A. Rafanelli
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2018 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. One the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of ripe, tart black and red fruits: blackberries, black currants, tobacco, some bell pepper, herbs and rich baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich but has some great zip thanks to the acid. Easily the most rounded of the three and, in true Rafanelli fashion, I don’t find the oak to be fully integrated at this point in its evolution. But it will. Better after 2028 through 2048+.
Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2018 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. One the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of ripe, tart black and red fruits: blackberries, black currants, tobacco, some bell pepper, herbs and rich baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich but has some great zip thanks to the acid. Easily the most rounded of the three and, in true Rafanelli fashion, I don’t find the oak to be fully integrated at this point in its evolution. But it will. Better after 2028 through 2048+.
May 2nd, 2024
More red fruit than blue, medium plus acidity, medium tannins. I would let this sit down for at least 5 years.
More red fruit than blue, medium plus acidity, medium tannins. I would let this sit down for at least 5 years.
Jul 23rd, 2023
Couldn’t resist another Raffanelli the next night at Baci.
Couldn’t resist another Raffanelli the next night at Baci.
Jul 14th, 2023
2018 A. Rafanelli Cab., top sirloin prime, smashed potatoes & a salad! Life is good.
2018 A. Rafanelli Cab., top sirloin prime, smashed potatoes & a salad! Life is good.
Jul 14th, 2024
Was very nice with a lot of fruits but seemed a little ruff. Had this after a 2005 Diamond Creek and Wagyu steaks that were both delicious.
Was very nice with a lot of fruits but seemed a little ruff. Had this after a 2005 Diamond Creek and Wagyu steaks that were both delicious.
Dec 22nd, 2023
One of the best! Sonoma fruit. Dark fruits, good acidity, dark forest, good tannin, a bit of herbs, maybe even some flowers, chocolate intermixed on finished. Brings you back for more. Unbelievable with food.
One of the best! Sonoma fruit. Dark fruits, good acidity, dark forest, good tannin, a bit of herbs, maybe even some flowers, chocolate intermixed on finished. Brings you back for more. Unbelievable with food.
Jul 7th, 2023
Nose of mushroom. Leather, forest floor, very dry, subtle acidity on the back of the tongue. Really nice wine.
Nose of mushroom. Leather, forest floor, very dry, subtle acidity on the back of the tongue. Really nice wine.
May 29th, 2022
