2005 and 2006 were not prime Zinfandel vintages in northern California. Zinfandel needs lots of heat during the ripening process and these two years were generally a bit too cool. Several of Turley's zins from these vintages lacked the lush, ripe fruit you would expect from this producer, but such is not the case with this Dragon Vineyard offering. The vineyard is located in Napa Valley's Howell Mountain AVA.
Dark ruby color. Ripe raspberry and cinnamon aromas leap right out of the glass. Meaty, mouth-filling flavors are fully extracted but not ponderous. Fully ripe tannins. This wine is just plain delicious. It will hold for several years but who can resist pulling the cork now?
The cost was $45. Turley wines are allocated but, given the fact that our economy is in the tank, you might be able to get on their subscription list without a long wait. Both Parker and Tanzer rated this wine in the low 90's and I can't argue with that.
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