Turley 2023 Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

     
Very limited new Turley Zin release.

94+ Points Robert Parker: "The Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge is a tense, moving target on the nose, traversing myriad aromas of fresh herbs, ripe stone fruits, coconut flakes, meaty dark fruits, aniseed and subtle reduction before settling itself. The palate is medium to full-bodied but relatively restrained and elegant, coming across as lighter on its feet than the nose would suggest. The finish combines soft, fine but grainy tannins with well-rounded, balanced acidity and a long, perfumed finish. Cleary in need of unwinding and further integration, I look forward to checking back on this wine in 3-5 years and over the following decade."

Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Napa Valley by former emergency room physician Larry Turley in 1993. Under the direction of winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, Turley now makes 50 different wines from over 50 vineyards across California, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vines dating back to the late 1800s. By farming organically and focusing on old vine vineyards of these varieties, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture.

Rattlesnake Ridge is an estate-owned and certified organic vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at about 2600 feet, the vines see more sun here then they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold, strong tannins and an acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain.