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 small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard was purchased by the winery in 2009 and was part of the Old Vines blend while the vineyard team brought the vineyard back to health. Planted on loam and various gravel soils, the Whitney Tennessee vineyard—named for one of Larry’s four daughters—is a mixed planting as well, with small amounts of Petite Syrah and Carignane vines throughout. The vineyard is located just off Alexander Valley Road in Sonoma and dates back to the 1920’s. It should be noted that this is this is not the same vineyard used by Turley in the mid 90’s. The vineyards just have the same name.
Dark red in color. 15.5% ABV. Heady nose of red fruits, licorice, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with medium acidity and notable balance. Approachable and fruit forward. Cherry, strawberry, nectarine and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Easy to drink but missing the structure of the best versions of this wine. Drink over the next year or so.
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.