2002 Turley "Dogtown", "Hayne Vineyard Vineyard" & "Pesenti" Zinfandel Horizontal

“For the second year in a row, Larry Turley has turned the dogs loose for the 2002 Zinfandel Dogtown Vineyard, the finest Zinfandel I have ever tasted from Lodi. This 750-case offering tips the scales at a whopping 16.5% alcohol, all of it well-hidden beneath extravagantly rich fruit. This deep ruby/purple-tinged Zin smells like brandy-macerated jammy black cherries intermixed with dried Provencal herbs, ground pepper, and other exotic spices. An exceptionally powerful, mouthfilling, palate staining effort with enormous richness and purity as well as a blockbuster finish, it is clearly not a Zinfandel for those who enjoy wimpy wines. (RP)” (12/2003)

“Medium-deep red. Slightly high-toned aromas of raspberry, dried herbs, exotic spices and smoked meat; offers lovely lift on the nose. Then dense, thick, fleshy and rich, with concentrated raspberry and spice flavors. (ST)” (06/2004)

“Ripe and zesty without being overblown or heavy. Delivers a racy streak of wild berry and blackberry fruit before turning tannic and chalky on the aftertaste. (JL, Web-2005)” (01/1901)

“Year in and year out, Turley Cellars’ most concentrated, inkiest purple-colored Zinfandel emerges from St. Helena’s Hayne Vineyard. The 2002 Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard (475 cases; 16.5% alcohol) boasts superb texture, intensity, and power. Spectacular aromas of black raspberries, blackberries, and currants as well as floral notes are followed by a creamy textured, full-bodied, viscous red with remarkable delineation, acidity, and structure for its massive fruit and glycerin. This outrageous Zinfandel is as good as it gets. (RP)” (12/2003)

“Captures the essence of pure, ripe, powerhouse Zinfandel, with churning blackberry, raspberry and wild berry fruit that's sharply focused, intense and deeply concentrated. While it makes no pretense of elegance or grace, fans of open-throttle, high-octane Zin will be thrilled by this breathtaking wine. (JL)” (09/2005)

“Medium-deep red. Aromas of mocha, espresso, dried hay and menthol convey a slight funkiness that may be from the wine's Petite Syrah component; an element of medicinal black cherry emerged with air. Very sweet and liqueur-like, conveying a slightly dehydrated fruit character; less sappy and vibrant than it appeared to be at the outset but this wine may be passing through a dumb stage. This somewhat aggressive Zinfandel finishes quite long, with serious tannins that reach the front teeth. If the '01 bottling is claret-like, this is more like a Priorat wine. (ST) 90+” (05/2018)

“The 2002 Zinfandel Pesenti Estate, from a 50-year old site planted on pure limestone, tastes like a classic Chateauneuf du Pape made from Grenache. The 16% alcohol is well-concealed in this 700-case cuvee. A deep ruby color is accompanied by sumptuous aromatics of kirsch liqueur kissed with melted licorice, pepper, and spice. There is tremendous precision, surprisingly good acidity (thanks to the limestone soils), and a heady, rich, full-bodied, impressive finish. This is the finest example yet fashioned from the Pesenti Estate. (RP)” (12/2003)

“Deep medium ruby. Sappy aromas of red cherry, black cherry, cranberry and clove. A dense, tangy fruit bomb on the palate, with compelling sweetness and outstanding snap. But still tightly wrapped today owing to its strong acid structure. Finishes very firm, with a captivating floral nuance. The pH here is no higher than 3.4, notes winemaker Ehren Jordan. (ST)” (06/2004)