A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

9.1120 ratings
9.023 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

Again, a kiss of Brettanomyces found in the 2011 Zinfandel...and I’m okay with it. Cherries and earth. Totally refreshing in a world of massive Zinfandel. Really good, but not their best.

Again, a kiss of Brettanomyces found in the 2011 Zinfandel...and I’m okay with it. Cherries and earth. Totally refreshing in a world of massive Zinfandel. Really good, but not their best.

May 1st, 2019
Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

9.3

Brought by Chuck Carlson to Eagles vs Buffalo tailgate. Awesome experience this 2011 Raf Zin. Best of Zin this day. Gobs of fruit, good structure, a rarely seen wine . Thanks Chuck C!! CB 93

Brought by Chuck Carlson to Eagles vs Buffalo tailgate. Awesome experience this 2011 Raf Zin. Best of Zin this day. Gobs of fruit, good structure, a rarely seen wine . Thanks Chuck C!! CB 93

1 person found it helpfulDec 13th, 2015
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.2

A nice return to form after a few vintages where both the oak and fruit seemed over-driven. This is elegant, red fruited, brambley Zin, and the oak has integrated nicely.

A nice return to form after a few vintages where both the oak and fruit seemed over-driven. This is elegant, red fruited, brambley Zin, and the oak has integrated nicely.

1 person found it helpfulAug 26th, 2015
Michael Retter

Dark fruits, spice and a tart finish. A solid zin.

Dark fruits, spice and a tart finish. A solid zin.

Apr 8th, 2017
Lori Mike

Vibrant red in color. Blueberry blackberry and black cherry on the nose. Black pepper ,Clove, and a hint of mint along with blackberry in the taste. This rating was done in comparison to other Rafanelli's we have had. Much better than the 08-09 were.

Vibrant red in color. Blueberry blackberry and black cherry on the nose. Black pepper ,Clove, and a hint of mint along with blackberry in the taste. This rating was done in comparison to other Rafanelli's we have had. Much better than the 08-09 were.

Feb 21st, 2015
Drew DiMatteo

In a very difficult vintage A. Rafanelli still produces a very good wine.

In a very difficult vintage A. Rafanelli still produces a very good wine.

May 26th, 2014
Cary Q Wines

Full bodied and elegant fruit and spice. Aromas of bright cherries and chocolate. One of my favorite Zins of Sonoma. Also a beautiful and a most visit vineyard/winery.

Full bodied and elegant fruit and spice. Aromas of bright cherries and chocolate. One of my favorite Zins of Sonoma. Also a beautiful and a most visit vineyard/winery.

Dec 16th, 2013
Sommelara

Super Zin from Dry Creek area, aroma, taste and finish like no other!

Super Zin from Dry Creek area, aroma, taste and finish like no other!

Nov 23rd, 2013
Janice in Livermore

2011 Perfect with Snake River Farms steak!

2011 Perfect with Snake River Farms steak!

Jan 30th, 2023
Leo Gentile

Deep purple hue nearly opaque. Jammy nose of black fruits. Richly latex with soft tannins and a bit of spice. Threw quite a bit of mud in the last glass, that is a nice reminder that this hand crafted wine is truly minimally processed or manhandled. I have been enjoying since 1990 and am privileged to be on their mailing list.

Deep purple hue nearly opaque. Jammy nose of black fruits. Richly latex with soft tannins and a bit of spice. Threw quite a bit of mud in the last glass, that is a nice reminder that this hand crafted wine is truly minimally processed or manhandled. I have been enjoying since 1990 and am privileged to be on their mailing list.

Apr 18th, 2021