Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Poured into a decanter about two hours prior to dinner. There was some decent sediment so I left the last ounce or so in the bottle. In the glass, the 2018 pours a deep ruby with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, this is absolutely gorgeous with heady notes of fresh ripe blackberries, black cherries, pomegranate molasses, tobacco, black pepper, some dry earth and beautiful integrated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Beautifully balanced. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and has a satisfying melange of fruit and spice. This is fabulous with some air right now but I expect it will age beautifully through 2038.

Popped and poured, no formal notes. The 2018, Rafanelli is throwing a lot of sediment already in its relative youth. It’s also restrained in the typical Rafanelli, but atypical Zinfandel way. Great balance, and quite delicious however the fruit shows on the slightly under ripened end of the spectrum. That being said, I expect age to be very kind to this vintage. Drink now with a short decant and over the next 15+ years. A lovely pairing with grilled steaks.

My first impression of the just released 2018 Zinfandel. Due to climate related issues, overall Zinfandel production was down in 2018 but regardless, Rafanelli only bottles about half of what they produce with the remainder being sold off to others. Some Petite Sirah (13%) made it into the final blend. Being so young, I opened the bottle around noon and poured it into a decanter with intentions to drink later in the evening. By dinner, this was more open and ready to enjoy. Obviously primary with loads of powerful bramble fruit, pepper, red rope licorice and baking spices. I absolutely love the balance. The acid that Rafanelli achieves in their Zinfandel always seems to bring a smile to my face; so much lift which balances the lush fruit giving an impression of freshness. Long, very satisfying finish. The tannins are pretty steep right now and they seemed to build as time went on. I expect this will be a vintage that can age very well. 18mos in a combination of new, 1-year and 2-year old French oak barrels. 6,500 cases were made.

At dry creek kitchen. One of my favorite zins since I first came out to wine country. Among the most balanced zins that I’ve had—it has some of the bramble notes and is consistently what I would consider the claret style for zin. Went extremely well with my strip steak.

Great Zin at a great price.

At the ranch New Year’s Day. Drink the good stuff and don’t wait.

2018 vintage. Prettier than I remember, or perhaps, just this year. Anyway, still beyond solid zin. Always a fave Zin producer.

A great bottle. Old school, achieving depth in a Zin that you usually don't see. Consistently one of the great, classy Cali Zins. With Ryan in San Fran.

We probably drank this vintage too young. It seems like it really will be amazing in a few years. It’s wonderfully dry, complex, and intense. The tannins will hold up for a long time, but today they are astringent. Hold this bottle!!

Will only get better as it ages.