A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Merlot

9.2116 ratings
9.018 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Poured into an Amadeo decanter shortly before service and served alongside the 2016 Chateau L’Enclos because it just sounded fun. No formal notes. Somewhat surprisingly, the Rafanelli had a lot in common with the Pomerol. On the nose, the dark fruits and purple flowers were more powerful but this shared similar structure with its French counterpart and maybe even a little more acid. Oak treatment seemed a little more generous but it was integrating with the fruit very well. To my palate, this is really starting to show off and has a notable edge on the Chateau L’Enclos with more in all the right places. This is still developing so I expect the best is yet to come. Drink now through 2036 with ease.

Poured into an Amadeo decanter shortly before service and served alongside the 2016 Chateau L’Enclos because it just sounded fun. No formal notes. Somewhat surprisingly, the Rafanelli had a lot in common with the Pomerol. On the nose, the dark fruits and purple flowers were more powerful but this shared similar structure with its French counterpart and maybe even a little more acid. Oak treatment seemed a little more generous but it was integrating with the fruit very well. To my palate, this is really starting to show off and has a notable edge on the Chateau L’Enclos with more in all the right places. This is still developing so I expect the best is yet to come. Drink now through 2036 with ease.

Feb 6th, 2024
Mark Eastom

Oak prevalent, dark fruits, med tannin, med plus body and smoke.

Oak prevalent, dark fruits, med tannin, med plus body and smoke.

Apr 19th, 2018
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.2

In the Rafanelli house style, big and lush with ample oak. That said, this is really nicely integrated, with excellent balance and a ton of herbal complexity. Nice match with a flank steak.

In the Rafanelli house style, big and lush with ample oak. That said, this is really nicely integrated, with excellent balance and a ton of herbal complexity. Nice match with a flank steak.

1 person found it helpfulApr 1st, 2015
Boxer Briefs

An absolute monster of a wine. Intense, the aromatics, weight, color, finish. 14.8 but has the fruit and acid to hold it. Probably won't come back to the next bottle for at least 7 years.

An absolute monster of a wine. Intense, the aromatics, weight, color, finish. 14.8 but has the fruit and acid to hold it. Probably won't come back to the next bottle for at least 7 years.

Jun 6th, 2017
Kristi Calcagno

One of my favorite Sonoma County producers. Still, this was rough around the edges. Nice subtle fruity nose, woodsy and eucalyptic on the palate. The tannins are dropping off the finish but I think this still has several years to go.

One of my favorite Sonoma County producers. Still, this was rough around the edges. Nice subtle fruity nose, woodsy and eucalyptic on the palate. The tannins are dropping off the finish but I think this still has several years to go.

Jan 16th, 2017
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.1

The heavy oak is already integrating nicely, and this is great and full throated without being syrupy or over-extracted. I think this is a vintage to drink sooner rather than later.

The heavy oak is already integrating nicely, and this is great and full throated without being syrupy or over-extracted. I think this is a vintage to drink sooner rather than later.

Jan 2nd, 2016
Josh Luhn

Luhn Wine Consulting Owner, Luhn Family Wines

9.2

Yes sir.

Yes sir.

Dec 4th, 2015
Drew DiMatteo

@ARafanelliWine is consistently one of best wineries from #DryCreekValley #Merlot

@ARafanelliWine is consistently one of best wineries from #DryCreekValley #Merlot

Jul 6th, 2015
Brash Higgins

2001 merlot, lovely, earthy, bordelaise in style, still evocative, not quite fresh, but a treat

2001 merlot, lovely, earthy, bordelaise in style, still evocative, not quite fresh, but a treat

Jun 5th, 2015
Christopher Strieter

Co-Founder, Senses Wines

8.9

Delicious. Dark fruit with layers but simply enjoyable #wine to drink. First #merlot in a long time...

Delicious. Dark fruit with layers but simply enjoyable #wine to drink. First #merlot in a long time...

Dec 5th, 2014