Raphael, founded in 1996, is known in Long Island wine country for having one of the most magnificent tasting rooms, overflowing with Medditerranean style and offering spectacular views of the vineyard. Raphael’s focus is on Merlot–considered by many to be the varietal Long Island is best suited for (there will be many future posts on this topic). They also make Sauvignon Blanc (which is quite good), Saignee (a Rose) and have a recently released Cabernet Franc…but again, Merlot is their focus. This week, Raphael’s managing director and winemaker, Richard Olsen-Harbich, sent me a couple bottles of their 2000 First Label…