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.
This wine is an homage to Joe Duarte, a prominent grape grower in Contra Costa who first introduced Turley to the incredible vineyards of the area. The wine is comprised of fruit from Evangehlo, Mori and Salvador vineyards, planted between 1890 and 1930.
Purple in color. 15.3% ABV. Heady nose of red and black fruits, licorice and pepper. Full bodied with ample acidity. Well balanced. Copious rich, lush fruits. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, mulberry and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Really big Zinfandel that is drinking firing on all cylinders. Pick your spot but best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 92 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.