1996 Turley "Aida" Napa Valley Zinfandel
SKU #945063
96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I was blown away by several bottles of this wine drunk on vacation in Maui. After spending three weeks in Asia tasting primarily French wines and Sake, they hit all the sweet spots on my palate. The finest effort yet from this vineyard, the 1996 is reminiscent of a phenomenal Chateauneuf du Pape. This wine continues to remind me of California's version of Henri Bonneau's Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins. With an alcohol content just above 15.5%, this full-bodied, meaty, dark ruby/purple-colored wine reveals celestial aromas of smoked duck, Provencal herbs, and pepper. On the palate, intense layers of glycerin-imbued, super-rich, chewy levels of extract are sensational. (RP)
(8/1998)
94 points
Wine Spectator
A big, ripe, massive style that packs in lots of flavor, with tiers of mineral, spice, blackberry, black cherry and currant. Finishes with firm but supple tannins and a long, full, lingering aftertaste that keeps pumping out the flavor. A highly individual style. (JL)
(7/1998)
91 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Good full ruby-tinged red. Slightly muted cherry, spice and earth nose. Then very sweet and ripe, with powerful cherry fruit and strong extract. Extremely dense and ripe without being over the top. Finishes sweet and very long, with firm tannins covered by fruit. Much better than my bottle of '95 Aida zin a year ago. (ST)
(5/1998)