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.
Crimson in color. 15.6% ABV. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, baking spices, warm licorice and flowers. Full bodied with strong acidity. Notably balanced with compelling dark fruits. Black cherry, cranberry, plums and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Delicious now but the fruit is starting to fade ever so slightly. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 91 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.
Amador tasting room is permanently closed. Happened this April. Paso Robles still open.
I missed that. Thanks for the update.
Appreciate the review since I have one bottle left of the 2019, the final vintage of Salvador. Very very sad, I better enjoy mine this year.