WTN: A. Rafanelli Zinfandel 2001

A. Rafanelli Zinfandel 2001 Dry Creek Vinyards, Sonoma County

Color: Dark ruby up front and almost black from across the table. Bits of orange (like fire) showing around the edges.

Nose: Very woodsy with cedar, wet hay, rosemary, tobacco.

Palate: Good, solid acidity throughout with dark dried fruit up front (only slightly jammy). The mid-palate gave me some definite anise followed by more wood and chocolate. The finish was nice and long.

This was a bold zin but was still very elegant and complex; not wimpy at all. It paired well with the evenings menu. I just read the thread entitled "Zin with food" or something of the effect. This was a great food zin.

Menu:

Appetizer of Oregon Brooks Prunes wrapped with Prociutto di Parma (thanks Paulo!)

Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Clamshell Mushrooms and Cognac Cream

Baked Potato with Butter S&P

Sauteed Swiss Chard

Meyer Lemon Souflee

6/24/2006 Deep black cherry to a red-violet edge. Sweet and supple deep black berry fruit, clear and direct, elements of wet stone, dark earth and a bit of black cherry on the nose. Rich, supple entry to a vibrant center of deep blackberry and black currant fruit, nice oak framing and fairly big, ripe fruit tannins at the edge, supple blackberry acidity beneath, rich and deep, moderate to long consistent finish.