1996 Turley Zinfandel Black-Sears Vineyard

This deep ruby/purple-colored wine (planted high on Howell Mountain) reveals a sweet nose of black raspberries, truffles, smoke, and spice. This full-bodied wine is rich in glycerin and extract, with beautifully integrated alcohol (about 15%). It is a stylish, restrained, impeccably clean, long Zinfandel that should drink well for 5-6 years. These are the Zinfandels of the 1996 vintage. Critics will whine that they are the most alcoholic wines of the vintage, and yes, they are among the most potent. Yet they are unequivocally the most complex, concentrated, and complete wines of the vintage - offering layers of flavor, extraordinary textures, and unbelievable balance. Readers must certainly be aware of the fact that they have become almost impossible to obtain because of their huge popularity. Zinfandels such as Turley's set the standards for other producers, and encourage people to search out old, head-pruned parcels of Zinfandel vines and treat them as they would Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir - with tender, loving care. Tasting these Zinfandels from bottle is a treat. Tel. (707) 963-0940