Jay Kline

9.2

I pulled this from the cellar on Father’s Day; toasting the year I became a dad. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2006 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core and a magenta rim; medium+ viscosity with faint staining of the tears and lots of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of tart dark fruits: brambles, montmornecy cherries, tobacco, dry earth, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy with tongue smacking acid. The 2006 Rafanelli Zinfandel is in a seriously great spot right now and well stored examples should hold in this position easily through the rest of this decade. Great with pizza. Drink now through 2031+. — 19 days ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened and poured into a decanter about four hours prior to service. The 2005 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and some sediment. One the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe brambles, garrigue, cool spices, leather, licorice, and espresso. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, tart and sapid. A wine of pedigree and yet, has a rusticity that gives a nod to its origin. Drink now through 2035+? — 12 days ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened the evening prior at 7pm and double-decanted; the bottle was left at room temp with the cork pressed lightly back into the neck until service. The 2000 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and a slightly water rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and showing some real power with a compelling combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: dark brambles, cassis, leather, dill, olives, spiced meat, tobacco and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and whoa is it ever delicious. This has to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink now through 2040. — 13 days ago

Ron R

9.2

We recently had this by the glass at Peaks, NYC. We enjoyed it so much that we bought a few bottles. While I consider this to be a “construction site,” I respect what the Wagner’s have accomplished. Not gonna bother with tasting notes as this is just a cherry compote fruit bomb. Tasted using a coravin as a few glasses represents a meal on its own. — 3 days ago

with Anne-marie

Andrew McIntyre

9.4

Always a pleasure to drink. Silky smooth and already integrated but with some lively youth remaining. Great wine! — 2 days ago

Aravind A

9.4

Sometimes, you just need something excellent on a Tuesday. — 19 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.4

A powerful bottle. Lovely. — 7 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.2

Overpriced at a restaurant but delicious and young. 2021. — a day ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Showing very well after 2 hours in the decanter but this is still very young and unresolved. Very enjoyable still but a long life ahead. — 3 days ago

Paul J

9.5

1hr+ decant. Dark red color with subtle purple rims. Super complex nose and wine, so not even going to try and describe. Has a little bit of everything all summed up by awesome! Distinct on its own. — 13 hours ago

with Brooke