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.
Planted in 1937, Fredericks Vineyard is just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, located in the Moon Mountain AVA.
Crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. Stunning nose of ripe red fruits, licorice and baking spices. Medium body with just enough acidity. Well balanced. The fruit here is surprisingly restrained and almost elegant. Cherry, raspberry liqueuer, cocoa and pepper on the palate. Nice length on the finish. This has aged well but I would be inclined to drink over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 91 points.
The 2022 vintage of this Zinfandel will be released this Fall.
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.