2016 A. Rafanelli Merlot Dry Creek Valley

Community Tasting Notes (6) Avg Score: 92.3 points

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  1/27/2024 - thesternowl wrote: 92 Points

  Poured into an Amadeo decanter shortly before service and served alongside the 2016 Chateau L’Enclos because it just sounded fun. No formal notes. Somewhat surprisingly, the Rafanelli had a lot in common with the Pomerol. On the nose, the dark fruits and purple flowers were more powerful but this shared similar structure with its French counterpart and maybe even a little more acid. Oak treatment seemed a little more generous but it was integrating with the fruit very well. To my palate, this is really starting to show off and has a notable edge on the Chateau L’Enclos with more in all the right places. This is still developing so I expect the best is yet to come. Drink now through 2036 with ease.

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  2/20/2022 - TheBosWineGuy Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Might be my favorite bottling from these guys. Super extracted and concentrated with dark berries, cocoa, and espresso. Do people still eat coffee encrusted steaks? This would be outrageous paired with that type of meal.

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  9/26/2020 - Rwsmith5 Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Still young and tight.. decanted and further aerated it to find a beautiful balance. Had a small taste left on day three and it was a delicious fruit bomb.

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  1/7/2020 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Dark garnet in color and clear in the glass; Aromas of plum, black cherry, vanilla, and floral notes on the nose; tastes of plum, cherry, and minerality (wet rocks) on the palate; medium body, medium(+) acidity, medium plush tannins; long finish with lingering minerality. After an hour decant, secondary aromas tried to come out, but weren’t ready yet (muted smokiness, espresso, and chocolate). It needs at least another year before it becomes something really special.

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  12/15/2019 - thesternowl Likes this wine:

  100% Estate fruit grown at the base of the Terraced Cabernet Sauvignon vines and in front of the pond. Way to young to fairly evaluate right now. I threw this into the decanter for over two hours and that wasn't enough. It's dark fruit, chocolate and espresso; super primary. The oak is playing a major role right now but there is balance evident and it will integrate over the next few years. Try again in 2022.

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