A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

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

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and loads of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of dark cherry, mixed brambles, mixed flowers, mushroom, a touch of funk, pine sap, forest floor, a little VA, and a mix of cool and warm spices for good measure. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin medium+ and acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. F***ing awesome. One of the greatest experiences with Zinfandel that I’ve ever had. Drink now through 2038.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and loads of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of dark cherry, mixed brambles, mixed flowers, mushroom, a touch of funk, pine sap, forest floor, a little VA, and a mix of cool and warm spices for good measure. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin medium+ and acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. F***ing awesome. One of the greatest experiences with Zinfandel that I’ve ever had. Drink now through 2038.

Jan 4th, 2026
Harumph Wines

Owner Harumph Wines

9.5

Such an amazing expression of zin. I remember the Rafanelli family being the best supporter of Sonoma State hoop team. @chefcaseyt

Such an amazing expression of zin. I remember the Rafanelli family being the best supporter of Sonoma State hoop team. @chefcaseyt

1 person found it helpfulNov 13th, 2015
Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.2

1998: Lovely balance, really showing well.

1998: Lovely balance, really showing well.

Apr 11th, 2016
Paul Pirruccello

Paul had this 10 years ago

Paul had this 10 years ago

Jan 3rd, 2016
Hal Dieterle

Hal had this 11 years ago

Hal had this 11 years ago

Oct 10th, 2014