Gabe Sasso

9.3

A.Rafanelli has been hitting it out of the park for decades. Their 2012 Cabernet is no exception. It's a bit reticent at first, but just a few minutes of air make all the difference. Wild strawberry, red cherry and wisps of vanilla are present on the nose. The palate is marked by impeccable balance and purity of fruit along with a significant spice component. The long, even finish show off continued red fruits and spice along with black tea and bits of earth that will increase with bottle age. There are a handful of producers in Dry Creek Valley that routinely nail Cabernet Sauvignon cold. Rafanelli is among their number. — 9 years ago

Gabe Sasso

9.2

At 15 years old this Pinot Noir was still full of life and fruit. Wild strawberry and cherry join a bit of tobacco on the nose. Lots of red berry and subtle hints of cola and spice on the palate. The long finish is spicy and a hint earthy with wisps of leather. Delicious today but it has at least a decade of life ahead of it. — 9 years ago

with Michael

Gabe Sasso

8.7

Solid Reserva Rioja. Classic leather and cherry nose. Red fruits and spice. Above average finish. Soft tannins, firm acid. Lovely with all but the boldest of foods. Good value — 9 years ago

Gabe Sasso

10

The color is a deep purple but not quite as inky. Aromas of ripe blackberry and mushroom fill the nose. Juicy black cherry flavors underscored by bits of pie crust and spice lead the palate. Dark chocolate and continued cherry flavors fill out the finish. This wine is a light tight out of the bottle right now and if you’re going to drink it soon, decant it for 90 minutes. Otherwise, lay it down for five or so years and drink it in the five after that. It has the stuffing to last awhile. @drinkchile @carmenereday — 9 years ago