Turley continues to offer two of the blackest, densest, richest Petite Syrahs ever produced in California. Alongside its siblings, the 1996 Petite Syrah Aida Vineyard looks like a wimp with only 13.8% alcohol, but what concentration and intensity this wine offers. From a 4.5-acre vineyard, only 3 tons of fruit were harvested in 1996. The result is an opaque purple-colored wine with a dense, mineral, earthy, peppery, blackberry-scented nose, huge, ripe, thick flavors, gobs of glycerin and fruit, and a long, moderately tannic finish. My guess is that this wine requires 5-6 years of cellaring, and will keep for 2-3 decades. These wines sell out quickly, so readers should try to get their names on the winery's mailing list. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683.

Turley continues to offer two of the blackest, densest, richest Petite Syrahs ever produced in California. Alongside its siblings, the 1996 Petite Syrah Aida Vineyard looks like a wimp with only 13.8% alcohol, but what concentration and intensity this wine offers. From a 4.5-acre vineyard, only 3 tons of fruit were harvested in 1996. The result is an opaque purple-colored wine with a dense, mineral, earthy, peppery, blackberry-scented nose, huge, ripe, thick flavors, gobs of glycerin and fruit, and a long, moderately tannic finish. My guess is that this wine requires 5-6 years of cellaring, and will keep for 2-3 decades. These wines sell out quickly, so readers should try to get their names on the winery's mailing list. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683.