Turley Zinfandel California Juvenile 2009

One of the finest buys in this portfolio is the 2004 Zinfandel Juvenile, an 800- to 1,000-case blend made from younger vines. It offers plenty of jammy black cherry and briery fruit, low acidity, a plump, heady mouthfeel, good texture, and a seductive, lush finish with abundant alcohol as well as glycerin. Drink it over the next 3ndash;4 years.

Made from young vines from several of Turleyrsquo;s vineyard sources. Medium red-ruby. Dark berries lifted by black pepper on the nose. Juicy, pliant and flavorful, with berry and spice flavors. Finishes with a slightly roasted, chocolatey character.

The Zinfandel lots from the youngest vines (around 25 years) are put into a general blend called Juvenile. This is always one of the least expensive and delicious offerings. The 2007 Zinfandel Juvenile offers good berry fruit, pepper, and spice as well as medium body, and no hard edges. This seductive Zin can be enjoyed over the next 2ndash;3 years.

One of the great values from Turley, the 2003 Juvenile Zinfandel is an 800-case blend loaded with power (15.5% alcohol). A big, fruity, spicy, briery wine with low acidity, ripe fruit, and plenty of cherries and kirsch, this medium ruby-hued, sexy Zinfandel is ideal for drinking over the next 2ndash;3 years.

The 2002 Zinfandel Juvenile (a blend of the vineyardsrsquo; younger vines) could easily be confused with a big, full-throttle, Grenache-based Cotes du Rhone from Chateauneuf du Pape or Rasteau. A big, earthy, peppery, licorice, cherry liqueur, and spice-scented perfume soars from the glass of this deep ruby-colored, fleshy, fat offering. Sumptuous on the palate, with high levels of glycerin as well as a silky texture, itrsquo;s a steal at $20 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 5ndash;6 years.

The only bottled Zinfandel is the 2009 Juvenile, an outstanding effort made from the young vine lots. This pure Zinfandel offers abundant red and black, briery fruit, pepper and spice characteristics in its lush, soft, hedonistic personality. It is ideal for drinking in its first several years of life.

Oh lagrave; lagrave;! Turley once again earns its reputation as one of the best California Zins. Simply irresistible! Not a glass of black goo like some port-like styles, this is fresh, vibrant and actually like some rich West Coast Pinot Noirs in color. At first, the nose is alive with crushed black cherries and a hint of black licorice, but with airing the aromas become complex with Asian spices, cantaloupe and strawberries. Fine, integrated tannins and lip-smacking acidity lift the velvety fruit and keep this 15.9% alcohol red seemingly fresh and pure. Turleyrsquo;s first level Zin, Juvenile is a steal!