Tasting Notes

WA98+

A Howell Mountain Zinfandel that many afficionados of Turley Zinfandels know so well is the 2013 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge. From an organic vineyard at the very top of Howell Mountain, I think this may well be the highest elevation vineyard that Larry Turley farms (2600 feet). Because of that elevation, this is a relatively cool site, but well above the fog line and certainly the recipient of intense sunlight. One of the greatest Zinfandels I’ve ever tasted from Larry Turley, this wine (15.7% alcohol) offers super-concentrated blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit, some floral notes, an underlying firm structure, but lavish (if not luxurious) fruit, texture and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish goes on for a good 45+ seconds. This is an absolute tour de force in winemaking and a great example of what this winery – which changed the face of and consumer’s reaction to Zinfandel – has achieved for nearly 25 years. This wine should drink well for 10-15 years, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see bottles still strutting their stuff 20-25 years from now.

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