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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Consumed from my own cellar at The Joel Palmer House during IPNC weekend. While I've detected some bottle variation in the wine over the years, this bottle was right on point. Still driven by an opulent display of dark fruits and spice on the nose and palate, a few tertiary layers are now evident only serving to add more layers and overall complexity to the wine. This bottle could have easily lasted another 3-5 years.
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Both the nose and palate still remain highlighted with an array of blue/black fruits with hints of olive and smoked meat integrated into a finish that possesses continuous movement. There is just enough acidity that has provided a commendable drinking window, which should still be open up to another 3-4 years.
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2009 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel
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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2004 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Beaux Frères Vineyard
10/31/2014 - pinot36 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Consumed from my own cellar at The Joel Palmer House during IPNC weekend. While I've detected some bottle variation in the wine over the years, this bottle was right on point. Still driven by an opulent display of dark fruits and spice on the nose and palate, a few tertiary layers are now evident only serving to add more layers and overall complexity to the wine. This bottle could have easily lasted another 3-5 years.
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2006 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
10/29/2014 - pinot36 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Both the nose and palate still remain highlighted with an array of blue/black fruits with hints of olive and smoked meat integrated into a finish that possesses continuous movement. There is just enough acidity that has provided a commendable drinking window, which should still be open up to another 3-4 years.
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