Winery - Raphael
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This one of New York’s full-priced wines, an attempt at the big time. But it’s light and herbal, with oregano and tomato aromas and heavy barrel notes of rubber and char. The palate is dry, lean and leathery, with only a modicum of strawberry fruit. And the finish is bitter and long. —
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Raphael Merlot - 1999
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Several years of aging has brought out some nice leather and barnyard tones that blend well with the raspberry and cherry fruit. Pleasant vanilla notes grace the moderately long and gripping finish. Although it was quite pretty when first opened, this wine declines in the glass and should therefore be drunk up as soon as possible. Try with smoked meats.
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Raphael Merlot - 2001
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A good choice for fans of older wines, the Raphael 2002 Merlot shows mature forest floor and earth scents but is still hanging on to some raspberry and blackberry fruit. The crisp palate has a mouthwatering character and a touch of singed plum flavor. Woody tannins chime in on the medium finish. Drink before 2011.
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Raphael Merlot - 2002
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This first label Merlot combines pleasant notes of black coffee and plush red plum with savory aromas of dried mushrooms, spices and a hint of tomatoes. Gripping tannins and glimpses of underripe fruit and green stalks throughout make this wine a tad clunky and disjointed.
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Raphael Merlot - 2005
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A medium bouquet of apple, lemon and a touch of fresh young peach. The oak is there but not overpowering. The palate is well structured with good acidity and a medium weight followed by a lengthy finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
If you like ’em big and oaky, then this one’s for you. Aromas and flavors of wood-grilled peaches, roasted red apples, buttery toast and rich nuttiness all generously abound. The mouth is full and slightly fat, with moderate acidity and a medium-length, smoky finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a reserved and elegant example, fashioned along European lines. There’s mixed vegetable and tomato notes upfront and a juicy palate of red fruit rounded out by a vanilla top note. The medium finish shows soft tannins. Serve with firm cheese. Drink now to 2011.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This 100% merlot is partially aged in older oak for 6 months and then in stainless steel. It's round and fruity but the chew overpowers a bit here, overcoming the bright, pleasant flavors of plum and toasted oak. The dense mouthfeel and structure add heft. Overall a good wine and may improve with age.
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Raphael Merlot - 2003
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Has plenty of dry, extracted tannins alongside dark fruit, tree bark and vanilla notes. The mouth doesn’t deliver as much, with moderate dark fruit flavors matched by green, stemmy notes. Finishes with chalky tannins.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Purple colored, with big, dry tannins for a Cabernet Franc from Long Island. Aged in 100% stainless steel, this wine has inviting aromas of grape, blueberry and graphite, although the flavors lean toward rhubarb and red plum.
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