A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Merlot

9.16 ratings
9.23 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
Robert Brown

Would drink again

Would drink again

Feb 9th, 2020
Leo Gentile

Perennial favorite that I have been fortunate to have been buying since 1989. Delicious layers of black raspberry and blackberry. Vanilla notes from oak typical in the wine’s youth not present in this just opened bottle. Rested 10 days since shipping. Look forward to touching bases next year

Perennial favorite that I have been fortunate to have been buying since 1989. Delicious layers of black raspberry and blackberry. Vanilla notes from oak typical in the wine’s youth not present in this just opened bottle. Rested 10 days since shipping. Look forward to touching bases next year

May 5th, 2018
Brent S

Brent had this 5 years ago

Brent had this 5 years ago

Apr 15th, 2020
Brent S

Brent had this 5 years ago

Brent had this 5 years ago

Dec 1st, 2019
Robert Brown

Robert had this 5 years ago

Robert had this 5 years ago

Jan 24th, 2020