A. Rafanelli
Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Popped and poured; enjoyed over a 24-hour period with very little evolution. No formal notes. Enjoyed alongside the 2015. Tonight, the 2019 showed brighter and almost exercised some restraint. Definitely still showing signs of its youth and a more proportional mix of red and black bramble fruit when compared to the 2015 which was more black in profile. Balanced and endowed with great structure; acid showing particularly well. Better after 2025 but I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see myself enjoying this late into the 2030’s.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over a 24-hour period with very little evolution. No formal notes. Enjoyed alongside the 2015. Tonight, the 2019 showed brighter and almost exercised some restraint. Definitely still showing signs of its youth and a more proportional mix of red and black bramble fruit when compared to the 2015 which was more black in profile. Balanced and endowed with great structure; acid showing particularly well. Better after 2025 but I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see myself enjoying this late into the 2030’s.
Dec 5th, 2023First experience with the 2019 vintage. Poured into a decanter roughly 8 hours prior to service. Initially deep purple color on the pour, it lightens up and becomes more ruby after the extended breathing. Bright bramble fruit, some pomegranate, some black pepper, medium-plus acid, medium tannin. Killer with lamb chops. Extremely youthful right now but quite enjoyable with patience. Like most vintages of Rafanelli’s Zinfandel, this will be better after 2-3 years of cellar time. This will be rocking after 2024+.
First experience with the 2019 vintage. Poured into a decanter roughly 8 hours prior to service. Initially deep purple color on the pour, it lightens up and becomes more ruby after the extended breathing. Bright bramble fruit, some pomegranate, some black pepper, medium-plus acid, medium tannin. Killer with lamb chops. Extremely youthful right now but quite enjoyable with patience. Like most vintages of Rafanelli’s Zinfandel, this will be better after 2-3 years of cellar time. This will be rocking after 2024+.
Apr 15th, 2021Great Zin at a reasonable price. Consistently a nice Zin.
Great Zin at a reasonable price. Consistently a nice Zin.
Jul 24th, 20222019 vintage. Drinking with a little more power and a little less polish than a month ago.
2019 vintage. Drinking with a little more power and a little less polish than a month ago.
Jun 10th, 2022Very smooth, light tannins, short dry finish.
Very smooth, light tannins, short dry finish.
Dec 27th, 2021Nothing better than my favorite wine after a looonng day full of zoom calls. Cheers to everyone
Nothing better than my favorite wine after a looonng day full of zoom calls. Cheers to everyone
Sep 29th, 2021