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.
Salvador Vineyard in Contra Costa County was a paragon of old vine Zinfandel. The organically farmed vines were planted on their own roots in 1896. The roots were free to roam deeply as the soil is solid sand for 40 feet down. Unfortunately the vineyard was torn out in 2020.
Purple in color. 15.7% ABV. Heady nose of red and black fruits, licorice, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with ample acidity and notable balance. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, plums and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Big, bold and so true to the Turley house style. Best over the next year or so.
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.
This Vineyard was torn out the winter of 2020 after it was sold, presumably to a property developer. I’m sitting on my last bottle of 2019, the finalvintage . Very sad.
Yep. Super unfortunate.