Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2012 Turley Zinfandel Judge Bell – 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 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.

From vines that average 80 years in age the wine is named for Judge Bell, who presided over town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday.

Crimson in color. 15.9% ABV. Heady nose of brambly red fruits, licorice and pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. The heat on the palate is hard to overlook. Flavors of cherry, raspberry liqueur, cocoa and pepper. Medium length on the finish. Serve this at cellar temperature and pick your spots with this wine. Not for the faint of heart. Drink soon.

My rating: 88 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 scale of the operation is second to none. 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 fared well in The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.

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