2023 Turley ‘Dragon Vineyard’ Zinfandel Howell Mountain

VIN92 The 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.

Estate Notes: Dragon Vineyard is located above the fog line at 2,400 feet elevation, at an east-facing point on Howell Mountain with rocky, red volcanic soils. The vineyard is certified organic. Upon harvest, the 100% Zinfandel grapes are pressed and undergo native yeast fermentation. The wine is aged using 80% used oak, 20% new; 80% French, 20% American (the only new barrels are French).Aromatically the wine is powerful with dark fruits, white pepper, purple flowers, and potpourri. On the palate, the wine is boldly tannic with ripe blackberries and plums with warm, fine baking spices.