A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

9.55 ratings
9.21 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Zinfandel
Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, White Rice, Pasta, Potato, Herbs, Mushrooms, Soft Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Tomato-Based, Duck, Exotic Spices, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pork, Baking Spices, Pungent Cheese, Beef, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Poured into a Boa decanter several hours prior to dinner. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright brambles: blackberries and raspberries, cherry (some candied, think Cherry Blow Pop), pipe tobacco, black pepper, dry organic earth and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with some notes of mocha added to the mix. The finish is long and delightful. Fun to try in its youth however I expect these will show even better after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2027 and through 2042.

Poured into a Boa decanter several hours prior to dinner. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright brambles: blackberries and raspberries, cherry (some candied, think Cherry Blow Pop), pipe tobacco, black pepper, dry organic earth and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with some notes of mocha added to the mix. The finish is long and delightful. Fun to try in its youth however I expect these will show even better after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2027 and through 2042.

Apr 13th, 2024
Steve Mitchell

Nice Zin. Paired with our lamb.

Nice Zin. Paired with our lamb.

Dec 15th, 2024
Brandon Boesch

Unbelievable! So tasty right from first pour. It’s big but there’s a lightness to it that is so refreshing.

Unbelievable! So tasty right from first pour. It’s big but there’s a lightness to it that is so refreshing.

Nov 23rd, 2024
Jenna Fussell

Obsessed. Pepper, leather, ripe berries, yum!

Obsessed. Pepper, leather, ripe berries, yum!

Apr 20th, 2024
Raul Puga

So again I continue my yearly tradition of opening a bottle the day it arrives off the UPS truck. Delicious as always. This is the wine that got me hooked on wine. Always brings a smile to my face. Cheers to my delectable familia!!! 25 vintages and counting, still love it!!

So again I continue my yearly tradition of opening a bottle the day it arrives off the UPS truck. Delicious as always. This is the wine that got me hooked on wine. Always brings a smile to my face. Cheers to my delectable familia!!! 25 vintages and counting, still love it!!

Apr 9th, 2024