2005 Zinfandel Ueberroth

(16% alcohol, compared to 15% to 15.7% for most of the other 2005 zins from this winery; from vines planted in 1885) Bright ruby-red. Compellingly sappy aromas of cherry, blackberry and blueberry, with a near-porty ripeness. Then flamboyantly sweet and ripe, but with superb acidity giving a penetrating quality to the wine's superb fruit. The limestone soil here gives energy-and a low 3.35 pH-to this wonderfully sweet wine. Finishes with outstanding persistence. In just a few short years, this vineyard has emerged as one of California's great zinfandel sources.

A brilliant offering, the 2005 Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard emerges from a 19th century hillside vineyard planted in pure limestone. It offers a dense ruby/purple color, wonderful freshness, and a strong personality displaying notes of black raspberries, cassis, pepper, dried herbs, and earth. A stunner, it will be one of the longest lived 2005s, lasting for a decade or more. Previously recommended: As indicated last year, 2004 was a terrific vintage for Turley Zinfandels. If they can still be found, I would opt for purchasing them over their lighter 2005 counterparts. The 2004 reds include: Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard (97), Petite Syrah Library Vineyard (97), Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge (97), Petite Syrah Turley Estate (94), Zinfandel Dogtown Vineyard (88), Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard (94), Zinfandel Duarte (92), Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard (90), Zinfandel Grist Vineyard (94), Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard (95), Zinfandel Juvenile (89), Zinfandel Mead Ranch (89), Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Old Vines (91), Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Rancho Escondido (89), Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge (92), Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard (89), Zinfandel Turley Estate (91), Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Vineyard 101 (95). Not yet released. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683