Something quite magical often happens to Rafanelli Zinfandel after 10+ years of bottle age. I can’t explain it…but these wines begin to take on more rustic, Old World feel. It’s as if they shift into an overdrive. The fruit is still big, beautiful and pure (no-doubt a testament to their rigorous selection) and yet they can often display a new energy about them which give them remarkable longevity. This bottle is perfectly representative.
Opened to celebrate my daughter’s 14th birthday, the 2009 Rafanelli Zinfandel pours a deep, practically opaque garnet that becomes more turbid the further we delved into the bottle (in typical fashion, this Rafanelli full of sediment). Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, bright cherry and bramble-like fruits, Asian spices, espresso and some black pepper. I do sense a touch of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry and with medium tannin and medium+ acid. The notes from the nose are confirmed…with a bit of added emphasis, it should be noted. There’s almost a Pop Rocks experience too…with the slightest effervescence pricking the tongue. And again, this is something that I would more expect from a non-interventionalist wine from Italy…certainly not from Sonoma. Hot take here…but this bottle reminded me of something from Paolo Bea (San Valentino) more than anything from Sonoma, let alone California. It’s just so wonderful. The finish is long and delivers minutes of pleasure.
As far as I’m concerned, nobody is making Zinfandel with the soul that Rafanelli does and the proof is in the bottle each and every time. Of course, they are delicious when young but with age, these wines become something else. Drink now with a decant (for sediment only) and through 2034.
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Still delicious. The nose is spicy and cherry fruit with some nice herbaceous notes intertwined. Bright acidity and very silky tannins carry along spicy layers of red and black fruits. The profile is juicy and progressive. The finish is long and juicy.
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Birth year wine for my daughter and since we had some family over and I had a couple bottles of this, I figured it might be fun to check in on it. The cork pulled perfectly with a thick cake of sediment on the end but no sign of creep. The wine pours the deepest of ruby colors, bordering purple. The core is completely utterly opaque with moderate staining of the tears. Medium+ viscosity and there is quite a bit of fine sediment clinging to the side of the glass. High intensity on the nose with an enormous amount of ripe fruits: dark cherries, spices and the most charming kiss of Brett giving it a slightly rustic sort of sensibility while remaining unmistakably New World. This just has Rafanelli’s DNA all over it. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (which is fairly well integrated at this point) and medium+ acid. Drop dead gorgeous fruit, some of it desiccated, confirming the dark cherries with some dark brambles mixed in for good measure along with baking spice, leather, and pipe tobacco. A wonderfully long finish and the texture gorgeous, completely enthralling. This vintage is voluptuous, sexy and real. Ready to drink now however it should drink very well over the next 5-10 years. The last glass was full of fine sediment.
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Another off-flavored bottle. I decided to do some research and came across mention of a possible Brettanomyces ("Brett") issue at Rafanelli from around this time, which I do now recall having read about. If true, this could explain the problems that I've had with several bottles of the Zin from this vintage (2009). It seems to have become more pronounced over time.
Finally got to this after 8 years in the box. While undeniably Californian (of course) there was a bit of restraint here and some nice secondary notes and softness (particularly on day 2). Med-long finish. Still too jammy and ripe for my tastes, but probably about as good as it could get for me with a California Zin.
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Same as my last bottle, some weird, sour effervescence to this wine, has to be a flaw. I have a few more bottles from my case that I will sample. I hope they aren't all spoiled like this.
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Been sitting on this a while and decided to clip my vertical based on notes here. I slightly regret that. Now, I dont think this will necessarily improve, but its firmly in a good place right now. The nose has big raspberry, blackberry and cherry. The palate confirms these flavors and does so with a silky, soft mouthfeel from the now integrated tannin. Acid is medium, and finish is medium+. Theres just a hint of spice on the finish too. Only gripe is the alcohol is a bit noticeable. Otherwise, killer zin!
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Decanted for sediment. Medium ruby color with slight bricking toward the rim. Nose of juicy plum and black cherry with a bit of sweet oak and cedar coming through. No real spiciness to this wine after 10 years. It is on the mellow side but really well balanced and smooth and still showing some nice briary fruit. Medium acid and tannin. No real need to hold any further.
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This was so pretty — has had time to soften and was gorgeous with some Texas chili. Tart cherry leather and some anise and wild herbs on the nose. Great acidity and cherry cedar very long finish. Impressed with how this has held up. Will have this with a more restrained meal as I have 2 bottles left.
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Nose - Bacon, yes bacon talk to my olfactory receptors. Background fruit but fading. Palate - Big fruit is fading, tannins have softened, slightly jammy, berries, Drink now a year or two beyond its prime, still drinks well.
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P: Med body; LOVELY frt BEAUTIFULLY counterbalanced by an acidity which smoothly transitions into a LONG, BALANCED finish with a lip-smacking tangy swtness. For now & into if not through '20. My EXC+, arguably EXCEPTIONAL-! :) 90 pts RJonWine & 85 WS, certainly the latter a *horrible* underrate, IMHO.
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Agree with the previous note - this was past its prime. Probably should've been drunk one or two years ago, as it was still a good wine, but was more of an anonymous tasting red with little recognizable Zin character.
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I think I waited a bit long on this. We just visited A. Rafanelli a couple of weeks ago and they said it was time to drink this and another bottle. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it was on the decline. Wonderful bottle but with a bit of a sour finish that lasted nice and long. Drink 'em if you got 'em.
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Solid on the pop n pour. Improved only slightly after and hour plus. Great nose. Nice aged fruit. Smooth. Probably at the tail end of its peak drinking window though.
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Super well balanced. Anyone who follows Rafanelli will know this wine has a cult following which is well deserved. Paired with a fillet and roasted veg; perfection. The first taste is true Zin without being overbearing. The finish is really smooth with a little tobacco and berry that lingers for a long time. Just drink it.
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Needs a long time to breathe. On first opening, suspected it was past its time. After a couple hours, however, it opened up and showed classic Rafanelli brilliance. Complex with a long finish. Glad I have three more bottles
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Decanted about 30 minutes. Dark purple with red undertones in the glass. Dark briary fruit, spice and black pepper in the nose. The wine has a very nice texture in the mouth and is nicely balanced. The fruit was the star here - full and lush - very indicative of the 09 vintage. No rush to drink but probably near or at its prime drinking window.
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Still holding up well but the big fruit is less present. At this stage it is a better balanced Zin IMO. Still love the big Zin explosion when it was younger but it now presents itself with more character and poise. 2009 Rafanelli Zin for Congress? Sorry, drink it now and enjoy.
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I am not a big Zin fan but the 2009 Rafanelli Zinfandel opened my eyes. I am super sensitive to Zinfandel--if you put as little as 5% Zin in any blend, I will know it--but I couldn't tell this was a Zin when I tasted it blind. For a Zin this wine had off the charts elegance and subtlety; it was just super classy and refined, which are words I rarely use for Zinfandels.
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Double decant and strained for sediment (lots) ... This is in a really beautiful place right now. Much improved since our last go-round a few years back; beautiful bright, berry fruit up front that's rich, but not heavy, backed by a fully integrated tannic backbone that adds structure, but not sharpness. Acid in excellent balance with bright, sour cherry notes. Really lovely. Drinks easily, but has some depth and interest, and pairs very well with summer BBQ.
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Really doing well. Still maintains the spicy juiciness of Zin, but is beginning to pick up on secondary aging notes. This bottle was really really nice: great fruit, balanced and bright, earthy notes on the nose...
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Decanted for around 1 hour. Nose of brambly red fruit, raspberry jam, a bit of spiced cake and black pepper. Similar flavors on the palate, with mostly spicy red fruit notes and a bit of sweet oak on the back end. Medium acid and tannins with a smooth mouthfeel and nice finish. Paired great with smoky pulled pork in a sweet and tangy sauce.
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Blood red in color. 14.8% ABV. Soaring nose of brambly red fruits, leather and pepper. Medium body with just enough acidity. Jammy and lush on the palate. Flavors of raspberry, blackberry, cherry cordial and pepper. The finish is exceptionally long with silky tannins. Elegant, claret style Zinfandel. Dry Creek Valley Zin at its finest. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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Some medicinal and bell pepper notes in the nose, heat from alcohol. Tannin still a bit harsh. Immature but not so good at this age as other Rafanellis. Hope this an awkward stage.
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Great fruit with good acid and moderate tannin. Typical Rafanelli Zin, drink now or keep for a couple of years. Drank over two nights, saving half in a 12 oz bottle, and it got better.
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Great nose - cherry/strawberry, rose petals, sweet oak. In the mouth, initial cherry and blackberry give way to cranberry with the associated tartness of that fruit. Medium-length finish. I think this would pair well with foods one would not normally associate with a Zinfandel.
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I too distinctively tasted Brettanomyces. It's barely drinkable. Clearly there is some discrepancy in the reviews, so I'm wondering if there were some inconsistencies in the bottling process.
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While this selection didn't quite live up to the hype that A. Rafanelli regularly receives, it was still a quality expression of California Zin. Typical blue fruits where accented by a black pepper component which was evident on both the nose and palate. Although I was hoping for a bit more complexity and multi-dimensional character, the wine provided to enjoyment nonetheless.
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Hadn't had this in a while, but I know several people who are fans. It is typically described as a 'cab-drinkers zin'. Well, ahem, as a true Cab drinker, I'm not in that camp. A little thin, and tart. Perhaps it was an issue with food pairing, or my palate was tired. It just didn't do it for me tonight. Being honest.
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Decanted for a couple of hours prior to going to the restaurant. Dark garnet, with a hint of orange at the rim. Nice nose, woodsy and fruity. Smooth on the palate, with lots of fruit and some pepper. Drinking wonderfully now.
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Peppery, spicy, with a nice mouthfeel. Tastes more traditional, more old world than some other zins we have had recently. Dependably Rafanelli in style.
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- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of black currant and prune with a full body. Satin-Like texture with a long finish - Dark, intense fruit, plummy, jammy. At its peak November 2013. Not immediately recognizable as a Zin. More classic 'big' wine flavors and profile. Muted spice.
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I was still able to discern the great red and black fruit for which Rafanelli is known, but this bottle unfortunately became oxidized. The finish was hot and metallic on the sides of my tongue. We've had multiple bottles of the 09 vintage, and all of them have been wonderful. This was a tough bottle to get through. I won't rate it because it wouldn't be fair to downgrade, given that I believe this was a storage problem (we moved a couple of years ago, and I think the bottle oxidized due to moving "shock").
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Interesting Zin, but delicious. Ultra sweet and rich fruit and tannins. Big wine that would be fantastic with BBQ ribs. I don't drink a lot of Zins so I can't compare with too much, but I did like it. Lacked a bit of finesse, but good structure and balance (especiially if you like big fruit forward wines) and I think a lot of people would enjoy this one.
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Dark red/purple. Smoke and leather joined cherries and red fruit on the nose. Complex palate, less Zin-like than some of the other zins that we tasted. Quite nice.
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The 'funk' in my previous review seems to either be clearing up or was specific to that one bottle. Decanted for an hour and the wine really opened up nicely.
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Pop and pour ... This got better as the night wore on, but still feels very young. Nice, tart fruit up front. Very, very light oak (essentially none) and a big pop of black pepper spice, leather and earth. A very interesting flavor profile and not a typical Cali Zin at all. Hints of brambleberry but far from a fruit bomb. Quite complex, and very structured, with a lot going on in multiple layers, yet approachable enough to pair with pizza. Interested to see where this one goes.
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Fair, took a little while to open. Popped and poured. Very unique, powerful on the nose initially, waited and waited for it to tame down a bit. Didnt. Ok, but better elsewhere. Hope it was just a peculiar bottle.
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I love Rafanelli Zins and max out my order every year. Something is just not right with 2009. Hi Acid, tight. Almost like it has started to turn or was exposed to heat, or maybe a bottling issue. Even 2 hour decant didn't help. Three bottles....same outcome. Just for kicks I popped and poured 2010 and it was fantastic. It was very approachable for a big zin.
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Popped and poured. Great zin right out of the bottle. Brambly red fruit and sweet spices on the nose with similar flavors coming through on the palate, mostly red currant and ripe raspberry. Plush mouthfeel and long finish. Great balance on this wine too.
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Another wonderfully enjoyable drinking wine. The fruit is so fresh and grape like with spice box notes and baked flavors that one forgets there are substantial structural components carrying the fruit and providing a seamless balance.
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This is the second bottle of this vintage that I have had. I personally did not taste the brett that one user notes below. However, I do think this wine is a bit more structured than they have been in recent years. Although enjoyable now with some air (was notably more open on the second evening), I think this wine will hit its stride in about another year.
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I opened accidentally instead of grabbing the intended older vintage. Very approachable! Very nicely balanced with big Cali zin fruit, some vegetal components, and great integration of acidity.
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Spicy, cherry and blackberry jelly on the nose with some orange peel overtones. Nice bold and acidic fruit for a complete, fat profile with plenty of acidity fro a good finish. Soft round tannins give this wine a pleasant structure.
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I have been a huge fan of Rafanelli zins for many years. This one struck me as still a bit closed. There is a lot of fruit in there, nut it just has not burst out into the open as it normally does. Perhaps a bit more age will help.
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Absolutely loved this Zin. Blackberry, plum, and red currant with earthy spices and roasted herbs. Amazing acidity and minerality, with elegant tannic structure. Almost reminds me of an old-school Right Bank Bordeaux. I had the 2008 around this time last year, and found this much more accessible in comparison. Highly recommended. Never thought I'd find a Zin I like more than Ridge.
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fresh red fruit and pie crust on the nose, full bodied and balanced, not too jammy but strong fruit on the palate, shows berry pie, dark cherry skin, pepper and raspberry, fresh, top-notch zin with classic character, good use of oak, well-made, matched well with a spicy streak
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Popped and poured. As usual, I can't get enough of Rafanelli Zindfandel. It's got everything I look for in the varietal. Brambles, black pepper, good structure, nice acid...proof that Zinfandel can be world-class. Some may call their style a bit austere when compared to other producers...that's fine. I love it and I hope it never changes. I think the 2009 is great effort and, in my opinion, much more approachable young than the 2008 was.
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Excellent Rafanelli red Zinfandel. Very smooth on the palate. Perfect finish - not too alcoholic. Wonderful cherry and blueberry flavors. Ready to drink.
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Outstanding black red color with some concentrated berry flavors, still rather tannic and should improve with some aging unlike most zins. Finish almost seemed a bit clipped, but ****
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Though no longer a Zin-aficionado, there are a few that I still relish - this and Scherrer to name two. Dark ruby through and through. At initial pour, brambly pepper wafted from the glass and attacked the taste buds, then a chunky mouthful of dark purple fruit; finishing with a prominent raisiny sweetness, which at first took you aback but then mellowed and figured well into this hedonistic, if slightly rustic rendition of Zin. Not sure what the vintage charts said about this varietal in '09 but it must have been a hot year. Far from the best year I've had but very enjoyable...so much so, we downed a 2nd bottle. (89+ an extra point for the level of enjoyment provided.)
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Great Zin. Though nose is very subdued the flavor is wonderful. Big fruit, approachable tannins yet I believe it could last another 5 years. Prime example of what Zin should be.
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Recovering from a cold, so can't get into great detail here, but this seems slightly dialed down from the last tasting in June. Still quite fruity and big, but still not quite in that ideal place. Best to hold the rest until late winter.
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Dark red with purple hues Not very expressive on the nose (alcohol is coming up - the wine was served a touch too warm) Plums, green herbaceous(rosemary) notes and mint. Soft tannins, big chocolate, plums . Very fruity. A touch warm on the back end but I believe it is service temperature. Jammy, yet not overpowering. Quite good Very long (lingering red/black fruit, the herbal and coffee/chocolate) Very good match for our dinner tonight (zin glazed grilled short ribs and duck leg on a blackberry spicy Mexican flavors) At restaurant ZIN in Healdsburg Sonoma California
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Pop and Vinturi'd - I find this to be surprisingly restrained for A. Rafanelli zin - and I have had a bunch of vintages now. Not rating because it could be a slightly off bottle, but it just seems a little flat and odd.
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Big and aggressive right now--not at all in a harsh way, but certainly comes on strong. Cherry syrup, pepper and spice. Vanilla for sure. Alcohol is well integrated, but the oak to fruit ratio still felt not quite right. Hold this until fall, preferably late winter. In my experience, rafanellis are best about a year after release.
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Red/purple color. Pretty, aromatic nose of fresh red fruit and grass. Bright fruit and wine barrel on the palate, with silky tannins. Smooth finish, drinking great now.
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This wine was serially tasted in double-blind fashion over a two-hour period at Vintage Wines, Ltd. The bottle was kindly provided by Rob Norberg. The robe is opaque purple, while the nose shows very intense aromas of smoked meat, blackberries, minerals and vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with low acidity and big ripe tannins. The alcohol (listed as 14.8%) is quite nicely integrated, as is the oak. The flavors are black fruit-dominated and the middle palate is solid. Medium, smooth finish. This is simply well-made Zinfandel! To my palate, few Zinfandels improve with age...this is likely one of them, although I would not hesitate to drink it now. Drink now-12/20.
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Pop & pour. Enjoyed this time with manicotti which it complemented very well. I love the Rafanelli spice and flavors of their zin and this 2009 is no exception. This 2009 is very young and tight still and will benefit from a few years of cellaring.
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Pop & pour -- consumed with roast chicken and potatoes. Very restrained right now, but showing some nice spice and bramble with good structure and balance. Recommend a long decant or some significant time in cellar. Should evolve very nicely.
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12/30/2023 - barrytaylor wrote: 92 Points
What you expect from a Taf zin, ready
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1/15/2023 - barrytaylor Likes this wine: 90 Points
typical Raf Zin, med body, deep color, ready
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1/11/2023 - thesternowl wrote: 94 Points
Something quite magical often happens to Rafanelli Zinfandel after 10+ years of bottle age. I can’t explain it…but these wines begin to take on more rustic, Old World feel. It’s as if they shift into an overdrive. The fruit is still big, beautiful and pure (no-doubt a testament to their rigorous selection) and yet they can often display a new energy about them which give them remarkable longevity. This bottle is perfectly representative.
Opened to celebrate my daughter’s 14th birthday, the 2009 Rafanelli Zinfandel pours a deep, practically opaque garnet that becomes more turbid the further we delved into the bottle (in typical fashion, this Rafanelli full of sediment). Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, bright cherry and bramble-like fruits, Asian spices, espresso and some black pepper. I do sense a touch of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry and with medium tannin and medium+ acid. The notes from the nose are confirmed…with a bit of added emphasis, it should be noted. There’s almost a Pop Rocks experience too…with the slightest effervescence pricking the tongue. And again, this is something that I would more expect from a non-interventionalist wine from Italy…certainly not from Sonoma. Hot take here…but this bottle reminded me of something from Paolo Bea (San Valentino) more than anything from Sonoma, let alone California. It’s just so wonderful. The finish is long and delivers minutes of pleasure.
As far as I’m concerned, nobody is making Zinfandel with the soul that Rafanelli does and the proof is in the bottle each and every time. Of course, they are delicious when young but with age, these wines become something else. Drink now with a decant (for sediment only) and through 2034.
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6/23/2022 - KJLover Likes this wine: 95 Points
this remains remarkable. great color and has mellowed to have incredible notes of gentle dark fruits with dark chocolate supporting cast
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3/26/2022 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine:
Still delicious. The nose is spicy and cherry fruit with some nice herbaceous notes intertwined. Bright acidity and very silky tannins carry along spicy layers of red and black fruits. The profile is juicy and progressive. The finish is long and juicy.
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1/10/2022 - thesternowl wrote: 94 Points
Birth year wine for my daughter and since we had some family over and I had a couple bottles of this, I figured it might be fun to check in on it. The cork pulled perfectly with a thick cake of sediment on the end but no sign of creep. The wine pours the deepest of ruby colors, bordering purple. The core is completely utterly opaque with moderate staining of the tears. Medium+ viscosity and there is quite a bit of fine sediment clinging to the side of the glass. High intensity on the nose with an enormous amount of ripe fruits: dark cherries, spices and the most charming kiss of Brett giving it a slightly rustic sort of sensibility while remaining unmistakably New World. This just has Rafanelli’s DNA all over it. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (which is fairly well integrated at this point) and medium+ acid. Drop dead gorgeous fruit, some of it desiccated, confirming the dark cherries with some dark brambles mixed in for good measure along with baking spice, leather, and pipe tobacco. A wonderfully long finish and the texture gorgeous, completely enthralling. This vintage is voluptuous, sexy and real. Ready to drink now however it should drink very well over the next 5-10 years. The last glass was full of fine sediment.
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12/10/2021 - raiderwes wrote: 92 Points
drinking well, but probably time to drink up.
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2/7/2021 - BoulderWine wrote:
Another off-flavored bottle. I decided to do some research and came across mention of a possible Brettanomyces ("Brett") issue at Rafanelli from around this time, which I do now recall having read about. If true, this could explain the problems that I've had with several bottles of the Zin from this vintage (2009). It seems to have become more pronounced over time.
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7/5/2020 - Neurowine1 wrote:
Finally got to this after 8 years in the box. While undeniably Californian (of course) there was a bit of restraint here and some nice secondary notes and softness (particularly on day 2). Med-long finish. Still too jammy and ripe for my tastes, but probably about as good as it could get for me with a California Zin.
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4/16/2020 - BoulderWine Does not like this wine:
Same as my last bottle, some weird, sour effervescence to this wine, has to be a flaw. I have a few more bottles from my case that I will sample. I hope they aren't all spoiled like this.
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1/10/2020 - wirelesswine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Been sitting on this a while and decided to clip my vertical based on notes here. I slightly regret that. Now, I dont think this will necessarily improve, but its firmly in a good place right now. The nose has big raspberry, blackberry and cherry. The palate confirms these flavors and does so with a silky, soft mouthfeel from the now integrated tannin. Acid is medium, and finish is medium+. Theres just a hint of spice on the finish too. Only gripe is the alcohol is a bit noticeable. Otherwise, killer zin!
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11/2/2019 - BoulderWine wrote:
Still holding its fruit but was slightly effervescent, which was very strange.
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3/16/2019 - Rich S Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for sediment. Medium ruby color with slight bricking toward the rim. Nose of juicy plum and black cherry with a bit of sweet oak and cedar coming through. No real spiciness to this wine after 10 years. It is on the mellow side but really well balanced and smooth and still showing some nice briary fruit. Medium acid and tannin. No real need to hold any further.
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11/13/2018 - BGK810 wrote: 91 Points
Delicious. Dark fruit, great acidity, medium length finish.
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10/21/2018 - intrinsicvalue Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was so pretty — has had time to soften and was gorgeous with some Texas chili. Tart cherry leather and some anise and wild herbs on the nose. Great acidity and cherry cedar very long finish. Impressed with how this has held up. Will have this with a more restrained meal as I have 2 bottles left.
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4/3/2018 - Jamul Wino Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nose - Bacon, yes bacon talk to my olfactory receptors. Background fruit but fading.
Palate - Big fruit is fading, tannins have softened, slightly jammy, berries, Drink now a year or two beyond its prime, still drinks well.
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3/10/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
Zinfandels (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): THANK you, José! :) [And, as you said, a VASTLY superior wine to what was supposed to be in its spot!] ;)
N: RIPE, choc, berries; Intensity lurking
P: Med body; LOVELY frt BEAUTIFULLY counterbalanced by an acidity which smoothly transitions into a LONG, BALANCED finish with a lip-smacking tangy swtness. For now & into if not through '20. My EXC+, arguably EXCEPTIONAL-! :) 90 pts RJonWine & 85 WS, certainly the latter a *horrible* underrate, IMHO.
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12/9/2017 - nymetz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Big fruity and jammy still with plenty of body. Tasting great and with still some years left.
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11/24/2017 - jdjjadair wrote: 87 Points
Past its prime. Drink now. Starting to turn raisiny.
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11/17/2017 - jpkelleher1 wrote:
Past its prime unfortunately. Even after 2+ hours in decanter stayed tart and flat
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10/27/2017 - cpdwines Likes this wine: 88 Points
A lot of sediment that was hard to filter. Time to drink now.
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10/8/2017 - PIntag wrote: 89 Points
Agree with the previous note - this was past its prime. Probably should've been drunk one or two years ago, as it was still a good wine, but was more of an anonymous tasting red with little recognizable Zin character.
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9/16/2017 - WineAttic Likes this wine: 92 Points
I think I waited a bit long on this. We just visited A. Rafanelli a couple of weeks ago and they said it was time to drink this and another bottle. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it was on the decline. Wonderful bottle but with a bit of a sour finish that lasted nice and long. Drink 'em if you got 'em.
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8/29/2017 - BGK810 wrote: 91 Points
Dark fruit nose and flavors. Past it's big fruit stage, but drinking very well. Can age longer, but not likely to improve.
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7/30/2017 - Winokdub wrote: 90 Points
Solid on the pop n pour. Improved only slightly after and hour plus. Great nose. Nice aged fruit. Smooth. Probably at the tail end of its peak drinking window though.
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6/9/2017 - daveste Likes this wine: 90 Points
PNP needs no air, still nice but at the end of the line. Tannin mild, good nose.
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3/30/2017 - jdjjadair Likes this wine: 90 Points
Super well balanced. Anyone who follows Rafanelli will know this wine has a cult following which is well deserved. Paired with a fillet and roasted veg; perfection. The first taste is true Zin without being overbearing. The finish is really smooth with a little tobacco and berry that lingers for a long time. Just drink it.
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2/18/2017 - metldr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very smooth. A Raf at its' best.
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1/27/2017 - jpkelleher1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Needs a long time to breathe. On first opening, suspected it was past its time. After a couple hours, however, it opened up and showed classic Rafanelli brilliance. Complex with a long finish. Glad I have three more bottles
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1/21/2017 - Taylor56 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted about 30 minutes. Dark purple with red undertones in the glass. Dark briary fruit, spice and black pepper in the nose. The wine has a very nice texture in the mouth and is nicely balanced. The fruit was the star here - full and lush - very indicative of the 09 vintage. No rush to drink but probably near or at its prime drinking window.
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12/13/2016 - jdjjadair wrote: 90 Points
Still holding up well but the big fruit is less present. At this stage it is a better balanced Zin IMO. Still love the big Zin explosion when it was younger but it now presents itself with more character and poise. 2009 Rafanelli Zin for Congress? Sorry, drink it now and enjoy.
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10/18/2016 - daveste Likes this wine: 90 Points
Needs a lot of air. Fruit not evident upon opening but opens to expansive almost merlot-like mouth feel and fine aroma. Surprisingly good ager.
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8/14/2016 - ejca wrote:
Excellent, wish I had another
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6/27/2016 - veni_vidi_bibi Likes this wine: 93 Points
I am not a big Zin fan but the 2009 Rafanelli Zinfandel opened my eyes. I am super sensitive to Zinfandel--if you put as little as 5% Zin in any blend, I will know it--but I couldn't tell this was a Zin when I tasted it blind. For a Zin this wine had off the charts elegance and subtlety; it was just super classy and refined, which are words I rarely use for Zinfandels.
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5/7/2016 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 92 Points
Double decant and strained for sediment (lots) ... This is in a really beautiful place right now. Much improved since our last go-round a few years back; beautiful bright, berry fruit up front that's rich, but not heavy, backed by a fully integrated tannic backbone that adds structure, but not sharpness. Acid in excellent balance with bright, sour cherry notes. Really lovely. Drinks easily, but has some depth and interest, and pairs very well with summer BBQ.
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3/30/2016 - cpdwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Hard to believe, but this wine is still quite young. Very earthy style different than most Raf Zin's I have tasted. Hold onto last one for awhile.
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3/16/2016 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really doing well. Still maintains the spicy juiciness of Zin, but is beginning to pick up on secondary aging notes. This bottle was really really nice: great fruit, balanced and bright, earthy notes on the nose...
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1/4/2016 - BoulderWine wrote: 88 Points
Threw lots of sediment ("Unfiltered"). Deep, dark berry fruit. Dry finish. Still drinking fine but one-dimensional.
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12/25/2015 - Minnesota wrote: 88 Points
Purchased out of state from small wine shop. Fruit muted, "fizzy". Storage conditions perhaps?
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8/21/2015 - redzins Likes this wine:
Garnet color. Herbal, menthol, red fruit notes. Jammy black fruit middle with an herbal finish. A little hot. Med body, long finsh
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8/16/2015 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for around 1 hour. Nose of brambly red fruit, raspberry jam, a bit of spiced cake and black pepper. Similar flavors on the palate, with mostly spicy red fruit notes and a bit of sweet oak on the back end. Medium acid and tannins with a smooth mouthfeel and nice finish. Paired great with smoky pulled pork in a sweet and tangy sauce.
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7/31/2015 - tomlee wrote: 92 Points
Blood red in color. 14.8% ABV. Soaring nose of brambly red fruits, leather and pepper. Medium body with just enough acidity. Jammy and lush on the palate. Flavors of raspberry, blackberry, cherry cordial and pepper. The finish is exceptionally long with silky tannins. Elegant, claret style Zinfandel. Dry Creek Valley Zin at its finest. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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4/11/2015 - daveste Likes this wine: 87 Points
Some medicinal and bell pepper notes in the nose, heat from alcohol. Tannin still a bit harsh. Immature but not so good at this age as other Rafanellis. Hope this an awkward stage.
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3/27/2015 - Leomania Likes this wine: 91 Points
Terrific. See previous note.
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3/8/2015 - oolah wrote:
This was delicious and while I enjoyed it, I was sad to see it go. Wish it wasn't my last 09.
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2/28/2015 - moxielady wrote: 84 Points
Similar experience to earlier review that noted Brett' - very strong tones. Dissipates a bit after airing but pretty overwhelming
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2/14/2015 - daveste Likes this wine: 90 Points
Great fruit with good acid and moderate tannin. Typical Rafanelli Zin, drink now or keep for a couple of years. Drank over two nights, saving half in a 12 oz bottle, and it got better.
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2/3/2015 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine: 90 Points
A well structured, balanced and spicy Zinfandel that paired with two aggressively flavored meals.
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1/30/2015 - jdpearse wrote: 90 Points
Currently offering great balance. Very enjoyable. One bottle left. I'll try it again in the fall of 2015
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1/18/2015 - Leomania Likes this wine: 90 Points
Great nose - cherry/strawberry, rose petals, sweet oak. In the mouth, initial cherry and blackberry give way to cranberry with the associated tartness of that fruit. Medium-length finish. I think this would pair well with foods one would not normally associate with a Zinfandel.
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1/9/2015 - Jefferwhite wrote: 83 Points
I too distinctively tasted Brettanomyces. It's barely drinkable. Clearly there is some discrepancy in the reviews, so I'm wondering if there were some inconsistencies in the bottling process.
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11/29/2014 - cpdwines Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still very young, needs to air for awhile. But a great zinfandel that will be quite drinkable in the next 3-5 years.
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11/10/2014 - raiderwes wrote: 92 Points
still drinking well
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10/31/2014 - WineDoctors wrote: flawed
corked
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10/31/2014 - pinot36 wrote: 90 Points
While this selection didn't quite live up to the hype that A. Rafanelli regularly receives, it was still a quality expression of California Zin. Typical blue fruits where accented by a black pepper component which was evident on both the nose and palate. Although I was hoping for a bit more complexity and multi-dimensional character, the wine provided to enjoyment nonetheless.
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10/12/2014 - Paul from the Oblong Table Likes this wine: 91 Points
All of the full fruit and flavors that are expected.
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7/13/2014 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still vivid & fruity. Tastes of dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, prune, & tartness. Consistent tastes throughout the bottle. Very enjoyable.
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5/26/2014 - TallMikeWine wrote: 88 Points
Hadn't had this in a while, but I know several people who are fans. It is typically described as a 'cab-drinkers zin'. Well, ahem, as a true Cab drinker, I'm not in that camp. A little thin, and tart. Perhaps it was an issue with food pairing, or my palate was tired. It just didn't do it for me tonight. Being honest.
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5/23/2014 - luxvin wrote: 90 Points
Paired with grilled chicken very well.
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4/16/2014 - Paul from the Oblong Table Likes this wine:
LOVED IT!
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4/8/2014 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for a couple of hours prior to going to the restaurant. Dark garnet, with a hint of orange at the rim. Nice nose, woodsy and fruity. Smooth on the palate, with lots of fruit and some pepper. Drinking wonderfully now.
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2/15/2014 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 91 Points
Peppery, spicy, with a nice mouthfeel. Tastes more traditional, more old world than some other zins we have had recently. Dependably Rafanelli in style.
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1/14/2014 - JonGray Likes this wine: 91 Points
rich and lush - bold and older fruit. This IS a wine for my cold wintery soul! A treasured gift from my brother in law Uncle Lee!
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1/13/2014 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Just a tad on the ripe side but well-balanced and enjoyable.
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12/16/2013 - smokeandmirrors wrote:
Muted, tasted best on day 3
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11/23/2013 - Rickanacaona wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of black currant and prune with a full body. Satin-Like texture with a long finish - Dark, intense fruit, plummy, jammy. At its peak November 2013. Not immediately recognizable as a Zin. More classic 'big' wine flavors and profile. Muted spice.
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10/19/2013 - Robertjohnkane wrote:
I was still able to discern the great red and black fruit for which Rafanelli is known, but this bottle unfortunately became oxidized. The finish was hot and metallic on the sides of my tongue. We've had multiple bottles of the 09 vintage, and all of them have been wonderful. This was a tough bottle to get through. I won't rate it because it wouldn't be fair to downgrade, given that I believe this was a storage problem (we moved a couple of years ago, and I think the bottle oxidized due to moving "shock").
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8/28/2013 - SonnyChiba wrote: 91 Points
Interesting Zin, but delicious. Ultra sweet and rich fruit and tannins. Big wine that would be fantastic with BBQ ribs. I don't drink a lot of Zins so I can't compare with too much, but I did like it. Lacked a bit of finesse, but good structure and balance (especiially if you like big fruit forward wines) and I think a lot of people would enjoy this one.
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8/23/2013 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark red/purple. Smoke and leather joined cherries and red fruit on the nose. Complex palate, less Zin-like than some of the other zins that we tasted. Quite nice.
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8/4/2013 - greenblanket Does not like this wine:
Sour and acidic. Too bad.
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5/26/2013 - easttide wrote: 92 Points
Spicy, fruity and delicious. Judging by the other Rafanellis I've had I think this should be had now. Window is present or close to passed.
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5/24/2013 - Rmwood69@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Very nice big fruit, sour cherries, leather coco with a nice long finish.
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4/11/2013 - artoopeo wrote: 91 Points
The 'funk' in my previous review seems to either be clearing up or was specific to that one bottle. Decanted for an hour and the wine really opened up nicely.
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3/31/2013 - ejca Likes this wine:
Nice bottle, we enjoyed even as we are finding fewer and fewer good zins.
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2/21/2013 - markandsusanw wrote: 89 Points
Pop and pour ... This got better as the night wore on, but still feels very young. Nice, tart fruit up front. Very, very light oak (essentially none) and a big pop of black pepper spice, leather and earth. A very interesting flavor profile and not a typical Cali Zin at all. Hints of brambleberry but far from a fruit bomb. Quite complex, and very structured, with a lot going on in multiple layers, yet approachable enough to pair with pizza. Interested to see where this one goes.
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2/13/2013 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 89 Points
Fair, took a little while to open. Popped and poured. Very unique, powerful on the nose initially, waited and waited for it to tame down a bit. Didnt. Ok, but better elsewhere. Hope it was just a peculiar bottle.
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1/28/2013 - Bigfresser wrote: 92 Points
Ripe and delicious
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1/17/2013 - yogibear67 Does not like this wine: 79 Points
I love Rafanelli Zins and max out my order every year. Something is just not right with 2009. Hi Acid, tight. Almost like it has started to turn or was exposed to heat, or maybe a bottling issue. Even 2 hour decant didn't help. Three bottles....same outcome. Just for kicks I popped and poured 2010 and it was fantastic. It was very approachable for a big zin.
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1/6/2013 - slippytoad wrote: 92 Points
Classy and elegant Zinfandel. A lot going on, wish I had more.
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12/24/2012 - bowmanbc wrote: 93 Points
last bottle of the 2009 batch. sad to see it go.
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12/16/2012 - jkbrawley wrote: 92 Points
Excellent as always
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11/12/2012 - mdp.blue wrote: 91 Points
Consistently outstanding. Decanted one hour. Extremely well structured and balanced. You'll likely taste so,etching that appeals - lively.
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11/11/2012 - cucycling wrote: 90 Points
Rich full bodied zin, not fruit bomb sweet, balanced I must say
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11/7/2012 - greenblanket wrote:
Hard and oaky; just sayin'.
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10/14/2012 - artoopeo wrote: 86 Points
Funky, possibly corked or could be going through a weird bottle phase. Will open another in six months or so and reevaluate.
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10/6/2012 - jkbrawley wrote: 88 Points
May have been slightly corked. Usually better.
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9/22/2012 - Rich S wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Great zin right out of the bottle. Brambly red fruit and sweet spices on the nose with similar flavors coming through on the palate, mostly red currant and ripe raspberry. Plush mouthfeel and long finish. Great balance on this wine too.
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9/16/2012 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Vivid & fruity. Early tastes of cherries & a bit of chocolate. Later tastes of fruits & spices.
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8/28/2012 - Tudz Drkl wrote: 90 Points
Another wonderfully enjoyable drinking wine. The fruit is so fresh and grape like with spice box notes and baked flavors that one forgets there are substantial structural components carrying the fruit and providing a seamless balance.
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8/24/2012 - bowmanbc wrote: 93 Points
delish - like it more than the 2010
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6/2/2012 - Growler69 wrote: 90 Points
This is the second bottle of this vintage that I have had. I personally did not taste the brett that one user notes below. However, I do think this wine is a bit more structured than they have been in recent years. Although enjoyable now with some air (was notably more open on the second evening), I think this wine will hit its stride in about another year.
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5/20/2012 - bearcave wrote: 85 Points
I can't believe no one is talking about the fact that this wine is ridden with brettanomyces.
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5/19/2012 - oolah wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic, full-bodied and great with a summer bbq. So juicy and fun to drink.
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4/17/2012 - MichaelF wrote: 92 Points
I opened accidentally instead of grabbing the intended older vintage. Very approachable! Very nicely balanced with big Cali zin fruit, some vegetal components, and great integration of acidity.
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4/8/2012 - bowmanbc wrote: 93 Points
yup
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4/1/2012 - oolah wrote: 92 Points
Huge. Chocolate covered cherries with some vanilla-tinged oak. Do not drink this without some serious meat. Well-made California fruit bomb.
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3/27/2012 - Tudz Drkl wrote: 90 Points
Spicy, cherry and blackberry jelly on the nose with some orange peel overtones. Nice bold and acidic fruit for a complete, fat profile with plenty of acidity fro a good finish. Soft round tannins give this wine a pleasant structure.
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3/21/2012 - Growler69 wrote: 88 Points
I have been a huge fan of Rafanelli zins for many years. This one struck me as still a bit closed. There is a lot of fruit in there, nut it just has not burst out into the open as it normally does. Perhaps a bit more age will help.
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3/15/2012 - cartime wrote: 93 Points
Absolutely loved this Zin. Blackberry, plum, and red currant with earthy spices and roasted herbs. Amazing acidity and minerality, with elegant tannic structure. Almost reminds me of an old-school Right Bank Bordeaux. I had the 2008 around this time last year, and found this much more accessible in comparison. Highly recommended. Never thought I'd find a Zin I like more than Ridge.
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3/10/2012 - whits wrote: 91 Points
fresh red fruit and pie crust on the nose, full bodied and balanced, not too jammy but strong fruit on the palate, shows berry pie, dark cherry skin, pepper and raspberry, fresh, top-notch zin with classic character, good use of oak, well-made, matched well with a spicy streak
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1/5/2012 - thesternowl wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured. As usual, I can't get enough of Rafanelli Zindfandel. It's got everything I look for in the varietal. Brambles, black pepper, good structure, nice acid...proof that Zinfandel can be world-class. Some may call their style a bit austere when compared to other producers...that's fine. I love it and I hope it never changes. I think the 2009 is great effort and, in my opinion, much more approachable young than the 2008 was.
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12/28/2011 - joeroth Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent Rafanelli red Zinfandel. Very smooth on the palate. Perfect finish - not too alcoholic. Wonderful cherry and blueberry flavors. Ready to drink.
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11/30/2011 - cos65 wrote:
Outstanding black red color with some concentrated berry flavors, still rather tannic and should improve with some aging unlike most zins. Finish almost seemed a bit clipped, but ****
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11/30/2011 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 90 Points
Nice, took a little while to open. Popped and poured. Very unique, powerful on the nose initially.
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11/25/2011 - bowmanbc wrote: 93 Points
love this wine. full Zin with big juicy flavors.
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11/5/2011 - joraesque wrote: 88 Points
Needs some air. More pepper than I remember from past vintages. 87-88
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9/23/2011 - golfwine wrote: 90 Points
Though no longer a Zin-aficionado, there are a few that I still relish - this and Scherrer to name two. Dark ruby through and through. At initial pour, brambly pepper wafted from the glass and attacked the taste buds, then a chunky mouthful of dark purple fruit; finishing with a prominent raisiny sweetness, which at first took you aback but then mellowed and figured well into this hedonistic, if slightly rustic rendition of Zin. Not sure what the vintage charts said about this varietal in '09 but it must have been a hot year. Far from the best year I've had but very enjoyable...so much so, we downed a 2nd bottle. (89+ an extra point for the level of enjoyment provided.)
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9/11/2011 - coreywb Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great Zin. Though nose is very subdued the flavor is wonderful. Big fruit, approachable tannins yet I believe it could last another 5 years. Prime example of what Zin should be.
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9/3/2011 - oolah wrote:
Recovering from a cold, so can't get into great detail here, but this seems slightly dialed down from the last tasting in June. Still quite fruity and big, but still not quite in that ideal place. Best to hold the rest until late winter.
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8/28/2011 - slippytoad wrote: 91 Points
Impressive like at the winery. A zin that I can truly get behind. Lovely
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8/17/2011 - smokeandmirrors wrote: 88 Points
Needs more aging, can't wait till next year
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7/29/2011 - leonardo_de_araujo wrote: 91 Points
Dark red with purple hues
Not very expressive on the nose (alcohol is coming up - the wine was served a touch too warm)
Plums, green herbaceous(rosemary) notes and mint.
Soft tannins, big chocolate, plums .
Very fruity. A touch warm on the back end but I believe it is service temperature.
Jammy, yet not overpowering.
Quite good
Very long (lingering red/black fruit, the herbal and coffee/chocolate)
Very good match for our dinner tonight (zin glazed grilled short ribs and duck leg on a blackberry spicy Mexican flavors)
At restaurant ZIN in Healdsburg Sonoma California
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7/26/2011 - wirelesswine wrote:
Pop and Vinturi'd - I find this to be surprisingly restrained for A. Rafanelli zin - and I have had a bunch of vintages now. Not rating because it could be a slightly off bottle, but it just seems a little flat and odd.
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6/28/2011 - oolah wrote: 88 Points
Big and aggressive right now--not at all in a harsh way, but certainly comes on strong. Cherry syrup, pepper and spice. Vanilla for sure. Alcohol is well integrated, but the oak to fruit ratio still felt not quite right. Hold this until fall, preferably late winter. In my experience, rafanellis are best about a year after release.
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6/5/2011 - KeithSurg wrote: 92 Points
Red/purple color. Pretty, aromatic nose of fresh red fruit and grass. Bright fruit and wine barrel on the palate, with silky tannins. Smooth finish, drinking great now.
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5/30/2011 - pcastleton wrote: 91 Points
Better than 2007
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5/13/2011 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 92 Points
This wine was serially tasted in double-blind fashion over a two-hour period at Vintage Wines, Ltd. The bottle was kindly provided by Rob Norberg. The robe is opaque purple, while the nose shows very intense aromas of smoked meat, blackberries, minerals and vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with low acidity and big ripe tannins. The alcohol (listed as 14.8%) is quite nicely integrated, as is the oak. The flavors are black fruit-dominated and the middle palate is solid. Medium, smooth finish. This is simply well-made Zinfandel! To my palate, few Zinfandels improve with age...this is likely one of them, although I would not hesitate to drink it now. Drink now-12/20.
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5/6/2011 - raiderwes wrote: 92 Points
very, very good; dark, luscious. one of the best AR's. Should age well.
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5/3/2011 - PIntag wrote: 89 Points
Pop & pour. Enjoyed this time with manicotti which it complemented very well. I love the Rafanelli spice and flavors of their zin and this 2009 is no exception. This 2009 is very young and tight still and will benefit from a few years of cellaring.
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4/30/2011 - PIntag wrote: 89 Points
Pop & pour -- consumed with roast chicken and potatoes. Very restrained right now, but showing some nice spice and bramble with good structure and balance. Recommend a long decant or some significant time in cellar. Should evolve very nicely.
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4/22/2011 - bowmanbc wrote: 88 Points
not quite there yet, but bunch of potential.
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