Representing the essence of Zinfandel this wine boasts a dark saturated purple color mind boggling fruit extract and concentration levels compelling harmony and overall balance particularly for a wine of such massive size and a whoppingly long finish. The dominate characteristics are its blackberry/black raspberry/cherry liqueur-like flavors voluptuous texture and seamless integration of wood alcohol and acidity. I am not a great believer in the capability of Zinfandels to age but this wine although accessible now should last well beyond a decade. Kudos to Turley! These are the Zinfandels of the 1996 vintage. Critics will whine that they are the most alcoholic wines of the vintage and yes they are among the most potent. Yet they are unequivocally the most complex concentrated and complete wines of the vintage - offering layers of flavor extraordinary textures and unbelievable balance. Readers must certainly be aware of the fact that they have become almost impossible to obtain because of their huge popularity. Zinfandels such as Turley's set the standards for other producers and encourage people to search out old head-pruned parcels of Zinfandel vines and treat them as they would Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir - with tender loving care. Tasting these Zinfandels from bottle is a treat.

Here's a big ripe mouthful of Zinfandel from a winery specializing in the variety. You can feel the energy in this seductive wine--dense chewy and jam-packed with rich concentrated plum black cherry blackberry and spice character. From a 90-year-old vineyard. Best from 1999 through 2004. 600 cases made. –JL