2005 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge
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Tasting notes
Saturated medium red. Complex, highly aromatic nose combines meat, Tellicherry pepper and cinnamon, along with a distinct rocky character. Then creamy and peppery on the palate, more savory than sweet. In fact, this rather intriguing, soil-driven wine is in a distinctly dry style. From rocky, poor soil at an altitude of 2,400 feet; the vines were planted in 1998.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Howell Mountain vineyards are capable of producing stunning Zinfandels and Turley’s 2005 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge cuvee is a strong effort in this lighter-weight vintage. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with scents of smoked herbs, black cherries, berries, spice, and pepper. Medium to full-bodied with abundant amounts of pure fruit and good richness, it is one of the more complete 2005 Zinfandels. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. 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
About the producer
Founded in 1993, Turley Cellars is a leading name in California Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The winery has helped preserve the state’s old-vine heritage, farming historic vineyards organically and producing distinctive single-vineyard wines known for their character and longevity.