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.
Mead Ranch is planted at about 1600 feet on Atlas Peak on the eastern side of Napa Valley. The vineyard was originally planted in the 1880’s although the block Turley sources from is primarily from the 1970’s.
Maroon in color. 16.2% ABV. Scrumptious nose of red fruits, saline and iron. Medium body with juicy acidity. Perfectly balanced. Boysenberry, raspberry liqueur and white pepper on the palate. A really pretty bottle of Zinfandel that is lighter on its feet than most the Turley’s from this era. Bravo! Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 93 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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