2007 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard (Paso Robles) – – Zinfandel grape
From their home vineyards on the limestone soils in Paso Robles, the 2007 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard displays richness, freshness, and vibrancy (no doubt due to the cool limestone soils), and beautiful notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and seaweed wrapper. This medium to full-bodied, classic Zin should age nicely for 7-8 years. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate Good medium bright ruby. Black pepper and licorice dominate the nose and palate, with dark fruits and crushed rock currently in the background. But this is vibrant and penetrating limestone-driven zinfandel, with an impressively sappy finish that argues for a bit of bottle aging. Rated 92 International Wine Cellar
2005 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Atlas Peak Mead Ranch (Napa Valley) – Zinfandel grape
From a high elevation vineyard, the 2005 Zinfandel Mead Ranch Atlas Peak reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as soft, spicy, herbal, forest floor notes interwoven with cherry, red and black currant, crushed rock, and earth characteristics. It should drink well for 4-5 years. Rated 88-90 The Wine Advocate From 60+-year-old vines planted at an altitude of 1,600 feet) Deep red. Deep, musky aromas of dark fruits, mocha, tobacco and cracked pepper, lifted by sweet spices; this reminded me of Howell Mountain fruit. Sweet, creamy and deep, with a peppery lift but a complete absence of hard edges. Not a fruity style but nuanced and interesting. Finishes quite long, with suave tannins. Rated 92 International Wine Cellar
2005 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard (Napa Valley) – Zinfandel grape
Another winner from Howell Mountain is the 2005 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard. It shows beautiful crushed rock, acacia flower, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry characteristics, full body, supple tannin, and decent acidity. It won’t make old bones, but for drinking during its first 4-5 years of life, it is impressively constituted as well as well-balanced. Rated 90-92 The Wine Advocate
(From richer soil than the Rattlesnake Ridge) Deep red with ruby highlights. Enticing aromas of raspberry liqueur and cracked pepper. Creamy, fat and sweet, with a distinctly liqueur-like character complicated by a whiff of meat. Next to the comparatively ethereal Rattlesnake Ridge zin, this is distinctly richer and a bit chunkier-not to mention riper and larger-scaled. Rated 91 International Wine Cellar
2005 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard (Contra Costa County) – Zinfandel grape
From the sandy soils of Contra Costa, the well-made 2005 Zinfandel Duarte reveals plenty of fruit, power, and richness. It should turn out to be outstanding once it has been bottled. Rated 88-91 The Wine Advocate
2002 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard (Paso Robles) – Zinfandel grape
The 2002 Zinfandel Pesenti Estate, from a 50-year old site planted on pure limestone, tastes like a classic Chateauneuf du Pape made from Grenache. The 16% alcohol is well-concealed in this 700-case cuvee. A deep ruby color is accompanied by sumptuous aromatics of kirsch liqueur kissed with melted licorice, pepper, and spice. There is tremendous precision, surprisingly good acidity (thanks to the limestone soils), and a heady, rich, full-bodied, impressive finish. This is the finest example yet fashioned from the Pesenti Estate. Rated 92-94 The Wine Advocate
Deep medium ruby. Sappy aromas of red cherry, black cherry, cranberry and clove. A dense, tangy fruit bomb on the palate, with compelling sweetness and outstanding snap. But still tightly wrapped today owing to its strong acid structure. Finishes very firm, with a captivating floral nuance. Rated 93 points International Wine Cellar
2003 Turley Wine Cellars Petite Sirah Library Estate (Napa Valley) – Petite Sirah grape
The 2003 Petite Syrah Turley Estate (200 cases; 14.2% alcohol) is a soft, civilized Petite Syrah, a varietal known for producing massive, backward, almost brutally concentrated and tannic wines that need at least a decade to become drinkable. This 2003 is a surprisingly elegant, opulent example with wonderful concentration in addition to atypical accessibility. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Rated 91-93 The Wine Advocate