Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2011 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile – Bottle Notes

Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards. Turley now makes 28 separate wines from 35 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Tegan Passalacqua is the Director of Winemaking at Turley and has been instrumental in revitalizing the brand.

The vines that make up Juvenile range in age from about 6-25 years, and are sourced from 15 vineyards across California, including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador, and Vineyard 101.

Crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. Red fruits, prunes and brown sugar on the nose. Medium body with ample acidity. Exceptional balance. Tart strawberries, raspberries and black pepper on the palate. Somewhat leaner than I would expect from a wine in Turley lineup. Perhaps a reflection of the vintage. Delicious wine nonetheless and an absolute steal at $20 from the winery.

My rating: 90 points.

With all due respect to Carlisle and Bedrock, Turley is arguably the best Zinfandel producer in California. Exceptional vineyards sources throughout the state of California and no detail spared in the winemaking process. The wines are simply better than ever.

Turley wines are available via the mailing list and periodically at retail. Turley has tasting rooms in both Amador and Paso Robles. If you are not on the mailing list, this is an easy way to secure bottles. Both are not to be missed if you are in the area.

Turley was a big winner in The 2015 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.

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