A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Merlot

9.31 ratings
9.31 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2022 Merlot pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fantastic notes of black plum, black cherry, cocoa, purple flowers, leaf tobacco, green chilis, dry earth and fine 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 with lovely texture. This is a phenomenal vintage of Merlot despite the challenges. Drink now through 2048.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2022 Merlot pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fantastic notes of black plum, black cherry, cocoa, purple flowers, leaf tobacco, green chilis, dry earth and fine 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 with lovely texture. This is a phenomenal vintage of Merlot despite the challenges. Drink now through 2048.

Aug 9th, 2026