1997 Turley Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard

I do not believe I have ever tasted a more concentrated, essence-like wine than Turley's 1997 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard. Made from 55-year old vines that yielded only 9.8 tons of fruit for five acres, this opaque black-colored wine is the biggest, richest, most concentrated, tannic wine I have ever tasted. It will need at least a decade to shed some of its ferocious tannin, and will undoubtedly last for 40-50 years. Even more remarkable is its purity and overall equilibrium. Despite its Godzilla-like size, this is an astonishingly concentrated, gorgeously made wine. I have never, ever, seen a wine like this! Turley Cellars' Petite Syrahs are the most amazing wines ever produced from this varietal. Petite Sirah tends to be disparaged, but when it is made from low yields and extremely ripe fruit, it possesses 2-3 decades of aging potential, and can reach astonishing levels of complexity. Release date 9/99. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683

Dark purple-ruby. Vibrant, precise aromas of blackberry, licorice and spices. Backward and thoroughly dry on the palate, with a powerful tannic structure making this tough going today. Intriguing minerally suggestion of lead pencil and a deep core of spice add complexity to the berry flavors. Offers outstanding potential but will need time in bottle.