2007 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel

Community Tasting Notes (125) Avg Score: 91.3 points

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  1/25/2021 - thesternowl wrote: 93 Points

  Presented double-blind; cloudy in the glass, sediment?…almost opaque but not quite. Color a deep ruby with a slightly lighter rim. Aromas of red and dark fruits with baking spice and damp forest floor. On the palate, very generous black and red fruit with baking spice, earth and leather. Apparent use of some new French oak. Medium plus alcohol, medium acid. Tannins are soft and integrated. Long, immensely satisfying finish. Most thought it had 5-10 years of age on it; Napa or Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. Some thought Southern Rhone…noting that it shared some similarities in profile to Pegau and Rayas (!!!). Everyone swooned with it was revealed to be 2007 Rafanelli Zinfandel. FWIW, this wine has many years ahead of it.

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  10/17/2020 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Wow. This was amazing for a 13-year-old Zin. Superb nose and color. Still had nice sweet fruit and was very balanced.

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  9/19/2020 - amanofwords Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Still very jammy, which was unexpected with a zin of this age. Some vegetal notes, long finish. Excellent paired with homemade turkey meatloaf.

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  2/1/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:

  Bought 3-4 bottles about 10 years ago directly from the winery for about 30/b. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Rich, dark purple color; mature red fruit nose with some oak; rich, semi-complex mature fruit, brambly, very good mouthfeel. Delicious with braai of sausages, sirloin, lamb liver "tortoises", and marinated chicken (not sure of herbs). 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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  11/22/2018 - Theamaronefan Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Soft tannins, jammy cherry and dark fruits with some spice. Drinking beautifully with 11 years of age. Paired well with Thanksgiving Dinner!

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