Alberto Rafanelli, an Italian immigrant, first founded A. Rafanelli Winery in the early 1900’s. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that Alberto’s son, Americo, came out with the present day label and started selling the wine commercially. David and Patty Rafanelli now run the winery and a 4th generation Rafanelli, their daughter Shelly, is the winemaker. The winery is perhaps best known for their Zinfandel but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with all the fruit sourced from their vineyard in Dry Creek Valley.
I’ve previously posted on Rafanelli in What’s Your Price for Zin?
Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Brambly red and blue fruits, pepper and lavender on the nose. Medium body to go with medium acidity. This Zinfandel glides across the palate with flavors of blueberry, raspberry and boysenberry. White pepper and baking spice are also present. Great precision and balance. There are dusty Dry Creek tannins on an exceptionally long finish. Probably best consumed over the next two years.
My rating: 92 points.
$42 at the winery.
Rafanelli is very traditional in how they run the winery. If you want to join the mailing list you need to send them a letter. They do not correspond via email, but will likely answer the phone if you give them a call. The extra effort required to acquire the wine is worth it.
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Sometime recently Tim Fish explained a couple of disappointing reviews of Rafanelli wines by saying the winery clearly had a bret issue. Have you experienced that? I have not. And I think I’m relatively sensitive to bret. I can detect it and have in many wines. Rafanellis are among my true go-to Zins.
Tim and I have corresponded on this as well. Like you I have never found brett on the Rafanelli wines and. I’m very sensitive to brett. I guess my one caveat is that I have not tried the ’10-’12 Zins as of yet.