into motion. Their expedition was onerous, but the precious liquid they have traded for will be worth it’s weight in gold. This new venture is far from over, but surely their playful sea-bound escort is an auspicious sign.

2020: The once glassy seas have betrayed the brave sailors. With a tremendous crack of thunder, their voyage descended into chaos as the howling winds and thrashing waters threaten to cleave the ship in two. All the men can do is cling to their oars and their precious cargo as they face down the towering waves ahead.

2021: The fleets mightiest merchant ship is no match for the fury of the stormy sea. A rogue wave has heaved the mast into splinters, and the sails drape across the churning water as the oarsmen struggle to regain control. The men who have been seized by the waves are caught in a battle, as they fight not only for their own lives, but to salvage the precious cargo.

2013: A ship sets sail amidst a barrage of cheers from the commoners. It’s course uncertain, but guided solely by the novelty of exploration and adventure it sails on. Precious cargo is in the hold that must be delivered. To whom, it is unknown.

2014: The black flags waving in the sunset mark the reality of the situation. As the galleon nears its demise the sound of cannons echo across an otherwise calm sea. “Overboard!” Yells the captain. The precious cargo, jettisoned into the dark sea below, floats idly beside the doomed ship. In that instant, the waylaid crew follows suit. They wonder if they will ever come home.

2015: Crashing waves and wailing sailors echo from the playa as the sun rays pierce through the morning fog. As the corsair searches amongst the smoldering remains of his prized galleon, the captain leans forward and fills his cup with the coveted treasure. Reflecting in a moment of solace, he realizes that his journey has just begun.

2016: As the remnants of crew and cargo amass in the tranquil cover of the forest beyond, a gift of life is bestowed by an unknown heroine. The water pours into the captain’s mouth, refracting the filtered light piercing through the trees above. Just as the last barrel is loaded into the hidden cave, a distant murmur becomes audible. “Pirates!,” exclaims the captain.

2017: Rustling leaves and cracking branches give way to familiar voices approaching. These are not the pirates he once feared, but the men who sailed with him across the stretching sea ages ago. It has been a long time since he has seen these men. He steps in front of the heroine, protecting her as the intentions of these men is unclear.

2018: With the casks secured in the hidden cave, a reunion of sorts is underway- but is it between friends, or adversaries? Years of camaraderie cannot be so easily dissolved, but the stranded captain can see their faces are painted with greed. The tension of their greeting belies darker motivations. Do they seek the treasure he now possesses?

2019: The betrayal of his former allies stung more sharply than the brief scuffle as the stranded captain and his heroine are captured. His demands to know their intentions are met with cruel laughter, and the captain can only pray that his treasure remains well concealed in the mountains above them. 

2020: The captain retrieves the knife from his boot and severs their bonds in one fell swoop. He lands a blow and pushes the giant aside as they make their escape into the dense jungle. Though they are outnumbered, the woman who has come to his aid knows this land, and can bring him the help he seeks. 

GRACIANO

2016: The sextant sways on foreign seas, but the hand that wields it holds steady. His crew looks on.  They are hungry, sun-struck, and shaken by the wreckage on the beach — the smoldering rigging, their flag impaled on a broken mast. The grizzled navigator gives his orders: “Bring us around, we are going to shore.”

2017: As the exhausted crew brings the last provisions to shore, the galleon commander stands peering into the dense jungle that lays beyond. “Where have you gone?” He ponders to himself. Grasping his chalice, freshly filled with the finest wine, he shifts his thoughts to the prized barrels to which he truly yearns for.

2018: Like a hound on the scent, the duplicitous captain has eyes for naught but the treasure he seeks. He points towards figures on a distant promontory. Though disaster had befallen the sister ship, could there have been survivors? Might they have the barrels for which he hunts? No loyalties stand between the captain and the coveted cargo. 

2019: All history and trust between the two men dissolved as the duplicitous captain fell upon his pray. He had found the one he sought, the keeper of the treasure he coveted. His armaments were superior - but, what was this? As the rocks rained down on him, he realized his foe was not alone.

2020: The rogue captain and his men are battered and disoriented by the sudden barrage of rocks. Desperate to escape the onslaught, he orders his men to charge the cave. But the sailors he has betrayed are not alone, as a new wave of unfamiliar men appear from the jungle beyond. The guardians of the wine cheer as they face their enemies with a renewed vigor in the battle for their treasure. 

WILD SYRAH

2013: Deep within a tranquil vine filled valley an artisan begins his annual harvest. The fruit is of impeccable quality, destined to become one of his best creations. Suddenly, a raiding party emerges. Charging in with sword and spear they confront the man. Under a calm hand, he gently lifts his blade. The future for these men is unknown.

2014: With a firm grip on the hilt the artisan displays his resolve. Backed by the passion of his craft coursing through his veins, he yields to none. The strikes and blows come in an intense barrage. Artfully and methodically they are met with the cold steel they have come to face. Nothing can challenge the man’s livelihood and home.

2015: The artisan sits high upon his prized stallion with the shackled remnants of the routed cohort in tow. Rambling confessions of dying men have detailed the origin of the assault. He must meet this threat swiftly with the steel they have come to challenge. With a heavy heart, he passes forth the vintage to his most trusted apprentice.

2016: The defeated legionnaires stumble behind their captor, chains clanging in the dust. The grueling walk from the site of their surrender has ended in the most unlikely of places: the country home of their military commander. Drawn from his repose by panicked servants and a neighing stallion, the centurion himself stands expectantly in the doorway.  The wild horseman has come to claim retribution.  

2017: A tumultuous cloud of dust settles in the distance as the starkly defined figures of men become visible.  Chained and bound together, they trudge along behind their captor. His sword drawn downwards, leading the pack to the estate of the Centurion. Seeking a resolution, he brings his offering of life.

2018: The lives of the artisan, his captives, and their treacherous commander teetered between peace and war. Though the artisan had made an overture of reconciliation, it was not to be. The vicious attack took the artisan by surprise and he was soon overwhelmed by the assailants. Would he die here in a foreign land, his most sublime vintage yet orphaned a world away?

2019: The voices of wailing men, moaning out in pain fills the courtyard as they lay dying in the afternoon sun. Their commander, the most ignoble centurion within the ranks of the legions, draws his sword to face his gravest enemy. The artisan’s sword points towards the commander, beckoning him to come join his comrades in hell. 

2020: The icons clash in the courtyard as each calculated swing sends the singing swords into a dance. The fire in their eyes is only matched by the desire for victory in their heart. Both have journeyed far and endured much to reach this pivotal moment. With each strike of the sword, they come closer to the finale. 

CLASSIC SYRAH

2013: The sun pierces through the dawn sky as the coloni frantically pick the finest clusters. Atop his horse, a centurion is pleased with the bounty from his newly acquired estate. The first harvest of many to come has indeed been blessed by Bacchus. Whether his good tidings continue, is yet unknown.

2016: A young servant boy rushes into the hall, overcome with distress.  “My lord! Out in the fields!“ he stammers, breathless, as a fearsome horseman barrels into the courtyard. The stark eyes of the horseman peer inside the archway, scanning the scene. The master gleans one last warming embrace. It is time to answer for his wanton deeds.

2017: The tattered remnants of the cohort appear beneath the rippling dust. Despondent, downtrodden, and broken they idly stand before their commander of old. Humbly poised, their lives serve as an offering of peace. Silence, drawn out into a steady and building tension, breaks as swords become drawn.

PETITE SIRAH

2014: In a fashion as complex as the way it came to be, the warlock presents his prize to the setting sun. Its inception, brought forth after many moons of conjuration finally gifts him with his darkest creation. The gods have been generous in his pursuit to bring this most interesting libation home.

2015: With his craft finalized, the warlock yearns to seize the very fruit from which it came. Nobles and merchants gather around as the viscous libation is poured for all to share. Glistening pleasure adorns their faces as he illustrates his plan to venture deep into the eastern realms. As it is here from whence it came to be. 

2016: Horns erupt in ceremonial fanfare as the grand caravan winds through the city streets. With the necessary funds and provisions acquired, the warlock sets his sights on the glistening sun rising in the east. For all he knows is the direction of his travels. Where they will take him is in the hands of the gods.

2018: Propelled by the gold of his backers and his lust for the enticing fruit, the warlock continues his arduous trek to the eastern realms. However, his caravan has encountered an impasse. The weathered timbers and rusted chains of the razed bridge stand before them, but what lies beyond? Saboteurs awaiting an ambush, or perhaps some darker force?

MOURVÈDRE

2014: A cold gale envelops the entrance to the yurt as the curtains are drawn apart. While the horse lords hurry to gather enough provisions to last through the coming winter, the warrior maiden tends to her own task at hand. For it is her job to craft this years vintage into something truly inspiring. All while having the duty of defending her home. 

2016: A horse drawn press of her own design twists tightly as wisps of clouds and dust dance across a distant horizon. The sound of freshly fermented wine dripping into the vessel below is met with that of hooves. The faint image of a black banner emerges through the ensuing chaos just as the last skins enter the press. They have come.

2017: Charging forth upon the village, the horde initiates its assault. The seemingly defenseless encampment, occupied by the old and young, has a stalwart champion. She draws her bow string taut, the arrow perched in its rest, and with fire in her eyes she lets the arrow fly. They have attacked before, and they shall attack again, but she will defend what is hers.

2019: The air is thick with smoke and the flames of burning yurts impart the dusk with an eerie glow. The warrior maiden grimly dispatches enemy after enemy, watching hopefully from the corner of her eye as her people make their escape. With each blow she buys them more time to escape with this precious vintage.

2020: The attacking Mongol horde has been defeated, but the warrior maiden’s terror rises still. Her and her people, tired and bloody, assess the casualties and damage within their ruined camp. As she helps her wounded people, she is distracted by one pressing question - has the precious vintage survived?

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: The humble stable boy passes his days in the most mundane fashion. Hauling hay, mucking stalls, saddling steeds for the brave knights and rich lords whose lives he covets. When his work is done, he turns his gaze upon the castle, lifts his sword, and lets his fantasies take flight.

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon: The boy’s dreams, born from years of toiling in the stables with a glimmer of something greater in the distance, are growing closer. No longer confined to the muck rake, he has become the glorious knights most trusted helper. The boy admires the glint of the armor in the sun as he prepares the steed for the tournament. 

COLIBRI MOURVÈDRE

2016: As the first frost of fall melts in the morning sun, the ravenous black bear gorges herself on the bountiful canyon vine. The grape leaves, rattled loose from the bough, drop into the bubbling brook and are carried downstream, past the nomad encampment on the steppe. These last meals are vital to a sound winter’s sleep, and to the new life that will come in the spring.

2017: A young family’s day is done, and the mother leads her cubs into the safe harbor of the cave. Although she may be weary, they are not. They tumble behind her, rolling and tussling in a blur of fur and playful claws and teeth. The day is done, but her work has just begun. 

2018: A world awaits beyond the confines of their cave and the bold cubs are hungry to explore every bit of it. Venturing further from their mother’s side with each passing day, they have found their latest caper. What is this curious buzzing thing, dangling precariously from a brittle limb? A new plaything, perhaps, or something tasty to be devoured? A surprise awaits them!

2019: A sting on a tender nose and a throbbing paw were a small price to pay for this new pleasure. Their mother let them learn a lesson, and now she watches on as they devour their sticky treat. The hive abandoned, the surviving residents set forth to start again.

2020: Time marches onward, and the young bears have struck out on their own. They have mastered their mountainous home, growing stronger by the day. But now, they are faced with something new- something alien to them. What are these odd creatures in the distance, with their strange structures and fires? Are they cause to be wary, or could their huts hold a meal?

COLIBRI GRENACHE

2015: Atop a distant isle in the sky, the Trogon elegantly grasps a berry with its beak. A slight breeze rattles the leaves as the rumbling sounds of a distant cascade create a harmonious tone in the tranquil canyon. A beautiful balance of nature’s art indeed.

2017: When one creates life, one must nurture life. Back and forth the Trogon flies, gathering nature’s bounty for her young. Their eager beaks stretch skyward as she appears, reaching for the plump berries that will help them grow. 

2018: Downy feathers give way to adult plumes, and wobbly legs grow strong as they flirt with the world beyond her nest. The Trogan’s young are no longer so young. Their jaunts into the air may be clumsy, but soon the Sky Islands will be their kingdom.

2019: The dry season is long, and the Sky Islands are thirsty. Her plants ache for replenishment, and her creatures long for the summer rains to come. When at last the teasing thunderheads reach their crescendo and release their fury into the dessert, terror and joy abound. 

2020: At last, the birds have found reprieve from the torrential downpour. Their wings carry them under the ledge that shelters their nest. As the furious and fleeting summer storm drifts into the distance, the mother bird resumes caring for her young. Unconcerned, she takes casual note of the distant observer as he raises his lens. 

COLIBRI SYRAH

2017: With his tail held proudly aloft, like a ship flies it’s colors, the inquisitive coatimundi has found a lovely treat. His nose has led him here, up through the creaking branches to his prize. This land is his home, it’s offerings his gifts for which he is truly grateful.

2019: Yearning for a meal, the Coatimundi ascends the branches to the nest. But before he can avail himself of his tasty treat, life bursts forth. The creature watches, perplexed, as the eggs sway and crack, small noises emanating from the rupturing shells. What has become of his meal?

2020: The curious Coatimundi, startled by the hatching egg, losses his footing and tumbles branch to branch with an egg in hand. He scrambles to regain his hold to no avail. His easy meal has proven to be a daunting challenge. 

COLIBRI COUNOISE

2018 Colibri Counoise: The high desert clearing is silent and still, and the delicate movements of its inhabitants do not disrupt the tranquility. Their drowsy lashes and liquid brown eyes hide the tension beneath. The snap of a branch or a flock of birds bursting through the boughs above may send them bolting, but for now the small family is at peace.

2020 Colibri Counoise: The herds delicate peace is shattered as threatening beasts burst through the treeline into the clearing. Knowing he is no match, the stag leads his family’s frantic flight. Where there was silence moments before, the forest is now alive with a frenzy of crashing branches and stomping hooves.

ONE OFFS + STORIES ENDED TOO SOON

2013 Chardonnay: After months adrift at sea, the doldrums begin to ease their grip. The trade winds have delivered a great opportunity. From afar, the silhouettes of galleons appear. The men rejoice in the sight under their captains stalwart leadership. For she has delivered on her promise. What that is, remains unknown.

2015 Dessert Malvasia: In a far off corner of time and space, beyond the reaches of the known cosmos, a galactic threat is growing. The alien race has been at work on their strange elixir for millennia, and at last, it is ready. Though its sweet syrup may delight the palate, their creation will not rival the sweetness of holding the universe in their grasp.

2016 Malvasia Bianca: The high noon sun bakes the desert landscape as a cocked revolver meets an unfazed desperada. With bottle in hand, she casually glances down at the man who has come to claim his debt from long ago. His fingers twitch with anticipation as they hover over the ivory grip, eagerly awaiting their command. The time has come to lay the cards down once and for all. 

2018 Albariño: The sound of can-can music fills the saloon as the brigands trade glances. “I’m all in!” the man exclaims as he focuses his eye on his adversary. The chips, piled high on the table, underscore the importance of this wager. His hand is fantastic. He cannot lose; save for the trick she has hidden up her sleeve. 

2018 Fumé Blanc: The remnants of the sunken galleon are tossed by the tumultuous sea as the captain nears her prize. The barrel bobs up and down amongst the chaos as the crew steers their captain closer to the bounty. With her hand reaching out in desperation, a new threat encircles the crew. This treasure will not be taken lightly.

2018 House Mountain Syrah: Nature waits for no one. Though the foibles of man have interfered with the harvest and the master is gone, the grapes hang ripe and heavy. His most trusted apprentice cannot allow the precious fruit go to rot. Her skills may be untested, but her inexperience belies her talent and keen instinct. Shall the student surpass the master?

2019 Grenache Blanc: She had come to the aid of a stranded sailor, offering water and hope rather than violence, but now she has found herself embroiled in a dispute between rivals. Could her good intentions have brought danger to them all? Even as she led the strange man towards her village, her ambivalence mounted. The chess games of foreign men could bring nothing good to her or her people. 

2019 Barbera: Palm leaves sway gently in the breeze above the peaceful clearing. To some, this desert island is an arid and inhospitable place. But its mistress is atune to its subtle beauty, and the magnificent life that can be found in unexpected places.

2020 Semillon: In the deepest crevices of the oceans, where even the most brilliant rays of sunlight dare not reach, life takes on a strange form. Alien creatures move to a rhythm of drifting bubbles and pulsating currents. There is no light, there is no time, there is only their next meal. 

2021 Mexican Chardonnay: With ravenous hunger, the sharks tear through the wreckage of the galleon and its crew. The victorious pirate captain’s prize is within reach, but she falters as the water glows red with the blood of the defeated men. With grim determination, she orders her men to go to their aid.