Turley Wine Cellars - Old Vine Zinfandel 2020

« Old Vines is composed of a variety of old sites from California that are either too small to be made into a vineyard designate wine or are “new” to the Turley family (and way of farming). Vines are anywhere from 50 to 130 years old, and a true representation of California old vine Zinfandel, hailing from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador and Paso Robles. There is no better way to gauge the classic character of old vine Zinfandel in California than through this wine. »

Druvor

95% Zinfandel, 5% Mataro, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault

Tasting note

As with the Juvenile bottling, the 2022 Zinfandel Old Vines punches above its weight in this vintage. The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and similar autumnal accents to its younger sibling. The palate is light- to medium-bodied, carrying through the polished quality of the nose and melds it with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. The finish is straightforward and easy to drink, offering generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes.

California can be a logistically challenging region to cover, as many brands produce wines from appellations throughout the state. For Turley’s extensive portfolio, Sonoma County and Central Coast reviewers Erin Brooks and Matthew Luczy collaborated on scores and text to create this special co-report on the 2022 vintage. The pair tasted this prolific lineup of Zinfandels, Petite Sirahs and Cabernet Sauvignons with winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, proprietor Larry Turley and his daughter Christina Turley at the St. Helena winery.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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DETAILS

• AVA: California

• Number of Vineyards: 20+

• Counties Represented: 8

• Age of Vines: 50-130 years

• Varieties: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Mataro, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault

• Fermentation: Native yeast

• Barrels: 90% used oak, 10% new; 80% French oak, 20% American

• Aging: 12 months in barrel

• Bottled unfined

• First Turley Vintage: 1996

• Serving Temp: 55-60ºF

• Release: Fall

Technical sheet