Turley 2023 Dragon Vineyard Zinfandel , Napa Valley

      Very limited new Turley Dragon Vineyard Zinfandel release. 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Turley 2023 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard reveals ripe red cherries, cranberries, vibrant acidity, tension, spice, and Nebbiolo-like tannins. From a Howell Mountain vineyard with early morning sun exposure, it remains bright, tense, perfumed, and energetic." 93 Points Wine Spectator: "Ripe and energetic without being bombastic, this Zin serves up potent flavors of blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate that finish with big, brooding tannins. Best from 2026 through 2033." 92 Points Vinous: "The Turley 2023 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard is a seriously forbidding wine with tons of mountain structure, acid and tannin. Unyielding and imposing, the Dragon is searing in its intensity. Red fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint and white pepper all race across the palate, supported by incisive, pointy tannins. Iron, white flowers and slate lend notable tension through the finish." Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2400 feet at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats laid over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region.