TN: 2017 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel (USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley)

WINE TALK
1
  • 2017 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (9/27/2021)
    Lightly structured, full of red and black berry fruit, a little spice on the back end - this is maybe a touch alcoholic on the back end, but I am probably splitting hairs. Overall it’s tasty, and a good partner to food, as it is not so huge as to overwhelm the meal.

Posted from CellarTracker

1 Like
2

I liked it but not as much as the 16 or 18.

1/11/2021 rated 92 points: Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Pretty nose of black fruits, anise and pepper. Full bodied with ample acidity. Well balanced with plenty of upfront Dry Creek fruits. Black cherry, blackberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with dusty tannins. Lacks the acidity to be really great but no denying that this is a delight to drink. Best over the next 2-3 years.

Tom

1 Like
3

Ultimately I think we had very similar impressions. I plan to drink mine in the near to medium term. I might go as far out as 5 more years, but I doubt it.

4

Thanks for the note–I skipped the 2017 vintage, but still have some 2015s, 2016s, and 2018s. I usually drink A. Rafanelli to quickly, and want to see how some of them age.

5

Looked up my holdings and realized I had a couple bottles of their 11 and 12 cab. Pulled one of each. Might as well check in on em

1 Like
6

The Rafanelli Zins age surprisingly well. I’ve had 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004 in the past few years.

-Al

7

That’s great to know. Last time I visited Shelly told me, “you’re drinking them WAY too young!”

I’ve had a 2010 A. Rafanelli Cabernet that was very nice, about a year ago. Fruit and acidity still going, tannins fairly light. Didn’t shut down or fall apart during consumption. But most I just drink on the early side, I’ll continue to hold them in this case!

8

I don’t recall trying one young, but I’m sure they are very nice then, too. As David pointed out, they are done in a somewhat restrained style (although often with a hint of heat).

-Al

9

This is an annual purchase. Love Rafanelli’s wines. I tend to hide them until they get 4 years on the bottles before drinking.

10

Tom Lee wrote:
I liked it but not as much as the 16 or 18.

Or the 19! We have only tried one bottle of the 19 so far, and it was excellent. We have been buying Rafanelli wines for years and are rarely disappointed.

Ed

11

There are no 2020 Rafanelli wines …. Smoke tainted.

12

Damn! I buy every year. Hate to hear this.

13

Yes, we’re still drinking the 2000’s and they are drinking well. Do not have 2002 but do have 2004. Haven’t tried them yet.