Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The September Zinfandel of the Month is the 2016 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile.
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 right around 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 we pull from 18 of our best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks and Kirschenmann.
Bright crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. Brambly nose of black fruits, kirsch, earth and anise. Full bodied and dark fruited with medium to strong acidity and just a slight touch of heat. Young and somewhat brooding. Black cherry, black raspberry, cassis liqueur and spiced plums on the palate. Tremendous length on a spicy finish. Delicious, unique Zinfandel that is hard to beat at the $20 price point. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 90 points.
I picked this wine because I have seen it is still available at retail. Additionally, on my recent visit to California I spoke to several winemakers who commented how difficult it is to pull off a Zinfandel of this quality at this price point. Turley should be commended for making a $20 Zinfandel like this available to their mailing list. It is not too late to track down a bottle.
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 2017 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.