2005 Turley Zinfandel Estate
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Tasting notes
Modestly saturated medium ruby. Cherry, red berries and a liqueur-like quality that reminded me more of grenache than zinfandel. Then sweet, supple and easygoing; not complex but a fleshy, plump fruit bomb whose ripe tannins will not get in the way of early drinking.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasting almost like Pinot Noir, the medium ruby-colored 2005 Zinfandel Turley Estate exhibits a bouquet of sweet cherries as well as a superficial palate. While elegant, it lacks intensity and depth. 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.