2005 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon

Community Tasting Notes (47) Avg Score: 91.4 points

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  11/2/2021 - VinCA wrote: 93 Points

  Very happy with how this is drinking. Characteristic Rafanelli qualities - deep, rich fruit, dark in color, solid earthiness - charcoal, with just a hint of green pepper. Tannins have melted into the wine. Nice job, Shelley!

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  3/28/2021 - BGK810 Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Last bottle, and it was the best. Rich black cherry and black currant, beautifully integrated oak, a 30+ second finish. At 16, this still tastes very fresh. Great Cab!

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  7/20/2019 - Chapel Likes this wine: 94 Points

  This is an unfiltered bottle so allow for sediment and this need to decant. Decanted 1.5 hours and then slowly consumed over 8 hours
  This is a big boy. Fruit forward . Developed over time. Slightly astringent to some, but a long finish. After awhile a red/green pepper flavor pepped out at the finish. Paired well with out steaks.
  Still can use a bit more smoothness if I had to be picky. Excellent vintage

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  7/20/2019 - amanofwords Likes this wine: 87 Points

  Fruit has faded.

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  2/2/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:

  Bought 2-3 bottles 11 years ago for about 35/b directly from the winery. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Rich, dark red color; fragrant cassis and mature redcurrant nose with some oak; mature fruit, very good mouthfeel, perhaps at/near peak but can last for some years to come. Delicious with potjie of lamb, veg, and secret herbs simmered over 1-2 hours. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.

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