Dry River

A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Poured into a decanter about two hours prior to service and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity and significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with a lovely mix of dark and red fruits, cassis, black and red brambles, tobacco, eucalyptus, leather, cedar box, green herbs, some cocoa, and beautiful baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The texture is silky, in fact, down right sexy. Brilliantly balanced. This is a profoundly sensual wine and one of the best young Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignons I’ve had in many years. These will age for a very long time and I can only imagine how epic the 2021 Terrace Select is going to be. Drink now with an extended decant and through 2051+. — 11 days ago

Tom, Douglas and 12 others liked this
Jay Kline

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@Douglas Braun worth seeking out. I think their Cabernet’s are as good as any in California.
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Go back with the Rafanelli Cabs to the 1988 vintage. Always workmanlike, solid and with plenty of rusticity/authenticity. Have consistently placed them at the top of Sonoma Cabs. Only producer from Sonoma I found that topped them consistently was the old Laurel Glen Sonoma Mountain Cabs with Patrick Campbell at the helm...and his Cabs were a definite ringer in CA Cab tastings. Sadly, that property doesn't seem to fire in the same way in my semi-frequent tasting visits. Rafanelli Cabs are a welcome change from the flightiness of the Napa brethren. Have zero experience with the reserve/select offerings as they are rarely seen in these parts.
Jay Kline

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@Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego those Rafanelli’s from the 80’s are still holding strong too. In fact, the 1988 was awesome this past spring when I presented it as part of a vertical spanning three decades of their Cabernet.

A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2022

Unbelievable! So tasty right from first pour. It’s big but there’s a lightness to it that is so refreshing. — 20 days ago

Billy, Tom and 1 other liked this

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 2022

Fresh honeycrisp apple, pear, melon and lemon zest. Hint of petrol with nice floral notes as well. Medium minus body and medium plus acid. My favorite Finger Lakes Riesling so far! — 17 days ago

Dry Creek Vineyard

Heritage Vines Sonoma County Zinfandel 2011

Thought it was interesting but never thought this old Zin from Sonoma was going to blow my mind. So much better than what I expected. — 17 days ago

Daniel, Adriana and 8 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

East Bench Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2013

As always, a wonderful wine, great for Thanksgiving dinner at Gary’s. — 14 days ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Patz & Hall

Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2021

Opulent. Buttered popcorn, lemon curd and asian pear with an oily mouth feel. Round. Maintaining some acid with a bitter note on the finish, pretty classic California Chardonnay flavor profile. — 20 days ago

Martinelli

"Giuseppe & Luisa" Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2021

Totally impressed with this one .. and unexpected! This has depth and a joyful Rythm every time you sip and let it in ..
If you actually take the time to respect it as you would with a big one .. and decant it … it will start playing music for you ! truly a gem …
— a month ago

Tyler liked this

Aubert

Eastside Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016

I like these a lot but no more holding. Lacking a bit of punch. I’m late on these. — a month ago

Paul, Shay and 3 others liked this
Ron R

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Yep, that’s my observation, Aubert and in general Napa chards beyond 7-8 years of age are flakey.