2005 Turley Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard

(recently moved to tank) Dark ruby. Very sexy but youthfully reticent aromas of peppery red fruits. Creamy-sweet but bright, with firm acids giving vinosity and lift to the crunchy red cherry and pepper flavors. A bit disturbed in its current form yet stylish, with a fine-grained texture and firm tannic spine. Should be a knockout.

While potentially outstanding, the soft 2005 Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard is not as concentrated as past vintages have been. Although typically a candidate for long term cellaring, I would drink the 2005 over the next 5-6 years. Blackberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit cascade from the glass of this full-bodied, pure, rich, medium to full-bodied Zin. 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