Winemaker Notes
Wine Advocate
December 1, 2006
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
88-91 points "Howell Mountain vineyards are capable of producing stunning Zinfandels and Turley’s 2005 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge cuvee is a strong effort in this lighter-weight vintage. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with scents of smoked herbs, black cherries, berries, spice, and pepper. Medium to full-bodied with abundant amounts of pure fruit and good richness, it is one of the more complete 2005 Zinfandels. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years."
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.