Just started tasting this after decanting for approximately an hour. Intense berry taste. Very full fruit with a moderately long finish. Tannins are very soft. The wine has a lot of balance and will hold for a while in the cellar but there is no reason to wait -- it is drinking nicely now and istn't likely to improve. I'd rate this in the range of 88-89 pts.

My sediments exactly, Another great zin from this impressive winery. Jeb, are you on the mailing list?, if you are, the 97' zin is drinking beautifully right now. I am curious for your opinion on past vintages. I have been on their mailing list since the 95' vintage. My preference in order are 97,95,99,96,00,98. Anyone else who has tasted these wines I would like you opinions also.

I have the good fortune of having a brother-in-law that has been on the mailing list for many years. In the very early '90s you could actually find Rafanelli in stores on the East Coast -- the 1991 was my first recollection. [back then you could even find Rochioli Pinot in the stores too!!]

1994 and 1995 have been the best ones that I can recall (I didn't keep notes back then). I found the 1997 a little on the thin side and a bit tart but still a worthy wine. The 2000 has more body and balanced fruit than the 1997 in my opinion.

Rafanelli is one of my favorites because he always pulls off a very good wine, even in off years and great ones in good years. His zin is classic in the sense that it is not over-powered and has the fruit and zest that I expect from a dry creek zin. I believe (but not certain) that he only uses 100% zin so you don't get the kick in the jaw that you sometimes get with blends.

I recently rated this 88P.

2000 Rafanelli Zin

Nice solid zin, but liked the '99 a little better.

Cheers,

Otis