2005 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch
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Tasting notes
(from 60+-year-old vines planted at an altitude of 1,600 feet) Deep red. Deep, musky aromas of dark fruits, mocha, tobacco and cracked pepper, lifted by sweet spices; this reminded me of Howell Mountain fruit. Sweet, creamy and deep, with a peppery lift but a complete absence of hard edges. Not a fruity style but nuanced and interesting. Finishes quite long, with suave tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From a high elevation vineyard, the 2005 Zinfandel Mead Ranch Atlas Peak reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as soft, spicy, herbal, forest floor notes interwoven with cherry, red and black currant, crushed rock, and earth characteristics. It should drink well for 4-5 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.