2008 Turley Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(16.1% alcohol) Full, deep red. Musky dark cherry on the nose. Sweet and thick on the palate, with jammy cherry/berry flavors that come off as a bit crude following the perfumed Ueberroth bottling. This impressively plush zinfandel could use a bit more clarity and definition.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Strong earthy, meaty, smoked game, and underbrush characteristics are present in the dark plum-colored 2008 Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard. This outstanding Zinfandel reveals a more herbal, spicy personality. As I have said many times, the most underrated varietal (especially if you are a connoisseur or collector wanting to age California wines for 10-20 years) is Petite Sirah, which ages just as well as the finest Cabernet Sauvignons. In fact, it ages more slowly, and in 2009, well-cellared examples from the late 1960s and early 1970s continue to be remarkable wines. All of the following wines are noteworthy, and I am sure they will still be drinking beautifully in 25, 35, perhaps even 40 or more years. They need plenty of time to age, and because they have never been fashionable, their prices tend to be realistic. That said, you have to be a masochist to drink these wines young as they are massive, inky/blue/black, super-concentrated offerings that need at least 8-10 years of bottle age. 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.