Ming L

9.3

Like the Pipparello, this is a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Montepulciano. Unlike the Pipparello, this one sees no oak.
The savory nose is full of cherries, earth, and herbal spices. Very deep and complex. On the palate the acidity is noticeably higher. Intense and brooding. Powerful dusty tannins.
A wine making tour de force. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Something quite magical often happens to Rafanelli Zinfandel after 10+ years of bottle age. I can’t explain it…but these wines begin to take on a more rustic, Old World feel. It’s as if they shift into an overdrive. The fruit is still big, beautiful and pure (no-doubt a testament to their rigorous selection) and yet they can often display a new energy about them which give them remarkable longevity. This bottle is perfectly representative.

Opened to celebrate my daughter’s 14th birthday, the 2009 Rafanelli Zinfandel pours a deep, practically opaque garnet that becomes more turbid the further we delved into the bottle (in typical fashion, this Rafanelli full of sediment). Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, bright cherry and bramble-like fruits, Asian spices, espresso and some black pepper. I do sense a touch of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry and with medium tannin and medium+ acid. The notes from the nose are confirmed…with a bit of added emphasis, it should be noted. There’s almost a Pop Rocks experience too…with the slightest effervescence pricking the tongue. And again, this is something that I would more expect from a non-interventionalist wine from Italy…certainly not from Sonoma. Hot take here…but this bottle reminded me of something from Paolo Bea (San Valentino) more than anything from Sonoma, let alone California. It’s just so wonderful. The finish is long and delivers minutes of pleasure.

As far as I’m concerned, nobody is making Zinfandel with the soul that Rafanelli does and the proof is in the bottle each and every time. Of course, they are delicious when young but with age, these wines become something else. Drink now with a decant (for sediment only) and through 2034. — a year ago

Jess

9.0

Pale straw color.
Aromas of citrus, nuts, garlic mash.
Dry. Flavors of lemon, garlic, saline, nuts.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 3 months ago

Tzippy Cohen

9.0

Nice round tannins, smooth, leather, dark fruit — 8 months ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 & homemade tigelle! Red fruits. Herbs. Spice. An elegant soft finish. Time was definitely on our side! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Brian Feist

9.0

Had at San Pietro in Positano 2010 — 8 years ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured. The 2019 Antonelli “Spoleto” pours a slightly turbid, deep golden color. Yellow flowers, quince, and dried apricot with medium acid and a medium finish. Crushable. 1/2 the Paolo Bea at 1/2 the price. I’m shelling out for the Bea if I can find it. Otherwise, this is a nice alternative for sure. Drink now and over the next 5 years. — 6 months ago

Sunanda Patel

8.9

Yum! Give this one a try! Cherry, spice, everything else is nice — 3 years ago

Carlo Maria Rossotto

9.4

Fantastic gift from the owner of La Libera - great evening with Gianluca Ferruccio Paolo and Cristiano — 6 years ago

Nunzio Castaldo

9.2

A real treat.. VERDICCHIO OLE' — 9 years ago