Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe black currants, mixed brambles, tobacco, Poblano pepper, purple flowers, some leather, dry organic earth and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is just exceptional, no other way to put it. While Rafanelli wines are fun when they are young, they become magical with some age. If you several, open one soon and enjoy where it’s currently at. If you have only one and you’re saving it for a special occasion, you’re in no hurry. This will drink well through 2040+.
Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe black currants, mixed brambles, tobacco, Poblano pepper, purple flowers, some leather, dry organic earth and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is just exceptional, no other way to put it. While Rafanelli wines are fun when they are young, they become magical with some age. If you several, open one soon and enjoy where it’s currently at. If you have only one and you’re saving it for a special occasion, you’re in no hurry. This will drink well through 2040+.
Sep 20th, 2026
