Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zinfandel 2006 Front Label
Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zinfandel 2006 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Rattlesnake Ridge is an estate-owned and certified organic vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at about 2600 feet, the vines see more sun here then they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold, strong tannins and an acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain.

Professional Ratings

  • 91
    At 15.9% alcohol, one wouldn’t expect a Zinfandel with a Pinot Noir character to it, but the 2006 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge from the cool upper elevations of Howell Mountain displays a lighter style, medium body, a fragrant, up-front, almost Pinot Noir-like delicacy, but some real strength in the background. This is not one of the bigger Zinfandels despite the high alcohol, and in fact it seems to be finesse-styled. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. 89-91 Points
Turley Wine Cellars

Turley Wine Cellars

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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.

EAT99422_2006 Item# 99422