A. Rafanelli
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Popped and poured; consumed over four hours. This was a beautiful wine from the start. Loads of currants and sweet tobacco with some baking spices and graphite in the mix. On the palate there were layers of dark fruits with just the slightest a touch of leather and kalamata olive peeking through. However, this gives an overall impression of being fresh and full of vigor. Tannins are firm yet silky in their delivery. I thought there was adequate acid to give it some lift too. The finish lasts for well over a minute and there is a savory element that is simply beguiling. This is a lovely wine that's drinking so well right now but has the balance and pedigree to suggest it will gracefully see the latter part of the next decade. This bottle was already throwing a good amount of very fine sediment but it's nothing that interferes with the experience.
Popped and poured; consumed over four hours. This was a beautiful wine from the start. Loads of currants and sweet tobacco with some baking spices and graphite in the mix. On the palate there were layers of dark fruits with just the slightest a touch of leather and kalamata olive peeking through. However, this gives an overall impression of being fresh and full of vigor. Tannins are firm yet silky in their delivery. I thought there was adequate acid to give it some lift too. The finish lasts for well over a minute and there is a savory element that is simply beguiling. This is a lovely wine that's drinking so well right now but has the balance and pedigree to suggest it will gracefully see the latter part of the next decade. This bottle was already throwing a good amount of very fine sediment but it's nothing that interferes with the experience.
2 people found it helpfulApr 1st, 2018
Decant 4-5 hours and it’s so much better than P&P. Great pairing with Wagyu New York Strip
Decant 4-5 hours and it’s so much better than P&P. Great pairing with Wagyu New York Strip
Oct 25th, 2023
Never had a bad bottle. Very enjoyable
Never had a bad bottle. Very enjoyable
Apr 16th, 2022
Remco! Still young but nonetheless enjoyable. Benefits from decanting and evolves over 2 hrs plus.
Remco! Still young but nonetheless enjoyable. Benefits from decanting and evolves over 2 hrs plus.
Sep 9th, 2019Consistently above average...one of the not so hidden secrets of Sonoma Dry Creek region...
Consistently above average...one of the not so hidden secrets of Sonoma Dry Creek region...
Apr 29th, 2018
Señor Howie G...thank you for sharing...
Señor Howie G...thank you for sharing...
Apr 9th, 2018
This is our go to wine...can’t be beat for the price. A classic Dry Creek, Sonoma County Zin and clearly the head of the class in the region!
This is our go to wine...can’t be beat for the price. A classic Dry Creek, Sonoma County Zin and clearly the head of the class in the region!
Oct 14th, 2017
Huge nose, fantastic color! Well balanced. Huge!
Huge nose, fantastic color! Well balanced. Huge!
Apr 8th, 2017