Ghostrunner Ungrafted Red

Ghostrunner Ungrafted Red is a California red blend from Lodi bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points and a Best Buy designation from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the strongest values in its category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  Red Blend  |  Winemaker: Larry Levin

Production & Heritage

Ghostrunner was created by Mike O'Connell and winemaker Larry Levin, who together have brought several successful California wine brands to market, including Grayson Cellars, Hanging Vine, and Block Nine. The wine is produced in St. Helena, Napa Valley, using fruit sourced from Lodi — one of California's most prolific red-grape growing regions, known for warm days and cool delta breezes that allow grapes to develop concentrated flavors while retaining acidity. What distinguishes this project is its singular focus: Ghostrunner produces only one wine — this red blend — channeling all resources and attention into a single expression. Recent vintages have featured a blend built around Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, though earlier releases have also incorporated Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with effusive black-cherry preserves and mixed dark berries. Deeper inhales reveal layers of ripe plum and a vanillin spice that hints at the oak treatment beneath.

Taste: The entry is full and round, delivering a creamy macerated berry character — black cherry, blackberry, and plum all compete for attention. At mid-palate, flavors of black pepper and a savory bacon-like smokiness emerge, adding welcome complexity. A slight sweetness rounds out the texture, keeping the wine smooth and approachable without veering into cloying territory.

Finish: Soft tannins carry the dark fruit flavors through a medium-length finish. Lingering notes of elaborate oak and warm spice close things out cleanly.

How to Drink Ungrafted Red

This blend drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — which keeps its fruit bright and its texture lively. It works equally well poured straight into a glass or paired with food. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where the wine's dark-fruit sweetness blends seamlessly with the cola's spice. A classic Red Wine Sangria loaded with stone fruit and citrus takes advantage of the plum and berry core. A simple Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange makes a lighter warm-weather option.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want something full-flavored without overthinking the pairing
• Introducing friends to bold California red blends at a low-risk price point
• Backyard grilling sessions alongside burgers, ribs, or charred vegetables
• Building a case of reliable everyday reds for the cellar or countertop

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ungrafted Red taste like? It leads with ripe black cherry and dark plum, supported by black pepper, a hint of smoky bacon, and soft vanillin oak. The texture is smooth and full-bodied with gentle tannins.

How does Ungrafted Red compare to Apothic Red? Both are popular California red blends at accessible price points, but Ungrafted Red leans more heavily on Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah rather than Apothic's Zinfandel-Merlot-Syrah-Cabernet base. The result is a slightly darker, spicier profile with more pronounced peppery and savory notes compared to Apothic's sweeter, more vanilla-forward character.

Is Ungrafted Red good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and smooth texture make it very approachable for those new to red wine. The slight sweetness in the profile helps bridge the gap for palates transitioning from lighter styles.

Where is Ungrafted Red made? The wine is produced in St. Helena, located in Napa Valley, California, using grapes sourced from Lodi, a warm-climate appellation in the Central Valley known for old-vine Zinfandel and robust red varieties.

What foods pair well with Ungrafted Red? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the wine's peppery, smoky undertones. Wood-fired pizza with sausage and mushrooms echoes its savory streak. Aged cheddar or Gouda amplifies the fruit and oak. Lamb burgers with a berry compote mirror the core dark-fruit flavors. Even a simple charcuterie board with cured meats and dark chocolate works well.

What sizes does Ungrafted Red come in? Ghostrunner Ungrafted Red is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Ungrafted Red worth the price? It positions squarely as a value-tier red blend, and the 90-point Best Buy rating from Wine Enthusiast for the 2023 vintage confirms it delivers well above its price class. For an everyday pour, few California red blends at this level match its combination of complexity and drinkability.

Why Ungrafted Red?

In a crowded field of California red blends, Ghostrunner stands apart by doing one thing and doing it well — this is the only wine the brand produces, and that singular focus shows in the glass. The 2023 vintage's 90-point Best Buy nod from Wine Enthusiast is not an outlier; it reflects a consistent track record from a production team with deep California winemaking experience across multiple successful labels. The Lodi fruit delivers the kind of ripe, concentrated dark-berry character the region is known for, while careful blending of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel adds enough spice and structure to keep the wine interesting beyond the first sip. For anyone seeking a reliable, full-flavored red that punches above its weight class, this bottle makes a compelling case.