Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov said, “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy,” and there’s something about the 2025 Running With Bulls ‘Not Quite Red’ that captures that spirit. It’s the kind of wine that slips comfortably into any moment. Whether it’s chilled on a warm afternoon or poured casually on a cool evening, it brings the same relaxed, happy energy either way.
Living in Queensland, where the seasons blur more than they shift, that idea rings especially true. Down south they talk about “winter reds,” but up here a wine like this feels just as at home beside a summer barbecue as it does on a mild July night. It’s a reminder that some wines aren’t tied to weather at all, just to the mood, the company, and the simple pleasure of pouring a glass.
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia Price: $21 Source: Retail Purchase
It opens with bright red‑fruit aromas that set an easy‑going tone from the start. The palate is generously fruity and juicy, carrying a relaxed ‘fun‑factor’ while still having enough oomph to remind you it’s a red at heart. The clear bottle almost gives you permission to throw it in the fridge for twenty minutes and forget about it until friends arrive. Nothing complicated, nothing trying too hard, just a light, bright Barossa Grenache‑dominant blend that drinks like a summer companion but could just as easily be a casual winter sipper.
Words from a Wine Glass 