A. Rafanelli
Dry Creek Valley Merlot
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
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
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