A. Rafanelli
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Blind, you might easily mistaken this for a pedigreed Saint-Estephe from a top vintage. Loaded with cassis, tobacco, graphite, earth, a touch of leather. Tannins have relaxed but are still present. Rich. Long. Oh so balanced!! Tasted alongside the 2010 Lafon-Rochet that was equally stunning. Drink now through 2029.
Blind, you might easily mistaken this for a pedigreed Saint-Estephe from a top vintage. Loaded with cassis, tobacco, graphite, earth, a touch of leather. Tannins have relaxed but are still present. Rich. Long. Oh so balanced!! Tasted alongside the 2010 Lafon-Rochet that was equally stunning. Drink now through 2029.
May 2nd, 2019Popped and poured. Immediately, this bottle was open for business. Powerful aromas of tobacco, thyme and dark fruits with just a touch of green bell pepper and leather. The bouquet is so intoxicating that you're compelled to bury your nose in the glass but I stopped short of being satisfied with that as the temptation to take a sip was, of course, overwhelming...and I was not disappointed. Ample notes of currants, tobacco and some cedar and earth, wrapped in a beautiful body. Tannin and acid are in good balance. This is a great wine for a hearty meal yet it can be enjoyed perfectly well on its own. Considering the structure and my history drinking these wines, I suspect these will drink very well over the decade as it begins to take on more secondary characteristics. Drink now or Hold.
Popped and poured. Immediately, this bottle was open for business. Powerful aromas of tobacco, thyme and dark fruits with just a touch of green bell pepper and leather. The bouquet is so intoxicating that you're compelled to bury your nose in the glass but I stopped short of being satisfied with that as the temptation to take a sip was, of course, overwhelming...and I was not disappointed. Ample notes of currants, tobacco and some cedar and earth, wrapped in a beautiful body. Tannin and acid are in good balance. This is a great wine for a hearty meal yet it can be enjoyed perfectly well on its own. Considering the structure and my history drinking these wines, I suspect these will drink very well over the decade as it begins to take on more secondary characteristics. Drink now or Hold.
Apr 5th, 2017
Rich, balanced, minty, and the oak is starting to feel more integrated. Not a ton of Sonoma/Napa cab in my wheelhouse (or cellar), but this is always pleasing.
Rich, balanced, minty, and the oak is starting to feel more integrated. Not a ton of Sonoma/Napa cab in my wheelhouse (or cellar), but this is always pleasing.
Nov 13th, 2016
I always ask myself if l have the palate for aged Cab Sav. I don't know if it is my palate o the fact that Dry Creek is a better appellation for Zinfandel, but this wine is at the point of loosing it's fruitiness and starts to get musky and earthy. '09 vintage not as l expected.
I always ask myself if l have the palate for aged Cab Sav. I don't know if it is my palate o the fact that Dry Creek is a better appellation for Zinfandel, but this wine is at the point of loosing it's fruitiness and starts to get musky and earthy. '09 vintage not as l expected.
Jan 6th, 2016
Rich and lively out of the bottle - vanilla oak, black fruit and cassis that mellows with time in the glass. At first blush it would pass as a boutique wine but the fragility of the wine’s substance reveals itself as the pour is consumed. Great value for the price.
Rich and lively out of the bottle - vanilla oak, black fruit and cassis that mellows with time in the glass. At first blush it would pass as a boutique wine but the fragility of the wine’s substance reveals itself as the pour is consumed. Great value for the price.
Sep 3rd, 2020
Very enjoyable but could tell not much more left, right time to drink.
Very enjoyable but could tell not much more left, right time to drink.
Dec 23rd, 2019
Wine of the week on the lake. Big, rich, flank steak support, nice and unfiltered
Wine of the week on the lake. Big, rich, flank steak support, nice and unfiltered
Jul 24th, 2018