The late-released 2004 Zinfandel Rancho Burro was the finest Zinfandel I tasted at Turley. This beautifully full-bodied, opulent, flamboyant, sexy, exuberant offering is loaded with oodles of black raspberry, cherry, cassis, and spice. It admirably displays what a difference a vintage can make as 2004 is unquestionably a stronger vintage than 2005 for Zinfandel. Previously recommended: As indicated last year, 2004 was a terrific vintage for Turley Zinfandels. If they can still be found, I would opt for purchasing them over their lighter 2005 counterparts. The 2004 reds include: Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard (97), Petite Syrah Library Vineyard (97), Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge (97), Petite Syrah Turley Estate (94), Zinfandel Dogtown Vineyard (88), Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard (94), Zinfandel Duarte (92), Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard (90), Zinfandel Grist Vineyard (94), Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard (95), Zinfandel Juvenile (89), Zinfandel Mead Ranch (89), Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Old Vines (91), Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Rancho Escondido (89), Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge (92), Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard (89), Zinfandel Turley Estate (91), Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard (92), Zinfandel Vineyard 101 (95). Not yet released. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683

It is clear this estate is never satisfied with the status quo based on what they have accomplished with the 2004 Zinfandel Rancho Escondido. Although not their finest Zinfandel, it is their first vintage from a vineyard planted in the 1920s on the Mexican side of Baja, two miles south of the USA border. Soft, fruity, and velvety, with plenty of earth, spice, and Rhone-like characteristics, this lovely Zinfandel should drink well for 4-5 years. (Release date 5/06)Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683