Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The December Zinfandel of the Month is the 2022 Turley Juvenile.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month after it fared really well in the recently released Wine Spectator Top 100 and I could not agree more with how good the wine is showing.
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.
Juvenile is composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of Turley’s old vine sites. They tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years.
Crimson in color. 15.2% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, kirsch, baking spice and licorice. Medium body with perfect acidity and balance. Bright, juicy fruits packed in a light, lithe package. Strawberry, raspberry, Bing Cherry and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and fresh. The best Juvenile that I can recall from Turley. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 93 points.
The 2023 version of this wine will be released in next Spring and cost around $20.
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.