Jay Kline

9.2

Splash decanted and then poured back into the bottle about 5 hours prior to dinner. This is my first impression of the 2021 Zinfandel which is even more exciting than usual because the 2020 vintage was skipped due to the LNU Lightning Complex fires which rendered that crop a write-off. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a translucent core moving towards a magenta edge and a slightly watery rim. Medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. There seems to be some sediment already, however this is not uncommon with bottles of Rafanelli both young and old. On the nose, the wine is clean although I do detect some VA, well within the “charming” range. Very expressive fresh red and black fruits, primarily brambles: Marionberry, ripe blackberry fruit, and raspberries. These are accompanied by white pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. Alcohol is medium+ but not out of balance. Finish is medium. As usual, these wines upon release tend to be super primary but I like what I’m experiencing! Personally, I would recommend some patience when drinking these young. While they are no-doubt good, they tend to fill out with some time on their side in the cellar. Best after 2024 and should drink well through 2035. Oh…and this was an awesome pairing with grilled rack of lamb. — 2 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.3

Brownish tawny color, a bit murky. High pitched nose. Notes of bing cherry, sweet menthol, moist dark soil and some green tea. Tannins fully resolved as the sweet fruit stands above the structure. Medium plus finish. Showing pretty well. Doubt it gets a whole lot better from here so likely in a good spot to and I’ll drink these up over the next 5 years. — 3 years ago

LM Segal

9.5

Sublime. Iron fist, velvet glove and all that. Beyond doubt that this cuvée rocks when Capo not made. Decant briefly and sip away slowly. — 5 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

The first couple times I tried 08 I was definitely too quick to judge. It needs a ton of air, and it’s different from the rich, oxidative, nutty house style of the past, particularly the warm and ultra forward 2006, the previous release. 2008 is indeed young, tightly wound with a pulsating core of energy.

The first glass offers very little. Subdued, austere and youthfully reserved. But ensuing pours eventually unleash its core of powerful clean orchard fruit, coffee bean and grilled nuts. On the palate it continues to become so much more textural with crazy gains in weight, depth and fruit intensity as the night goes on. It really fills the mouth, saturating the palate with a satin-like texture, ripping citrusy acids and saline laced minerals that follow deep into its finish. Enjoyable now with enough air (needs 2 hours), but no doubt one to hold. To live forever. — 2 years ago

Kevin Burton

9.1

This is a neat, fruit Zinfandel. Dark colour and well worth a try. — 3 years ago

Michael Coscetta

9.1

No doubt my favorite appellation in Bordeaux. Excellent value at 38€ — 4 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.4

Easily one of the best CA roses I’ve ever had (and at $25, without a doubt the best QPR). Absolutely terrific wine. — 5 years ago

with Vanessa

Matt Waring

9.2

Grassy Sancerre with pineapple notes and an incredible sense of weight (from the ABV no doubt) but still graceful. Just great — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.5

When I purchased this five years ago, it was without a doubt the nicest bottle of Bordeaux I owned. 2001 was a good vintage for certain producers, and with Haut Brion being my favorite first growth, I wanted to have one of these with some age to see how they evolve. I slow ox’ed for 1-2hrs, consumed from bottle over the next three hours, and saved the last quarter for the next day.

Amongst quite a few first growths (and a ‘94 and ‘04 Haut Brion) this held its own. Compared to HB, it doesn’t have that brooding power and deep fruit core as intensely, but it wasn’t too far behind. More red fruit/black cherry than the dominant black I normally get with HB. Potpourri, baked black cherries, and cherry pipe tobacco showed strong on both days. No reductive funk to blow off. Faint notes of mocha, scorched earth and peppered strip, but it meshes with the cassis and grippy herbal tannic finish. What I didn’t expect was how vibrant the acidity was on both days. A beautiful example of high quality Bordeaux, and one I wish I had more of. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Saturday lunch with friends. Aromas of white flowers and bath talcum powder. Amazingly youthful for a 9 year old Riesling - a long future ahead of at least another 10 to 15 years. Vibrant acidity will nurture this going forward. Considered by many to be Australia’s premium Riesling. A class act which will no doubt put on weight in the coming 10 years. Had another bottle 42 weeks later on 17th April 2022 with consistent notes. Very contained and youthful. Not a hint of kerosene. Leave the remaining 2? bottles for a couple of years at least. — 4 years ago