We use cookies for analytics and to improve our site. You agree to our use of cookies by closing this message box or continuing to use our site. To find out more, including how to change your settings, see our Cookie Policy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
