1998 Turley Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(16.4% alcohol): Complex, inviting aromas of raspberry and coffee accented by black peppercorn. Juicy, savory wine with a touch of maderization but also plenty of salty sex appeal to its balsamic flavors of cedar and sandalwood. This wine struck me as fairly lush and soft at the outset but it's still alive 20 years later. Finishes with decent length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Year in and year out, one of the most concentrated and spectacular Zinfandels produced in California emerges from the old vines St. Helena's Hayne Vineyard. The 1998 Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard (16.4% alcohol) may not be quite as good as the nearly perfect examples from the past, but it is one of the vintage's superstars. Dense ruby/purple-colored, with a flamboyant nose of blackberries, cherries, kirsch, pepper, spice, and earth, this massive, chewy, full-throttle, hedonistic Zinfandel is exceptionally pure, with a finish that lasts for 35-40+ seconds. The emphasis is on super-ripe fruit, subtle dosages of new oak, and spectacular texture. It should drink well for at least a decade. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 963-0940
Good medium ruby-red. Aromatic, musky nose of raspberry, espresso, bitter chocolate and pepper. Sweet, fat and lush, with harmonious ripe acidity. Firmly minerally in the middle and broad on the back half, finishing with spice and licorice notes and a hint of exotic fruit. Finishes with noticeable wood tannins.
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.