2013 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge

A Howell Mountain Zinfandel that many afficionados of Turley Zinfandels know so well is the 2013 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge. From an organic vineyard at the very top of Howell Mountain, I think this may well be the highest elevation vineyard that Larry Turley farms (2600 feet). Because of that elevation, this is a relatively cool site, but well above the fog line and certainly the recipient of intense sunlight. One of the greatest Zinfandels I’ve ever tasted from Larry Turley, this wine (15.7% alcohol) offers super-concentrated blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit, some floral notes, an underlying firm structure, but lavish (if not luxurious) fruit, texture and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish goes on for a good 45+ seconds. This is an absolute tour de force in winemaking and a great example of what this winery – which changed the face of and consumer’s reaction to Zinfandel – has achieved for nearly 25 years. This wine should drink well for 10-15 years, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see bottles still strutting their stuff 20-25 years from now.

Once again, the 2013 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge shows more mid-weight expression of Howell Mountain. Iron, blood, white pepper and savory herbs open up in the glass. Today, the Rattlesnake comes across wild, powerful and unrestrained than the Dragon, yet it also retains a considerable amount of polish, which makes it remarkably complete, not to mention delicious.