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 50 separate wines from 47 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.
Bedrock Vineyard, formerly known as Madrone Ranch, was first planted in 1854. Senator George Hearst purchased the property in 1888 and planted most of the vines that exist to this day. Located in the Sonoma Valley the vineyard is also a fruit source for Once & Future, Bedrock, Robert Biale, Limerick Lane and Carlisle.
This bottle was opened as part of a virtual tasting of the wines from Bedrock Vineyard on July 10th. Thanks to all those that participated.
Dark crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Sublime nose of brambly red and black fruits, anise and pepper. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Perfectly balanced. Cherries, raspberry liqueur, spiced plums and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Killer Zinfandel that could not be showing better. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 95 points.
With all due respect to Carlisle, Turley is arguably the best Zinfandel producer in California. Certainly the scale of the operation is second to none. 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 fared well in The 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.