2013 Zinfandel Dragon

A big, dramatic wine, the 2013 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard unfolds gradually on the palate, revealing layers of dark red-toned fruit and exceptional balance. Iron, cherry, plum, game, smoke, savory herbs, licorice, spice, graphite and menthol fill out the wine's big, broad shouldered frame effortlessly. Deep, powerful and intensely perfumed, the Dragon is a superb wine from Larry Turley and his team. Stylistically, the Dragon is quite savory and ferrous in its overall profile, with the fruit more in the background.

Larry Turley has produced three 2013 Zinfandels from the Howell Mountain AVA, which he was one of the first to exploit in terms of Zinfandel. Nearly 25 years later, he continues making some of the finest wines this ancient grape can produce. The 2013 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard from Howell Mountain originates from one of the highest elevation sites in the Turley portfolio. Estate-owned, this vineyard (at 2400 feet, well above the fog line and east-facing as well) is planted in volcanic and rocky soils. It has always produced one of the killer Zinfandels, and the 2013 (15.3% alcohol) is no exception. It has a saturated dense ruby/purple color, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin and alcohol, stunning boysenberry, blueberry, and black raspberry fruit, and great complexity for a Zinfandel. Full-bodied, with a stunningly proportioned texture, terrific purity and palate presence, at the same time its acidity gives it a zestiness and an ethereal quality. This is a stunner and a Zinfandel that’s drinkable now, but also capable of evolving for up to a decade or more.

Scorched earth, graphite, melted road tar, licorice and smoke hit the palate in Turley's 2013 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard. A big, rich wine, the 2013 is all about textural depth of fruit backed up by searing tannins that are going to need at least a few years to start softening. Hints of tobacco, game and incense add an element of exoticism on the nuanced finish.