2023 Vintage Spring Release

New ‘do: the Estate Zinfandel vines are pruned and ready for their close-up.

Tasting Notes

2023 vintage spring release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2023 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California.

Exuberant and expressive! Classic Zinfandel spice, brightly fruited and well structured, delightfully juicy and just downright delicious. Dark raspberry, blue fruits, soft tannins, and deeply pleasurable. This wine punches so far above its weight it’s in a class of its own. 90 pts AG

2023 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

Certified organic vines planted in the 1920s in white mineral-rich rocky soils. Ripe, fresh, bright red cherry & raspberry jam, clove, and chocolate. Copious baking spices, chalk dust, and a hint of sweet pipe tobacco. Substantial, luscious, and utterly alluring. (92-94 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Certified organic, head-trained, dry-farmed field blend of vines planted at our winery in the heart of Napa Valley. Gently warmed, ripe dark fruits, classic Napa purity and dynamics. Refined rusticity, dialed-in and concentrated, with gentle tannins. Very well balanced and drinking excellently now. (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “dragon VIneyard” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2400 feet at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats laid over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region.

Certified organic and planted at 2400’ above Napa Valley, these wines are among the most distinctive in the entire region. Powerfully deep on the nose and equally profound on the palate. Heaps of spice, blood orange and dark purple fruits, white pepper and savory mountain herbs. Smooth, refined, and precise mountain tannins. Will age exceptionally. (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of certified organic fruit from some of the highest elevation plantings on Howell Mountain. Primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah as well, resulting in a truly powerful, dense and wild wine, long on flavor.

A proprietary assemblage of fruit from the Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards, all certified organic. Intense and incredibly aromatic, like a cold snowy morning on a mountaintop. Ripe brambly fruits, dried herbs, serious & satisfying, with long lingering tannins and brooding yet gratifying finish.  (91-93 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Organically farmed head-trained vines planted at 1500’ in the granite and quartz soils of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Ripe red, bold blue and plummy purple fruits with alpine spices, gravel, herbs & lavender. Super fine, well-integrated stony tannins lend elegant texture to this expressive and charismatic mountain Zin. (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Del barba” Zinfandel, contra costa

Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet, and these head-trained vines are planted in deep dehli blow sand, made up of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin, and dark saline fruits. 

Hailing from head-trained vines planted in the deep Dehli blow sands of Contra Costa. Silky dark berry fruits bound from the glass, along with mint and nectarine. With a satin-like texture on the palate and a delicious juicy finish, Del Barba is beautifully energetic and available.  (91-93 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic. The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

Certified organic mixed planting that includes trellised and head-trained, dry-farmed heritage vines. Dense, dark fruits like plum and black cherry alongside sublime savory smoked meats, iron, and cocoa powder. Polished tannins and a smooth, deep, luxurious texture. Give it time and it will age beautifully. (93-95 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Organically farmed, own-rooted, head-trained and dry-farmed vines planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Potent, perfumed, and incredibly deep. Redolent of cocoa, pineapple grass, roast lamb and herby meat marinade. Complex and dynamic, with silky smooth tannins. Gorgeous. (92-94 pts AG)

2023 Turley “casa nuestra” red wine, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs of Napa Valley field blends will likely recognize the vineyard, made primarily under the eponymous label and farmed organically since 1979. For the formerly uninitiated, Casa Nuestra is nearly adjacent to the Turley Estate property in Napa Valley, just across the nearby Napa River. The vineyard is planted to a Mediterranean mix of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, Napa Gamay, Négrette, Mourvèdre, Refosco, and even Chenin Blanc.

Old vine, organically farmed Napa field blend that is primarily Petite Syrah-based, with some Zin, Carignane, Mourvedre, Alicante, & Chenin Blanc. Ripe, warming, and comforting, with plump red and purple fruits, leather, and sweet spices. Classic Napa Valley nobility, bold and flavorful.  (92-94 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood. Dense and opaque, with dark fruit aromas of currants, blackberries, & crème de cassis alongside fresh ink, bittersweet chocolate, spice and leather. Supple tannin and an opulent but nevertheless refined texture balances the deeply concentrated, intense flavors. (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Heminway Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located on the top of the Vaca Mountains in northeastern Napa Valley, this vineyard sits at 1700 feet in between the southern end of Howell Mountain and just north of Pritchard Hill. The vines benefit from the moderating climate above Lake Hennessey. The wines are classic Napa Valley mountain fruit with great tannin. Jay Heminway planted the vineyard with the help of his daughter’s then-Montessori teacher Alice Waters, now known as the pioneering chef of farm-to-table cuisine at Chez Panisse.

At the top of the Vaca Mountains in Napa, this organic vineyard sits at 1700’ between Howell Mountain and Pritchard Hill. Very low yields in ’23 means stunning, highly concentrated wine—but precious little of it. Wild blackberry, grilled wagyu, plum, spice & a whiff of tobacco, with layers of tannin and structure. This mountain Zin hits all the notes of high-end Napa Cabernet for less than 1/3 the price. (94-96 pts AG)

2023 Turley “WHITNEY TENNESSEE” Zinfandel, ALEXANDER Valley

This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard in Sonoma County was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve since converted all to organic farming. 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 sprinkled throughout.

Organically farmed pre-Prohibition vines planted head-trained and dry-farmed in the loam & gravel of Sonoma. Rich, dark blue fruits, black cherry, dried flowers and incense. Savory and earthier than the others, with serious structure. Will benefit from time. (91-94 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite. The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Tiny certified organic vineyard planted pre-Prohibition in Sonoma. An absolute gem and house favorite year-in, year-out. Sweet cherry, spice, mint, & cola. Refreshing and zippy with luscious texture, this wine is impeccably balanced and absolutely captivating.  (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered, complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

Organically farmed, head-trained vines dating back to 1888 in Sonoma. Blue & purple fruited, iron & steel, mint chocolate chip & stone. Deep, intense, yet well-balanced and structured. Will benefit from time. (90-92 pts AG)

2023 Turley “Dickerson Vineyard” Zinfandel, napa Valley

Certified organic and planted 1937, Dickerson hails from the same alluvial bench at the base of the Mayacamas as the greatest wines to ever come from Napa. This is the sole bottling for Turley, a true one-of-one!

Beauty, power, grace and structure abound in this singular wine; imagine a spring version of the Hayne Zinfandel and you’d be close (indeed, it’s less than 1 mile south of Hayne). Cherry, spice, cedar & dried leaves with pure, classic old-vine Napa Zin charisma. Pretty, precise, polished, blue-blooded and downright exceptional. (92-94 pts AG)

2024 Winter Release

The prodigal son returns!

Tasting Notes

2024 winter release

2022 Turley “estate” cabernet sauvignon, Napa Valley

Organically-farmed, single-vineyard estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon—not a statement that can be made by many! Planted in 1989 on the volcanic and alluvial soils found in northern Napa Valley, this vineyard forms the eastern border of the Turley estate and is framed by ancient majestic oak trees and a 150-year-old olive grove.

Certified organic, estate-owned, single-vineyard fruit from our home in the heart of Napa Valley. Classic, compelling, and comforting, our Cabernet hits all the right notes. Red cherry, leather, lavender, graphite, and sweet spices on the nose. The palate is structured yet approachable, with a supple, satisfying texture and just enough tannin to frame the fruit. Rewardingly ready to enjoy now, no decanting necessary!

2022 Turley “dragon Vineyard” cabernet sauvignon, howell mountain

When we first planted the Dragon Vineyard, the fact that Howell Mountain is hallowed ground for Cabernet Sauvignon did not escape us. Thus, though we filled the vast majority of the site with Zinfandel, we also planted a small parcel with Cabernet Sauvignon. And boy, are we glad we did.

Nestled atop Howell Mountain at 2200 feet, this certified organic vineyard harkens from some of the most desirable Cabernet terroir in the country. Inky and intense, with wild brambly fruit, savory earth, game, and alpine herbs and spices. Unmistakably Howell Mountain on the palate, with incredible structure, extraordinary power, and deep, dynamic, layered myriad flavor. Give it a generous decant to drink now, or lay to rest for years to come.

2014 Turley “delinquent” port-style zinfandel, paso robles

This late-harvest, port-style wine has been made only twice before at Turley, in 1998 and 2001. In 2014, we had an opportunity to revive this n’er-do-well of a wine, this time using fruit from Paso Robles.

After a 20 year hiatus, Delinquent returns! This late-harvest Zinfandel was fortified with neutral brandy and aged for five years in barrel and an additional five years in bottle. Sweet, ripe blackberry aromas launch from the glass alongside black cherry, raspberry, fig, and baking spices; akin to a piping hot, heaping fruit pie, straight from the oven. Dense yet soft on the palate, with an appealing, honeyed texture; an absolute homerun for the holidays. Pair it with an array of cheeses, pie, flourless chocolate cake, or savor it solo—this powerfully potent, port-style wine will bring delight to any table.

2022 Vintage Fall Release

Old Vines, Young Love

Tasting Notes

2022 vintage — fall release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2022 Turley “Dupratt” Zinfandel, Mendocino county

Planted in 1919 at 1500 feet up on Mendocino Ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by giant Redwood trees, forming a little island in the sky. Indeed, the site is so remote that the vines still survive on their own original roots as Phylloxera has never made its way up there. Located above the town of Philo and only 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the northernmost, coolest site from which we’ve ever made wine. Though we’ve worked with Mendocino fruit for many years, DuPratt is the only Mendocino County bottling from Turley.

A destination worth the distance, this remote, secluded old vine Mendocino mountain vineyard was planted in 1919 at 1500 ft. Wild blackberry pie, sauvage and inky, pine needles, anise, garrigue, sweet fennel, gunmetal, iron—the list of layers in this wine is endless, as is its finish. Incredible elegance and depth on the palate echoes the never-ending nose. This wine isn’t Old World or New World—it’s a whole other world altogether.  We strongly recommend laying this wine down for at least 1-2 years and decanting ahead of time!

2022 Turley “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is organically farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more varied topography than the rest of Lodi; thus, while most vineyards in the region were furrow irrigated, the rolling hills of iron-rich clay and volcanic soil in Dogtown have been dry-farmed from the start. The vineyard has some of the most consistently low yields and best natural acidity of any other we’ve farmed.

A jewel of Lodi, these organically farmed ungrafted vines were planted in 1944. A compelling nose of red fruit tea, hibiscus and autumnal notes, savory & satisfying. Supple and sweet fruits on the palate, with a long, generous finish. Speaking of length, we’ve made this single-vineyard wine for over 27 years, and it shows; this is mastery of the vine.

2022 Turley “monte rosso vineyard” Zinfandel, sonoma Valley

Located along the western and Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains is the historic Monte Rosso vineyard. Called “red mountain” for its iron-rich volcanic soils, our block of Monte Rosso’s sloping hills was planted in 1893. Ranging in elevation from 700 to 1300 feet, these vines sit primarily above the fog line, with the city of San Francisco and the San Pablo Bay visible on a clear day. This prestigious vineyard is shared by many colleagues in the Zinfandel and larger wine world, and is widely considered one of the most notable sites both for the age of the vines as well as the superiority of the wines they produce.

Legendary late 1800s vineyard on Moon Mtn., along the southeastern edge of the Mayacamas. The (all too rare) joy of a perfectly ripe blueberry, combined with freshly turned red earth, cinnamon & mint, potters clay, currants, cherries, and a faint suggestion of tobacco leaf. Utterly seamless on the palate, with sophisticated balance, polished mountain tannins, and the Katie Ledecky of finishes—it shines in its length.

2022 Turley “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County

As our Amador winery is located on Bell Road, we named this wine for the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins and briary fruits.

Ungrafted vines planted 1907 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Botanical, almost Charterusian complexity, with dried strawberries & raspberries, blood orange, traces of tar and ripe peach around the pit. Palate is immensely well-framed, with satisfyingly spiky texture and signature tannins.

2022 Turley “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Planted in 1885, Ueberroth is the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located closer to the sea than any other site we work with, you can smell the salt air from the top of the vineyard hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high-acid wine, elevating the powerful ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

Certified organic, ungrafted vines over 130 years old; a “grand cru” site of Paso Robles. Transcendent. Lovely sweet red fruits, loads of spice and pepper, violets, chalk, even a hint of pineapple grass on the nose. White stones and wild strawberries in a lovely pas de deux on the palate, with vibrant energy and finesse. What a knockout.

2022 Turley “Brandlin Ranch” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located atop Mount Veeder, on the eastern and Napa side of the Mayacamas Mountains, this historic site was first settled in the 1870s by the Brandlin family, who ran the local stagecoach. They first planted grapevines in 1926, and we are honored to be working with the Zinfandel from that original planting. Sitting between 900-1250 feet in decomposed granite soils, slate, and schist, these dry-farmed vines see a long growing season, low yields, and high concentration. One sip and it’s easy to see why this is the most legendary vineyard on Mount Veeder.

Historic 1926 Zinfandel vineyard atop Mt. Veeder, along the steep southern edge of the Mayacamas Mountains. Extensive dark fruits incl wild mountain blackberries, earth, and Thai spices on the nose. Palate has wild cherries and raspberries, salty ocean air, and a lengthy, lingering finish.

2022 Turley “DUSI Vineyard” Zinfandel, PASO ROBLES

The Dusi vineyard was planted by Dante Dusi in 1945, and is farmed by his family to this day. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, planted in soil that is primarily alluvial with some rather large rocks. Like our other Paso vineyards, Dusi is located in the Templeton Gap AVA, the cooler climate area on the west side of the region.

Planted 1945 and still farmed by the Dusi family. Fragrant, ripe red fruits at the forefront, with lift, energy, and approachability. Raspberry preserves and a hint of chocolate on the palate, with a luscious, velvety, prolonged finish.

2022 Turley “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but ancient hillside head-trained vines located 900 feet up? Downright extraordinary.

Certified organic, planted 1937 at about 1000 ft. up Moon Mountain. Currants, cassis, blue fruits, earthy spices, graphite; if I didn’t know better I’d think this was mountain Cabernet! Silky dark fruits, minerality, long and lifted, rustic yet graceful on the palate.

2022 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-six years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley.

The 30th vintage of this Napa Valley “grand cru,” planted 1902-03! Roses, apricot, dark fruits, sous bois, blue steel, powerful, rich & energetic; Hayne is the G.O.A.T. for good reason. Exceptional elegance immediately apparent in the depth and complete focus on the nose as well as the incomparable structure and supple texture on the palate. The epitome of what great grapes can do.

2022 Turley “RATTLESNAKE RIDGE Vineyard” Zinfandel, HOWELL MOUNTAIN

Rattlesnake Ridge is a certified organic, estate-owned vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at about 2600 feet, the vines see more sun here than they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold flavors, and a tannin and acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain.

Certified organic estate vines planted at 2400 ft. on a windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley. Fragrant nose of herbs de Provence, roast meats, cracked pepper, and dark fruits. More nimble and lithe on the palate than the nose would have you believe, layered and lively with the power and texture that are the trademarks of Howell Mountain.

2022 Turley “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Located in Sonoma County, Zampatti is nearly hidden in downtown Santa Rosa. Planted in 1915 on 2.5 acres, the vineyard is farmed organically by Alida Morzenti, granddaughter of the Zampattis. The Zinfandel vines are interspersed with little-known white grapes Palomino and Golden Chasselas, and planted on a cool sloping site with large rocks scattered throughout the warm Franciscan soils. The wines are balanced, aromatic, bright and beautiful. 

A miniscule jewel of an organic vineyard, planted 1915. Spiced fruits, baked plums, blackberry, and pomegranate alongside aromatic holiday seasonings on the nose. Palate is electrifyingly bright, with refined, persistent and luscious blood orange and black pepper. Perfumed and polished, Zampatti is always a favorite.

2022 Turley “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California

Old Vines is composed of a variety of venerable 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.

The sage, autumnal older sister to the spring verve of the Juvenile, Old Vines encompasses everything we stand for at Turley. Teeming with dark berries, currants, baking spices, earth, and a sprinkle of petrichor on the nose. The palate is brooding yet supple, serious yet satisfying. Inherently embodies the depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from old vines. Delicious.

2022 Turley “The White Coat” White Wine, California

The White Coat (named for Larry’s past career as an Emergency Room physician) is composed of white Rhône grapes from three of our Estate vineyards across California. The rich, textured Roussanne from Rattlesnake Ridge on Howell Mountain in Napa is moderated by acidity and structure provided by the Grenache Blanc grown in the calcareous soils of the Pesenti Vineyard in Paso Robles. Finally, the blend is rounded out with a touch of refreshing, mineral Vermentino (also known as Rolle) from the granitic and quartz-laden Cobb Vineyard in Amador. The result is an exceptional, dynamic white wine that is truly California.

Our signature white blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne, all white grapes hailing originally from the Rhône Valley. Positively bursting with pineapple, guava, and lychee alongside sun-warmed white stone on the nose. Palate is richly dynamic and surprisingly spry, with honeysuckle, white pepper, and apricot jam. So good I could spit (but I won’t!)

2022 Turley “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

The Library Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in California. Planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library, the vineyard is very varietally diverse. Primarily Petite Syrah vines mix with a myriad of others, including; Peloursin, Cinsault, Syrah, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Carignan, Grenache and Zinfandel. There are also several white grapes such as Muscat Alexandria, Muscadelle, Burger, and Green Hungarian. We pick them all together to make a wine truly expressive of the vineyard. 

Cherished in the community, this incredibly varietally diverse vineyard was planted 1880-1920. Violets, lavender, blueberry, blackberry, smoked meats, and freshly spilled ink. Svelte, silken, richly fruited and chalk-full of flavor on the palate. A wine to inspire.

2022 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Otty Hayne planted the Hayne Petite Syrah in 1953 while he was home from college visiting his grandfather. All head-trained, dry-farmed and organic, this Petite Syrah vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in California. The wine is powerful and inky in its youth, and becomes more elegant and refined with age. Likely to outlive us all.

The 30th vintage of Hayne Petite Syrah! Alongside it’s Zinfandel counterpart, this Petite has the most history and longevity of any wine for Turley. Three decades cultivating this vineyard for its treasures, and it shows. Plum, pain grillé, blackberry, and dark florals abound. Utterly palate-coating and concentrated, everything you want in a Petite Syrah with elegance at the forefront. This wine is one for the ages.

2022 Turley “RATTLESNAKE RIDGE Vineyard” PETITE SYRAH, HOWELL MOUNTAIN

Above St. Helena on the north-eastern ridge of Napa Valley, the Petite Syrah from the certified organic Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard is another fantastic expression of Howell Mountain. Dark, powerful, inky, funky; this high-elevation, sun-drenched yet cool and windy site brings out the best characteristics of Petite Syrah.

Certified organic vines planted at 2400 ft above Napa Valley. Piercing aromatics of pepper, garrigue, petrichor, wild game, and forest floor. This is a sylvan, mountain-dweller of a wine, roasting venison over an open fire before laying to rest in a well-appointed cabin. Purple fruits, wild violets, spice, and rocky, rugged mountain texture round out the palate. This wine is an experience.

2024 Summer Release

Vineyard Manager Ned Horton’s beautifully captured bud break.

Dear Friends,

     Sip, Sip, Hooray — Turley's summer release is now open! Here, we will see our first preview of the 2023 vintage—one our Director of Winemaking Tegan Passalacqua has called the best he’s ever seen in his career. If these wines are any indication, we are in for quite a treat. Across the board, the wines are elegant, structured, and seriously delicious. On offer here is the esteemed Estate Sauvignon Blanc, my beloved and personal favorite, our dry rosé (proof positive why Zinfandel lends itself so darn well to making rosé in the first place), and the Bechthold Cinsault (from 139 year old vines). We are also happy to herald the return of the Pesenti Grenache, which sold out lickety-split last year, as well as another chance to stock up on Juvenile and Estate Zinfandels for all your summer revelry. Since this release is first-come first-served, be sure to get your order in early so as not to miss out. We are firmly a no FOMO zone!

Old Vines Young Love,
Christina Turley

Tasting Notes

2024 summer release

2023 Turley “ESTATE” SAUVIGNON BLANC, NAPA VALLEY

Certified organic, head-trained, dry-farmed vines from the heart of Napa Valley. Clean, crisp, lively and bright, the wine seems lit from within. Passion fruit, pineapple, lemon oil, and sun-warmed white stone, with an elegantly balanced texture complete with lemon curd and an electrifying acidity. A perfect sunny-Sunday-afternoon-long-lunch-on-a-terrace win. Ready to drink now at 40˚- 50 ˚F.

2023 Turley ZINFANDEL Rosé, CALIFORNIA

Our bracingly dry take on a California classic. This rose is our most refined example to date, with ripe wild strawberry, hibiscus flower, bracing acidity and a firm yet satisfying structure. Reminiscent of some of our favorite classic, full-bodied roses from Provence and the southern Rhone Valley, and hands down my favorite iteration we’ve ever made. Lovely. Ready to drink now at 40˚- 50 ˚F.

2023 Turley “BECHTHOLD VINEYARD” CINSAULT, LODI

From the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world. Pure, perfumed red fruits including snappy red cherry, crisp plum skin, and plump pomegranate. Mouthwatering, vivacious, and seriously refreshing; the perfect light summer red for cooked seafood and crudo alike, especially with a slight chill. A testament to the nearly 140-year-old vines and their pedigree. Drink now at 50˚- 55 ˚F.

2022 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Grenache Noir, Paso Robles

Classic Pesenti nose; the terroir is strong in this one! Deep and richly fruited, with fragrant dark red raspberry and rosebud alongside signature Pesenti minerality and herbs. Deliciously full-bodied and well-balanced. An exceptionally satisfying wine. Drink now at 55˚- 60 ˚F.

2022 Vintage Spring Release

Tasting Notes

2022 vintage — spring release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2022 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California.

Bright cherry, ripe berries, and rose petal on the nose. All these and more are echoed on the palate alongside several darker fruits and a lush, round, immensely pleasing texture.

2022 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

Certified organic vines planted in the 1920s in white mineral-rich rocky soils. An outright exuberant nose of ripe red raspberry, fruit leather, and high-toned spice. Bright and energetic on the palate with pure, sweet red fruits and holiday spices. A long, almost old-world Pinot note on the finish, the Pesenti is always a standout in the spring lineup.

2022 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Certified organic, head-trained, dry-farmed field blend of vines planted at ourwinery in the heart of Napa Valley. Red & black fruits, garrigue, and distinctive black pepper nose. Broad and deep on the palate, with further notes of Provencal herbs and earth; though most definitely a classic Napa wine, it has an almost Southern French sensibility.

2022 Turley “dragon VIneyard” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2400 feet at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats laid over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region.

Certified organic and planted at 2400’ above Napa Valley, these wines are among the most distinctive in the entire region. Powerful, deep, profound yet refined; much like its namesake, the Dragon is an elegant beast. Dark fruits, robust black pepper, savory orgeat, and overall superb. This is a wine with a lot of personality that you will want to discover with time.

2022 Turley “cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of certified organic fruit from some of the highest elevation plantings on Howell Mountain. Primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah as well, resulting in a truly powerful, dense and wild wine, long on flavor.

A proprietary assemblage of fruit from the Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards on Howell Mountain, all certified organic. Brambly black fruits, roasted meats, and pepper. Dense and intense on the palate, with further graphite and tobacco.  There’s no denying this is a mountain wine!

2022 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Organically farmed head-trained vines planted at 1500’ in the granite and quartz soils of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Primarily savory and red-fruited, with characteristics of black pepper, dried meats and fine-grained tannin texture. This would be an excellent pairing with wood-fired pizza!

2022 Turley “Del barba” Zinfandel, contra costa

Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet, and these head-trained vines are planted in deep dehli blow sand, made up of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin, and dark saline fruits. 

Hailing from head-trained vines planted in the deep dehli blow sands of Contra Costa. Engaging on the nose, with lifted aromas of dusty ripe red fruits, gingerbread spices, pomegranate, overall bright and lively. A rapturous wine with an utterly vibrant texture on the palate. Just downright delicious.

2022 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic. The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

Certified organic mixed planting that includes trellised and head-trained, dry-farmed heritage vines.  No see-through wines here! Dark, brooding, and seriously mature, the Estate Petite has really come into its own. Blackberry preserves alongside bouquet garni, bay leaf, savory roast meat and mushrooms. Dry tannins and plenty of stuffing on the palate. This would be an excellent pairing with venison or roast lamb.

2022 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Organically farmed, own-rooted, head-trained and dry-farmed vines planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. A beguiling nose that pulls you in, this wine is the essence of old vine Zinfandel. A layered wine of mouthwatering red fruits, roasted meats, sandalwood, and dust.  

2022 Turley “casa nuestra” red wine, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs of Napa Valley field blends will likely recognize the vineyard, made primarily under the eponymous label and farmed organically since 1979. For the formerly uninitiated, Casa Nuestra is nearly adjacent to the Turley Estate property in Napa Valley, just across the nearby Napa River. The vineyard is planted to a Mediterranean mix of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, Napa Gamay, Négrette, Mourvèdre, Refosco, and even Chenin Blanc.

Old vine, organically farmed Napa field blend including Zin, Petite Syrah, Carignane, Mourvedre, Alicante, & Chenin Blanc. Significantly darker than the other wines owing to the diversity of the site. Dark florals, plum, and compote alongside spiced meat marinade. Well-structured with a palate that seems to combine the Estate Zinfandel & Petite Syrah, this versatile wine will reward those who give it some time.

2022 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood. Lovely and dark purple in color, the essence of Petite Syrah grapes grown in white soils. Ripe purple fruits, cocoa, and ink, with classic Petite Syrah structure.

2022 Turley “Heminway Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located on the top of the Vaca Mountains in northeastern Napa Valley, this vineyard sits at 1700 feet in between the southern end of Howell Mountain and just north of Pritchard Hill. The vines benefit from the moderating climate above Lake Hennessey. The wines are classic Napa Valley mountain fruit with great tannin. Jay Heminway planted the vineyard with the help of his daughter’s then-Montessori teacher Alice Waters, now known as the pioneering chef of farm-to-table cuisine at Chez Panisse.

At the top of the Vaca Mountains in Napa, this organic vineyard sits at 1700’ between Howell Mountain and Pritchard Hill.

2022 Turley “WHITNEY TENNESSEE” Zinfandel, ALEXANDER Valley

This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard in Sonoma County was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve since converted all to organic farming. 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 sprinkled throughout.

Organically farmed pre-Prohibition vines planted head-trained and dry-farmed in the loam & gravel of Sonoma County. Garrigue, red and dark fruits, herbs de Provence and dried flowers. Some savory sweetness with a spiced finish on makes this heady wine easy to enjoy.

2022 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite. The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Tiny certified organic vineyard planted pre-Prohibition in Sonoma. Bright red fruits, baking spices, garrigue and perfume. Appealingly complex and layered on the palate, with further brambly fruits and excellent depth.

2022 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered, complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

Organically farmed, head-trained vines dating back to 1888 in Sonoma. An attractive nose of raspberry, savory roast meats, umami, and dark soil. The light tannins are pleasantly palate-coating, well-balanced and grounded.

2021 Vintage Winter Release

Old Vines, Young Love

Tasting Notes

2021 vintage — winter release

2021 Turley “estate” cabernet sauvignon, Napa Valley

Organically-farmed, single-vineyard estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon—not a statement that can be made by many! Planted in 1989 on the volcanic and alluvial soils found in northern Napa Valley, this vineyard forms the eastern border of the Turley estate and is framed by ancient majestic oak trees and a 150-year-old olive grove.

Certified organic, estate-owned and single-vineyard fruit from our home in the heart of Napa Valley. This wine is an instant classic, over-delivering on dark currant and cassis, savory notes of garrigue, ink, and freshly roasted coffee on the nose. Complex, structured, and quite serious on the palate, with a surge of juicy, ripe red raspberry fruit providing exquisite balance. Decant and ready to drink now at 60°-65°F.

2021 Turley “dragon Vineyard” cabernet sauvignon, howell mountain

When we first planted the Dragon Vineyard, the fact that Howell Mountain is hallowed ground for Cabernet Sauvignon did not escape us. Thus, though we filled the vast majority of the site with Zinfandel, we also planted a small parcel with Cabernet Sauvignon. And boy, are we glad we did.

Nestled atop Howell Mountain at 2200 feet, this certified organic vineyard overlooks the valley below. Signature Howell Mountain, with its distinctive nose of dark brambly fruits, high-toned white pepper, stone, and copious spices. Very structured and defined on the palate, with healthy high-elevation tannin. An intense and elegant wine. Decant several hours ahead of time and serve at 60°-65°F, or will age nicely.

2021 Turley “montecillo vineyard” cabernet sauvignon, sonoma valley

Hailing from one of the most historic and oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Sonoma, Montecillo is truly a paragon site. Located in the sub-AVA of Moon Mountain along the western side of the Mayacamas, its high elevation, combined with dry-farming and the rocky, unforgiving soils, makes for one of the most authentic, unique, and all-around best vineyard sites in the US.

Perched at 1800 feet up Moon Mountain on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas is this utter jewel of an old-vine, dry-farmed Cabernet vineyard. Compellingly lifted aromatics of black currant, brambly blackberry, fennel and a hint of anise. Elegant, well-integrated velvety tannins and more dark fruits on the palate. Deeply refined and absolutely delicious. Open and expressive, ready to drink now at 60°-65°F.

2021 Turley “rinaldi Vineyard” Zinfandel, amador county

Known to many historically as the Eschen vineyard, Rinaldi is one of the most significant ancient vineyards in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Though the bulk of our block dates from 1910, there are even still a few remaining vines from the original planting in the 1860s! Up high at 2000 feet of elevation in the Fiddletown AVA, the wine has plenty of tannin and is generally more blue-fruited than what you might find in nearby Shenandoah Valley.

Century-old vines located 2000 ft up in granite soils of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Layered and vivacious on the nose, with plum, blueberry, crushed rocks, and roasted game. Palate shows further blue and red fruits alongside the fine, satiating texture. Very drinkable on its own now at 55°-60°F, or can be decanted and/or laid down.

2021 Turley “dupratt Vineyard” Zinfandel, mendocino county

Planted in 1919 at 1500 feet up on Mendocino Ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by giant Redwood trees, forming a little island in the sky. Indeed, the site is so remote that the vines still survive on their own original roots as Phylloxera has never made its way up there. Located above the town of Philo and only 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the northernmost, coolest site from which we’ve ever made wine. Though we’ve worked with Mendocino fruit for many years, DuPratt is the only Mendocino County bottling from Turley.

Secluded, old vine Mendocino mountain fruit, planted in 1919 at 1500 ft. Dark and brooding nose of ripe boysenberry, blackberry, Indian ink, pencil lead, and wild foliage. Intense and savory on the palate, with plenty of mountain tannins and a long, lovely finish. A very special wine that will reward patience; lay it down or decant and serve now at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “monte rosso Vineyard” Zinfandel, sonoma valley

Located along the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains is the historic Monte Rosso vineyard. Called “red mountain” for its iron-rich volcanic soils, our block of Monte Rosso’s sloping hills was planted in 1893. Ranging in elevation from 700 to 1300 feet, these vines sit primarily above the fog line, with the city of San Francisco and the San Pablo Bay visible on a clear day. This prestigious vineyard is shared by many colleagues in the Zinfandel and larger wine world, and is widely considered one of the most notable sites both for the age of the vines as well as the superiority of the wines they produce.

Legendary late 1800s vineyard on Moon Mtn., along the southeastern edge of the Mayacamas. A deeply profound, brooding, almost Cabernet-like nose of dark fruits, dried baking spices, cassis, and graphite. Texture is reminiscent of other great wines of the world, and includes blackberry, plum, and smooth, marble-like mountain tannin that is exceptionally well-integrated. Decant and drink now at 55°-60°F or lay it down for years to come.

2021 Vintage Fall Release

Old Vines, Young Love

Tasting Notes

2021 vintage — fall release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2021 Turley “Brandlin Ranch” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located atop Mount Veeder, on the eastern and Napa side of the Mayacamas Mountains, this historic site was first settled in the 1870s by the Brandlin family, who ran the local stagecoach. They first planted grapevines in 1926, and we are honored to be working with the Zinfandel from that original planting. Sitting between 900-1250 feet in decomposed granite soils, slate, and schist, these dry-farmed vines see a long growing season, low yields, and high concentration. One sip and it’s easy to see why this is the most legendary vineyard on Mount Veeder.

Historic 1926 Zinfandel vineyard atop Mt Veeder, along the steep southern edge of the Mayacamas in Napa. Ardent aromas of wildflowers, berries, and savory, umami-rich meats. Reminiscent of an alpine strawberry meadow. Deeply pleasurable on the palate, with a burst of ripe red fruits deftly delivered by fresh acidity. Well-structured and downright delicious. Drinking great now at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-six years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley.

A Napa Valley “grand cru,” planted 1902-03. Refined rose petal, red and black fruits, and braised meats on the nose; like a beautifully set table complete with boeuf bourguignon and a bouquet of roses. Tegan likes to call this wine a “thoroughbred,” and it’s easy to see why; strong, beautiful, elegant, and downright lovely. Will age well, decant or drink now at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County

As our Amador winery is located on Bell Road, we named this wine for the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins and briary fruits.

Ungrafted vines planted 1907 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The nose is deeply appealing, leading with spiced red fruits and wild rosebushes. The texture is equally enticing, well balanced between ripe fruit and fine-grained granitic tannin. Ready to drink now or lay it down for a spell at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but ancient hillside head-trained vines located 900 feet up? Downright extraordinary.

Certified organic, planted 1937 at about 1000 ft up Moon Mountain. Fragrant nose of plum, lavender, black cherry, graphite, anise, herbs, and roasted coffee. A liberal dose of mountain tannins adds additional gravitas. The overall effect is wondrous, and the powerful finish left us awestruck. Don’t miss this wine in 2021. Lay it down or decant and serve at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Planted in 1885, Ueberroth is the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located closer to the sea than any other site we work with, you can smell the salt air from the top of the vineyard hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high-acid wine, elevating the powerful ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

Certified organic, ungrafted vines over 130 years old; the “grand cru” site of Paso Robles. Dark brambly fruits abound in this classically elegant yet powerful Paso Zin, along with a hint of holiday spices and dried orange peel. A generous surge of acidity on the palate offers the characteristic lift we love in this wine, and pairs perfectly with the dense fruit flavors. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F or will age.

2021 Turley “RATTLESNAKE RIDGE Vineyard” Zinfandel, HOWELL MOUNTAIN

Rattlesnake Ridge is a certified organic, estate-owned vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at about 2600 feet, the vines see more sun here than they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold flavors, and a tannin and acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain.

Certified organic estate vines planted at 2400 ft on a windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley. Classic Rattlesnake aromas of blackberry, chaparral, violets, sage, bacon, and savory pie crust fresh from the oven; reminiscent of Côte Rôtie. Traditional Howell Mountain tannins are well tamed by the copious flavors and luscious texture. Utterly delicious now at 55°-60°F, but could also be decanted or laid down.

2021 Turley “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is organically farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more varied topography than the rest of Lodi; thus, while most vineyards in the region were furrow irrigated, the rolling hills of iron-rich clay and volcanic soil in Dogtown have been dry-farmed from the start. The vineyard has some of the most consistently low yields and best natural acidity of any other we’ve farmed.

The pride of Lodi, these organically farmed ungrafted vines were planted in 1944. Vibrant aromas soar from the glass, including red fruits, matcha, autumnal spices, and gingerbread. We could smell this wine all day! Palate is equally pleasurable, with a bit of bitter chocolate, stone fruits, and smooth, black tea-like tannin. Drinking well now at 55°-60°F and will age nicely.

2021 Turley “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

The Library Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in California. Planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library, the vineyard is very varietally diverse. Primarily Petite Syrah vines mix with a myriad of others, including; Peloursin, Cinsault, Syrah, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Carignan, Grenache and Zinfandel. There are also several white grapes such as Muscat Alexandria, Muscadelle, Burger, and Green Hungarian. We pick them all together to make a wine truly expressive of the vineyard. 

A true gem, this incredibly varietally diverse vineyard was planted 1880-1920. Aromas range from purple fruits, white muscat, lychee, and orange blossom to iron-rich savory roast rib eye. Signature Napa Valley on the palate, mouthwatering with polished, velvety tannin. Give it a generous decant and serve at 60°-65°F or lay it down.

2021 Turley “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Located in Sonoma County, Zampatti is nearly hidden in downtown Santa Rosa. Planted in 1915 on 2.5 acres, the vineyard is farmed organically by Alida Morzenti, granddaughter of the Zampattis. The Zinfandel vines are interspersed with little-known white grapes Palomino and Golden Chasselas, and planted on a cool sloping site with large rocks scattered throughout the warm Franciscan soils. The wines are balanced, aromatic, bright and beautiful. 

A miniscule jewel of an organic vineyard, planted 1915. Ripe cranberry, blood orange zest, chalk, and fennel on the nose. Bright and vivid on the palate, with plum and further red and citrus fruits. Utterly ethereal in texture, you can’t help but salivate throughout and well after you’ve savored this wine. Drinks very well now at 55°-60°F or can age.

2021 Turley “DUSI Vineyard” Zinfandel, PASO ROBLES

The Dusi vineyard was planted by Dante Dusi in 1945, and is farmed by his family to this day. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, planted in soil that is primarily alluvial with some rather large rocks. Like our other Paso vineyards, Dusi is located in the Templeton Gap AVA, the cooler climate area on the west side of the region.

Planted 1945 and still farmed by the Dusi family to this day, this wine is one of the most plush and hedonistic we make at Turley. Particularly pretty in ‘21, with black plum, crème de cassis, and blackberry. Luscious, sappy, mouthwatering and absurdly easy to drink. Velvety in texture with a nice piquant white spice on the long finish. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Otty Hayne planted the Hayne Petite Syrah in 1953 while he was home from college visiting his grandfather. All head-trained, dry-farmed and organic, this Petite Syrah vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in California. The wine is powerful and inky in its youth, and becomes more elegant and refined with age. Likely to outlive us all.

One of the finest wines we make, this organic, old-vine Petite Syrah has serious pedigree. Profound on the nose, with pungent plum, dark brambly fruits, India ink, and pan grillé, reminiscent of young Pauillac. The palate has luscious blackberry, white pepper, and a hint of orange zest alongside a savory layer of herbs, gravel, and anise. Decanting will coax further pleasure if you drink the wine now, or it can age indefinitely. Serve at 60°-65°F.

2021 Turley “RATTLESNAKE RIDGE Vineyard” PETITE SYRAH, HOWELL MOUNTAIN

Above St. Helena on the north-eastern ridge of Napa Valley, the Petite Syrah from the certified organic Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard is another fantastic expression of Howell Mountain. Dark, powerful, inky, funky; this high-elevation, sun-drenched yet cool and windy site brings out the best characteristics of Petite Syrah.

Certified organic vines planted at 2400 ft above Napa Valley. A full meal of a wine, with purple fruits, bacon fat, savory herbs, grilled bread, lavender oil, graphite, and crème de cassis. Grippy tannins and a mouth-coating texture balanced by the plentiful fruits and a long finish. Decant and drink now at 60°-65°F or will benefit further from laying down.

2021 Turley “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California

Old Vines is composed of a variety of venerable 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.

Hailing from over 20 ancient vineyards across California, this wine has inherent depth, complexity, and grace thanks to the old vine sources. The ’21 is extremely well composed; dark fruits like plum and blueberry alongside black tea and savory herbs. A serious and brooding wine that is satisfyingly nimble on the palate. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

2021 Turley “The White Coat” White Wine, California

The White Coat (named for Larry’s past career as an Emergency Room physician) is composed of white Rhône grapes from three of our Estate vineyards across California. The rich, textured Roussanne from Rattlesnake Ridge on Howell Mountain in Napa is moderated by acidity and structure provided by the Grenache Blanc grown in the calcareous soils of the Pesenti Vineyard in Paso Robles. Finally, the blend is rounded out with a touch of refreshing, mineral Vermentino (also known as Rolle) from the granitic and quartz-laden Cobb Vineyard in Amador. The result is an exceptional, dynamic white wine that is truly California.

Our signature white blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne, all white grapes hailing from the Rhône Valley. Fantastic nose of fragrant white flowers, chamomile, ripe apricot, beeswax, and sun-warmed white stone. Medium-bodied with further honeyed stone fruits and a tinge of butterscotch. Great with rich shellfish or lemon-y pasta, and drinking well now at 40°-50°F.

2023 Summer Release

Looking at life through freshly-pressed rosé colored glasses

Tasting Notes

2023 summer release

2022 Turley “ESTATE” SAUVIGNON BLANC, NAPA VALLEY

Certified organic, dry-farmed vines grown at our St Helena estate. Brightly and lively, with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, cool green melon, honeysuckle, and crystalline oyster shell. The palate shows more richness than the nose suggests, while still finishing with crisp, zesty freshness. Ready to drink now at 40˚- 50 ˚F.

2022 Turley ZINFANDEL Rosé, CALIFORNIA

Pale and delicately pink in color with soft peachy tones, akin to the rosés of Provence. The nose is subtle but alluring, with hints of hibiscus flower and salted nectarine. The palate is brisk and dry yet silky, with wild strawberry, white peach, and rose petal. Ready to drink now at 40˚- 50 ˚F.

2022 Turley “BECHTHOLD VINEYARD” CINSAULT, LODI

Hailing from the oldest Cinsault vines in existence, planted 1886, this wine is as delicious as it is historically significant. Dazzingly jewel-toned and pure in color, it stuns all the senses. The nose is fragrant with pomegranate, cranberry, red plum, lavender and violet, while the palate presents crunchy red fruits and a pleasurable, black tea-like finish. Light and refreshing but with a bit more power and tannin than years previous. Drink now at 50˚- 55 ˚F.

2021 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Grenache, Paso Robles

Previously only available in our tasting room, the Pesenti Grenache makes an impressive debut on the mailing list. Made famous in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat, Grenache is also one of the traditional Rhône grapes that helped put modern-day Paso Robles on the map. Aromatics include alpine strawberry, blackberry, fennel, and lavender, mingled with a spice reminiscent of garrigue. A medium-to full-bodied wine, the palate shows tangy bright red brambly fruits, spice, and a balanced acidity offset by fine-grained tannin. With a long finish, the purity and depth of this wine are sure to please even our most dedicated Zin drinkers. Drink now at 55˚- 60 ˚F.

2021 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Composed of young vines ranging in age from 6-25 years that have been replanted in several of our best old vine sites. Fragrant, lifted aromas of ripe dark fruits like black raspberry and blood orange on the nose. Superb balance between acidity, tannin, and spice, with a succulent, profoundly satisfying texture. Drink now at 55˚- 60 ˚F.

2021 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Certified organic, head-trained, dry-farmed field blend of vines planted at our winery in the heart of Napa Valley. Fragrant and savory, with notes of garrigue, dark chocolate, salted plum, meat marinade, and Provençal herbs. The texture on the palate evokes Cabernet or even Petite Syrah in structure and timbre, further demonstrating the multifaceted appeal of this sonorous wine. Drink now at 55˚- 60 ˚F.

2021 Vintage Spring Release

Newsletter

2021 vintage — spring release

Dear Friends, 

            Greetings from soggy CA, where Mother Nature decided she’d had enough of this dry January nonsense and said “Here, hold my beer.” Indeed, it’s been deliciously wet ‘round these parts, replete with rain, snow, soups, baths, and plenty of soul-warming, toe-curling Turley wine. We’re beyond relieved to refill our parched reservoirs, and even more excited to restock your reserves with the first release of the phenomenal 2021 vintage Turley wines! 

     Indeed, 2021 was an ideal and—dare we say it—“normal” vintage, a welcome reprieve from the many challenges of the year previous. Though still drought-ridden and very low-yielding, the vines were healthy and made wines of power, promise, and finesse. As such, we’re able to wish a whole-hearted welcome back to our beloved Howell Mountain wines on this release, Dragon and Cedarman. These certified organic vines produce some of the most unique and treasured wines we make in Napa Valley, and after being forced to forfeit an entire vintage in 2020, we are ecstatic to have them once again. Keep an eye out for the return of the Rattlesnake wines on the fall release as well.      

     We’d also like to extend a warm welcome to the newest wine in the Turley lineup, Del Barba Vineyard. This Zinfandel hails from the deep dehli blow sands of Contra Costa County, and after a decade of work, is ready to “graduate” to its own single-vineyard bottling. After twenty years, we’ve retired Duarte, the long-time regional blend of fruit from Contra Costa, to focus on what we do best: single-vineyard wines. And yes, that’s plural…there will be another soon to come!

     Lastly, for the first time in 30 years, we have come to the difficult decision to raise prices. Though long overdue thanks to the precipitously rising costs of farming, insurance, production supplies and shipping, as well as environmental challenges like wildfires and drought, this was nevertheless not a decision we came to lightly. Unlike many of our peers in the wine business, we opted to forgo a universal increase, and instead took a thorough and painstaking look at each wine individually. As a result, not all prices were raised, and the wines that did go up were increased only by the exact amount they needed to be to cover costs. Thus, overall the average price went up by only $2 a bottle. After all, a large part of being a sustainable business means we need to be able to stay in business, and this was a necessary measure to ensure we can continue to work with these ancient, historic vines and make these precious wines for years to come. We are eternally grateful to you for your understanding in this regard, and confident you’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor.

     Cheers to 2023, Turley’s 30th year, and cheers to you for making that possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Old Vines Young Love,

Christina Turley

Turley Wine Cellars

Tasting Notes

2021 vintage — spring release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2021 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California.

Fragrant, lifted aromas of ripe dark fruits like black raspberry and blood orange on the nose. Superb balance between acidity, tannin, and spice, with a succulent, profoundly satisfying texture.

2021 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

Deeply perfumed and enthralling nose of ripe red fruits, high-toned spices, orange zest, and an almost minty crushed chalk. Palate is smooth, lush, energetic, and pure, with a smack of well-toned acidity, satiating structure, and a long, precise finish.

2021 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Certified organic, head-trained, dry-farmed field blend of vines planted at our winery in the heart of Napa Valley. Fragrant and savory, with notes of garrigue, dark chocolate, salted plum, meat marinade, and Provençal herbs. The texture on the palate evokes Cabernet or even Petite Syrah in structure and timbre, further demonstrating the multifaceted appeal of this sonorous wine.

2021 Turley “dragon VIneyard” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2400 feet at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats laid over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region.

Certified organic and planted at 2400’ above Napa Valley, these wines are among the most distinctive in the entire region. Back with renewed verve, Dragon is brimming with savory white pepper, lavender, blackberry, cassis, dried herbs and anise. Signature Howell Mountain tannin and texture provide a cohesive balance in this elegant behemoth..

2021 Turley “cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of certified organic fruit from some of the highest elevation plantings on Howell Mountain. Primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah as well, resulting in a truly powerful, dense and wild wine, long on flavor.

Another triumphant return, this wine is a proprietary assemblage of fruit from the Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards, all certified organic. Dark fruits, black pepper, meat marinade, and a smattering of blackberry and dried purple flowers. Densely flavorful and decidedly Howell Mountain in texture.

2021 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Organically farmed head-trained vines planted at 1500’ in the Sierra Nevada Foothills in granite & quartz.  Aromas of red florals and fruits, orange zest, nutmeg, and petrichor, with a red pepper kick to the spicy finish. Very well integrated palate with characteristic yet resolved mountain tannins, reminiscent of a nuanced young Barbaresco.

2021 Turley “Del barba” Zinfandel, contra costa

New in 2021! After working with the fruit for over a decade, we are proud to present the first single-vineyard bottling for Turley from the Del Barba Vineyard. Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet, and these head-trained vines are planted in deep dehli blow sand, made up of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin, and dark saline fruits. 

Hailing from head-trained vines planted in the deep dehli blow sands of Contra Costa. Vibrant and dazzling on the nose, with plum, blood orange, lively spice, and mouthwatering smoked meats. The texture is a knockout: super smooth, silky and supple, with excellent acidity. Utterly enthralling, and a wine we want to revisit repeatedly.

2021 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic. The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

Certified organic mixed planting that includes trellised and head-trained, dry-farmed heritage vines. Dark blue and purple fruits, savory spiced game, and earth, like a walk through a rain-wet northern forest. Strikingly silky on the palate, with a fresh, vivacious texture that offsets the brooding depth of this exceptional wine.

2021 Turley “Deaver Ranch” Zinfandel, Amador County

Hailing from several head-trained vineyards dating back to the 1920s, these vines are planted at around 1500’ in the granite and quartz-rich soils of the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Ken Deaver, who farms each of these sites, can trace his family’s history in the Foothills back to the mid-19th century. The family planted their first grapevines in 1854, selling their harvest primarily to fellow homesteaders and amateur winemakers. Now, over 150 years later, Turley is proud to participate in this long-standing family farming tradition.

Deaver Ranch hails from several head-trained vineyards dating back to the 1920s across the Shenandoah Valley AVA. With a notable pure red color, the Deaver is a standout visually as well as aromatically. Sumptuous red fruits and abundant baking spices abound on the nose; lush yet fresh on the palate with signature Amador tannin.

2021 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Organically farmed, own-rooted, head-trained and dry-farmed vines planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Marking the 10th vintage of this wine, bright ripe red fruits, raspberry preserves, and white pepper burst forth from the glass. Precise on the palate like a perfectly seasoned piece of meat, with more red berries and a sumptuously complex texture.

2021 Turley “casa nuestra” red wine, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs of Napa Valley field blends will likely recognize the vineyard, made primarily under the eponymous label and farmed organically since 1979. For the formerly uninitiated, Casa Nuestra is nearly adjacent to the Turley Estate property in Napa Valley, just across the nearby Napa River. The vineyard is planted to a Mediterranean mix of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, Napa Gamay, Négrette, Mourvèdre, Refosco, and even Chenin Blanc.

Old vine, organically farmed Napa field blend including Zin, Petite Syrah, Carignane, Mourvedre, Alicante, & Chenin Blanc. A wildly redolent wine with black raspberry, white pepper, ginger, and earthy notes of truffles and beets. The palate is intricately layered, with appealing notes of orange zest and leather on the finish. A truly enticing wine from the jump.

2021 Turley “Steacy Ranch” Zinfandel, lodi

Steacy Ranch was one of the first vineyards planted on St. George rootstock in Lodi, which has since become the gold standard for Zinfandel in California. Hailing from 1907, the Zinfandel vines in this sandy-soiled vineyard are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission varieties as well, all common bedfellows in these classic old California vineyards.

Planted 1907 in the sandy loam soils on the east side of Lodi, these ancient Zinfandel vines are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission as well. Savory and earthy on the nose, with elements of dark fruits, sandalwood, red apple skin, and braised rhubarb. With smooth, super fine grained tannins and a long, blue-fruited finish, this would be an excellent pairing with duck!

2021 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood. Captivatingly expressive from start to finish with blackberry preserves, black cherry, plum, graphite, and luscious, effortlessly smooth tannin. Unlike most Petites, this wine is rewardingly ready to drink now.

2021 Turley “Heminway Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located on the top of the Vaca Mountains in northeastern Napa Valley, this vineyard sits at 1700 feet in between the southern end of Howell Mountain and just north of Pritchard Hill. The vines benefit from the moderating climate above Lake Hennessey. The wines are classic Napa Valley mountain fruit with great tannin. Jay Heminway planted the vineyard with the help of his daughter’s then-Montessori teacher Alice Waters, now known as the pioneering chef of farm-to-table cuisine at Chez Panisse.

At the top of the Vaca Mountains in Napa, this organic vineyard sits at 1700’ between Howell Mountain and Pritchard Hill. A truly phenomenal iteration of this site, with copious lifted aromas of blueberries, chocolate, gravel, and broken-in leather. Captivating on the palate as well, with refined, elegant tannin and tons of structure, alongside lightly roasted meats on the long—and we mean long—finish. Dense yet lithe and deeply rewarding with time.

2021 Turley “WHITNEY TENNESSEE” Zinfandel, ALEXANDER Valley

This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard in Sonoma County was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve since converted all to organic farming. 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 sprinkled throughout.

Organically farmed pre-Prohibition vines planted head-trained and dry-farmed in the loam & gravel of Sonoma County. Profuse blue fruits, savory game, and crushed gravel. Lively synergy between acid and tannin on the palate, with a wholly satisfying texture. Best enjoyed with a quick decant.

2021 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite. The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Tiny certified organic vineyard planted pre-Prohibition in Sonoma.  As always, one of the more outright enthralling and downright delicious wines in the spring lineup. Alluring aromas of violets, blueberries, red fruits, wild fennel, and pennyroyal abound. The palate is poised and polished, lush with fruit yet taut with acidity, lissome and lovely.

2021 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered, complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

Organically farmed, head-trained vines dating back to 1888 in Sonoma. Fresh blue fruits, pink peppercorn, savory herbs, fennel seed, and dusty bitter chocolate are amplified on the palate, which is teeming with tannin and texture. With particularly low yields in ’21, we recommend decanting.

2020 Vintage Fall Release

Newsletter

2020 vintage — fall release

Old Vines, Young Love

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2020 vintage Turley fall release! Whether you’re new to the Turley family of wines or just new to our mailing list, we’re very happy to have you.

Old Vines: The Story of Turley Wines
After two decades as an emergency room physician, Larry Turley developed a passion for restoration, rejuvenation, and yes, resuscitation. Where others might see decay, decrepitude and neglect in an old vineyard, Larry looked beyond, finding instead health, history, and potential. This passion has translated directly into his strong affinity towards old vine vineyards across California, sites that were often neglected in favor of their younger, more vigorous and less troublesome brethren. Some had been abandoned altogether, ripped out for developments or replaced with more lucrative crops. Turley, alongside longtime Vineyard Manager (and now Director of Winemaking) Tegan Passalacqua, is devoted to saving these old vineyards, reinvigorating them through organic farming practices and preserving them in the ground for generations to come.

Indeed, thanks to attentive care in the vineyards and producing wines of elegance, transparency and purity, Turley has proved these ancient vines as the cultural treasures they truly are. After starting with only three vineyards in 1993, Turley now produces wine from over 50 vineyards, 31 of which are old vine sites, and 18 over 100 years old. To our knowledge, today Turley works with more old vine vineyards than any other winery in the world. None of this would be possible without the “Old Vines” wine, home to fruit sourced from these many salvaged old-vine sites across California. If it weren’t for this cuvée, many of these vineyards would have been lost, along with over a century of our cultural heritage.

What Constitutes an “Old Vine?”
There is no technical (read: legal) definition of an “old vine” in the United States, so the common claims on wine labels vary widely. Not content with arbitrary labels—after all, very little is done arbitrarily in emergency medicine—Turley employs fifty years as the minimum vine age to be considered for “Old Vines.” This number was chosen purposefully thanks to the Historic Vineyard Society, of which Tegan is a founding board member. By adopting much of the criteria for consideration as a United States National Historic Landmark, the goal of HVS is to achieve legal protection for these vineyard sites as historic landmarks. After spending the last thirty years admiring these ancient agricultural cites, we couldn’t agree more.

Why Are Old Vines Superior?
In addition to their cultural significance, old vines produce a naturally more complex, balanced, and sustainable wine. Young vines tend to be vigorous and high yielding for a short period of time (16-20 years) before most wineries rip them up and replant, to keep yields at a maximum; think of the brief but intense career of an NFL player. Young modern vineyards are also almost always irrigated, which keeps the yields high and the root systems shallow, but can (in our opinion) dilute the quality and integrity of the final wine.

An old vine, on the other hand, naturally regulates its yields, focusing all the vine’s energy into a more finite—and ultimately more concentrated—final wine. Furthermore, these vines are dry-farmed, meaning they survive only on the natural rainfall patterns and water tables of their respective micro-climates. Finally, they are more deeply rooted in the soils, reaching down over 40 feet into the earth in some cases. For these reasons, we believe the wines produced by truly old vines are the truest representations of their respective terroirs. Plus, they just taste good.

A Note on the 2020 Vintage
On the whole, we were unbelievably lucky. As a winery that produces primarily Zinfandel, a variety that ripens much earlier than most others, harvest usually begins for us at the end of July/beginning of August. In a drought year like 2020, harvest was already well underway, and most of our Napa grapes were safely in, well before the Glass Fires began at the end of September. In the aftermath, we had to make sacrifices when it came time to decide which vineyards we harvested, and forfeit even more when it came to bottling. Unwilling to take even the most minute of chances, Tegan vetoed wines whose lab results returned clean if he felt their character had somehow been compromised. You may rest assured that the wines you are offered here embody the high quality and distinctive terroirs of the vineyards they represent.

Thank you again for being here. Though the wines, like all of us, may be fewer, they are all the more precious. They, like you, have been through unimaginable hardship; they, like you, have endured. These gnarly old vines are tough as nails, but nevertheless produces wines that are smooth, elegant, approachable, and delicious. May we all take a page from their book.

Old Vines Young Love,
Christina Turley

Tasting Notes

2020 vintage — fall release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2020 Turley “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California

Old Vines is composed of a variety of venerable 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.

From over 20 ancient vineyards across California and aged in only 10% new oak. Ripe blackberry, black cherry, black raspberry, classic spice and concentration rounded out by juicy acidity and soft tannins. A seriously satisfying wine with inherent depth, complexity, and grace. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Planted in 1885, Ueberroth is the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located closer to the sea than any other site we work with, you can smell the salt air from the top of the vineyard hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high-acid wine, elevating the ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

Certified organic, ungrafted vines over 130 years old; the “grand cru” site of Paso Robles. Exuberant, intense dark red plum, wild strawberry, dried orange peel, white pepper and chalk on the nose. Brooding, dense, pedigreed, powerfully fresh and balanced on the palate with mouth-watering acidity. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F or could age several years.

2020 Turley “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County

As our Amador winery is located on Bell Road, we named this wine for the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins and briary fruits.

Ungrafted vines planted 1907 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Primarily spice-driven, with savory notes of garrigue, red rose petals, red fruits, and crushed stone. Deeply pleasurable texture, medium-bodied and chock full of spice and well-integrated granitic tannins; a phenomenal pairing with game birds like pheasant or quail. Light decant and/or lay it down for a spell and will drink well at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Otty Hayne planted the Hayne Petite Syrah in 1953 while he was home from college visiting his grandfather. All head-trained, dry-farmed and organic, this Petite Syrah vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in California. The wine is powerful and inky in its youth, and becomes more elegant and refined with age. Likely to outlive us all.

One of the finest wines we make, this organic, old-vine Petite Syrah has serious pedigree. An abundantly fragrant nose, including bouquet garni, sage, bay leaf, India ink, nutmeg, meat marinade, rose petal, and lavender. Savory and satiating on the palate, potently flavored with plenty of acidity and downright delicious. Will reward patience; lay it down for as long as you can stand it, or decant for a few hours ahead of time then serve at 60°-65°F.

2020 Turley “The White Coat” White Wine, California

The White Coat (named for Larry’s past career as an Emergency Room physician) is composed of white Rhône grapes from three of our Estate vineyards across California. The rich, textured Roussanne from Rattlesnake Ridge on Howell Mountain in Napa is moderated by acidity and structure provided by the Grenache Blanc grown in the calcareous soils of the Pesenti Vineyard in Paso Robles. Finally, the blend is rounded out with a touch of refreshing, mineral Vermentino (also known as Rolle) from the granitic and quartz-laden Cobb Vineyard in Amador. The result is an exceptional, dynamic white wine that is truly California.

Our signature white blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne, all white Rhône grapes. Ripe yellow fruits, candied lemon peel, spiced apple, cantaloupe, honeysuckle, and sun-warmed white stone. A quintessential winter white wine; rich and luscious yet fresh and well-proportioned. Would be exquisite with scallops or spiny lobster, drinking well now at 40°-50°F.

2020 Turley “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but ancient hillside head-trained vines located 900 feet up? Downright extraordinary.

Certified organic, planted 1937 at about 1000’ up Moon Mountain. Savory, high-toned white pepper, blue and red fruits, signature mountain spice and tannins. Supremely well-structured and delicious, with noteworthy acidity and tannin. Sadly, there is precious little of this wine to go around this vintage, especially considering how high it’s punching above its weight. Lay it down or decant and serve at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-six years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley.

A Napa Valley “grand cru,” planted 1902-03. Full gamut of red to blue to dark fruits, rose petal, and the entire spice rack. Smooth, satiating texture and classic acid and tannin synergy, perfectly balanced. Will age well, decant or drink now at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is organically farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more varied topography than the rest of Lodi; thus, while most vineyards in the region were furrow irrigated, the rolling hills of iron-rich clay and volcanic soil in Dogtown have been dry-farmed from the start. The vineyard has some of the most consistently low yields and best natural acidity of any other we’ve farmed.

The pride of Lodi, these organically farmed ungrafted vines were planted in 1944. Vivid and expressive brambly fruits, black raspberry, wild cherry, fragrant chaparral, holiday spices, and red dust. Refined and elegantly textured, with a smooth long finish. Drinking well now at 55°-60°F and will age nicely.

2020 Turley “DuPratt Vineyard” Zinfandel, Mendocino County

Planted in 1919 at 1500 feet up on Mendocino Ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by giant Redwood trees and is often called the “vineyard in the sky.” Indeed, the site is so remote that the vines still survive on their own original rootstocks, as Phylloxera has never made its way up there. Located above the town of Philo and only 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the northernmost, coolest site from which we’ve ever made wine. Though we’ve worked with Mendocino fruit for many years, DuPratt is the only Mendocino County bottling from Turley.

Secluded, old vine Mendocino mountain fruit, planted in 1919 at 1500’. Perfumed and abundantly aromatic; dark florals, spicy red fruits, black currant, and tons of energy and verve. Powerful yet nervy on the palate, with plenty of mountain texture and nimble acidity. Will reward patience; lay it down or decant and serve now at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

The Library Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in California. Planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library, the vineyard is very varietally diverse. Primarily Petite Syrah vines mix with a myriad of others, including; Peloursin, Cinsault, Syrah, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Carignan, Grenache and Zinfandel. There are also several white grapes such as Muscat Alexandria, Muscadelle, Burger, and Green Hungarian. We pick them all together to make a wine truly expressive of the vineyard. 

Incredibly varietally diverse vineyard planted 1880-1920. Immensely satisfying and layered; dense, dark red fruits, mixed berries, plums, white flowers and savory herbs. Deep yet lush and smooth on the palate, novel acidity and utterly satisfying. Can be decanted or laid down but drinking deceptively well right now at 60°-65°F.

2020 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood. Lively purple fruits, petrichor, graphite, black peppercorn, and white stone. Beautifully composed on the palate, with plenty of fruit, savory smoked meats, and elegant chalky tannin. Drinking well now at 60°-65°F with a light decant and can age for years to come.

2020 Turley “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Located in Sonoma County, Zampatti is nearly hidden in downtown Santa Rosa. Planted in 1915 on 2.5 acres, the vineyard is farmed organically by Alida Morzenti, granddaughter of the Zampattis. The Zinfandel vines are interspersed with little-known white grapes Palomino and Golden Chasselas, and planted on a cool sloping site with large rocks scattered throughout the warm Franciscan soils. The wines are balanced, aromatic, bright and beautiful. 

A miniscule jewel of an organic vineyard, planted 1915. Cranberries, red fruit cobbler, fragrant holiday spices—like grandmother’s kitchen on a winter’s day. Tannins are present but smoothed, and ripe spiced red fruit flavors abound. Drinks very well now at 55°-60°F or can age.

2020 Turley “Amadeo’s Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Initially only available in our Paso tasting room, we are thrilled to be introducing this small-production wine to the mailing list for the first time this year! This historic site was planted in the 1920s as the only vineyard supplying the family-owned Amadeo Martinelli winery, located adjacent to the dry-farmed vines. In true Italian tradition, the vineyard is interplanted with cherry trees, as well as a handful of Grenache vines. The slope faces north and as such Amadeo’s is the coolest climate site we work with in Paso Robles, making it the last one to come in at harvest. As a result, the wine has a sleek texture, phenomenal acidity, and impressive depth.

A cooler climate 1920s dry-farmed estate vineyard in Paso. Black currant, black pepper, garrigue, meat marinade, crème de mûre, and lavender. Lush yet savory, would be excellent with lamb. Drink now at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Brandlin Ranch” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located atop Mount Veeder, on the eastern and Napa side of the Mayacamas Mountains, this historic site was first settled in the 1870s by the Brandlin family, who ran the local stagecoach. They first planted grapevines in 1926, and we are honored to be working with the Zinfandel from that original planting. Sitting between 900-1250 feet in decomposed granite soils, slate, and schist, these dry-farmed vines see a long growing season, low yields, and high concentration. One sip and it’s easy to see why this is the most legendary vineyard on Mount Veeder.

Historic 1926 Zinfandel vineyard atop Mt Veeder, along the steep southern edge of the Mayacamas. Plums, blackberries, black currants, all ripened to perfection. Fine-grained tannins are present and wonderfully integrated with the plentiful, well-balanced fruit. Structured, pedigreed, this is a seriously enjoyable wine. Drinking great now at 55°-60°F.

2020 Turley “Monte Rosso Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Representing the western and Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains is the historic Monte Rosso vineyard. Called “red mountain” for its iron-rich volcanic soils, Monte Rosso’s sloping hills were originally planted in 1880 and partially replanted in 1938. Ranging in elevation from 700 to 1300 feet, these vines sit primarily above the fog line, with the city of San Francisco and the San Pablo Bay visible on a clear day. This well-known vineyard is shared by many colleagues in the Zinfandel and larger wine world, and is widely considered one of the most notable sites both for the age of the vines as well as the superiority of the wines they produce.

Legendary late 19th c vineyard on Moon Mtn., along the southwestern edge of the Mayacamas. Dark purple, black and red fruits, ripe blackberry, sandalwood, and minerality give this wine unique, almost Nebbiolo-like characteristics. Incredible depth, mouth-watering acidity, and utterly seamless, this wine will live a long, long time. Decant and drink now at 55°-60°F or lay it down for years to come.

2020 Turley “Rinaldi Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Known to many historically as the Eschen vineyard, Rinaldi is one of the most significant ancient vineyards in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Though the bulk of our block dates from 1910, there are even still a few remaining vines from the original planting in the 1860s! Up high at 2000 feet of elevation in the Fiddletown AVA, the wine has plenty of tannin and is generally more blue-fruited than what you might find in nearby Shenandoah Valley.

Century-old dry-farmed vines located 2000’ up in granite soils of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Multi-faceted and primarily red-fruited, as is widely the case in Amador. Mulling spice, star anise, cranberry, orange rind, savory; the ultimate autumnal wine. Presence and weight on the palate without heaviness; solidly medium-bodied, and classic fine-grained granitic tannins. Very drinkable on its own now at 55°-60°F, or would be lovely paired with roast chicken or duck.

2022 Summer Release

Tasting Notes

Summer Release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2021 Turley “Estate” Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Very high quality yet small crop, due to severe drought on these organic, dry-farmed vines. An excellent nose of bright citrus, white peach, chalk, and a dusting of white pepper. Crisp and dry with plenty of energy and verve; will be an excellent pairing with hot summer days and ice-cold oysters all season long.

2021 Turley Zinfandel Rosé, California

We tapped several of our estate vineyards across California to make this simply fantastic, textbook delicious rosé. Pure, pretty, and absurdly easy to drink, with lively red fraise du bois, ripe Anjou pear, and refreshing acidity. This dry, invigorating rosé is ready to raise the bar on your summer aperitif hour. 

 

2021 turley “Bechthold Vineyard” Cinsault, Lodi

Stunning straight from the first pour, the Cinsault from these organic, dry-farmed 136-year-old vines positively shimmers in the glass. Deeply perfumed, with notes of hibiscus, sun-kissed peaches, strawberry, and warm sand; the California sun incarnate. The light, lovely texture is balanced by lively acidity; we recommend serving with a slight chill on a warm summer’s eve.

2020 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California.

Plenty of satiating spiced plum, blood orange, and stone fruits, with grippy tannins and well-balanced acidity. Eminently drinkable now owing to the classic Juvenile texture. Plus, with this vintage of Juvenile we introduced new corks that essentially eliminate TCA! What an absolutely gorgeous knockout of a wine for $20.

2020 Turley “Steacy Ranch” Zinfandel, Lodi

Steacy Ranch was one of the first vineyards planted on St. George rootstock in Lodi, which has since become the gold standard for Zinfandel in California. Hailing from 1907, the Zinfandel vines in this sandy-soiled vineyard are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission varieties as well, all common bedfellows in these classic old California vineyards.

Classic Rhône notes of blue and purple fruits alongside lamb fat, spice, and dust. Plush on the palate and satisfyingly open and ready to drink.

2020 TURLEY “ESTATE” ZINFANDEL, NAPA VALLEY

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Pretty blue and dark fruits, orange zest, anise, and a hint of Moroccan spiced lamb. Supple and lush, with creamy milk-chocolate texture on the mid-palate. Easy to drink straightaway.

2020 Vintage Spring Release

Newsletter

2020 vintage — spring release

Welcome to the first release of Turley’s 2020 vintage!

The winter sun—or is that a glimmer of hope?—shining on a centenarian vine in Deaver Ranch.

While dithering about preparing to compose this newsletter heralding the first release of the 2020 vintage wines, I turned to one of my preferred procrastination inspirational tools, the works of Paul Thomas Anderson. (If you’ve ever wanted to summon your inner mad creative genius while attempting a difficult task, allow me to recommend listening to the Phantom Thread soundtrack on a dark winter’s eve, which I am doing at this very moment). I particularly love his film Magnolia, and was struck by this exchange between two characters, the grizzled game show host Jimmy Gator, and his producer, Burt:

Jimmy

And the book says: “We may be through with the past, but the past ain’t through with us.”

Burt

“We met upon the level and we’re parting on the square”

Indeed, though 2020 is technically behind us, many of its effects linger on, no matter how much we wish they’d fade forever. The year is seared into our minds, and I use that verb intentionally. For those of us in Napa Valley, on top of the perils of the pandemic—not to mention an already formidable drought—we experienced the most devastating wildfire we’d seen to date. Many of us were forced to evacuate from the fire, threatening our homes, our winery, our vineyards, and our future. Striving to save all he’d created, Larry refused to leave at first, despite the fire surrounding our winery and home on three sides. Finally, the pleads from his family, especially his daughters, convinced him to escape, the flames licking at his heels.

     Although we wish we could forget this year entirely, we find ourselves forced to face it once again. However, rather than only remembering damage and loss, I am choosing instead to shine a light on the lucky, hopeful, and heartening aspects of that fateful year. Most notably, all our structures and vineyards survived! The sole (temporary) exception being when Larry removed all our most important documents—birth certificates, winery deeds etc.—during the fires “for safekeeping,” only to promptly lose them for the following four months.

     Furthermore, like many of our vintner brethren, we were forced to make some very tough decisions in 2020. Unlike those others, however, we make mostly Zinfandel, a grape that ripens significantly earlier than most other red varieties, often allowing us to safely harvest the lion’s share of a given vintage before fire season begins. Additionally, we work with vineyards in a wide variety of far-flung regions across the great Golden State, many of which were completely unaffected by the wildfires. Lastly, though there was much we lost, let’s not forget our gains: new parents were made, whether by babies, pets, or plants; a new president was elected; and several new wines joined the Turley family! You’ll see the first one in your offer, a “new” old-vine Zinfandel from the granite foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains: Deaver Ranch, whose vines date back to the 1920s.

     Now to the last bit of that quote from Magnolia, which is a form of a Masonic maxim. “We meet upon the level” connotes approaching our interactions with honesty and transparency, and without prejudice, giving others due courtesy. “Parting on the square” implies that we conclude having treated one another with respect, and having done our best to satisfy each other’s needs.

     To meet you on the level: 2020 was a challenging year. We had to make many sacrifices when it came to which vineyards we harvested, and cut even more when it came time to bottle. Unwilling to take even the most minute of chances, Tegan vetoed wines whose lab results returned clean if he felt their character had somehow been compromised. Thus, though you will no doubt notice wines missing from your lineup, you may rest assured that the ones you do see embody the high quality and distinctive terroirs of the vineyards they represent.

To part on the square: I am continuously impressed by the kind-heartedness of you, our members. Your compassionate notes throughout the years, packed with personal anecdotes and tributes, have never ceased to touch, inspire, and amaze. May we continue to approach one another with courtesy and respect in all our interactions, now and into the future; and may our wines continue to satisfy your needs. The wines, like all of us, may be fewer; and therefore, they are all the more precious. They, like you, have been through unimaginable hardship; they, like you, have endured. These gnarly old vines are tough as nails, but nevertheless produce wines that are smooth, elegant, approachable, and delicious. May we all take a page from their book.

Old Vines Young Love,

Christina Turley

Turley Wine Cellars

Tasting Notes

2020 vintage — spring release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2020 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California.

Plenty of satiating spiced plum, blood orange, and stone fruits, with grippy tannins and well-balanced acidity. Eminently drinkable now owing to the classic Juvenile texture. Plus, with this vintage of Juvenile we introduced new corks that essentially eliminate TCA! What an absolutely gorgeous knockout of a wine for $20.

2020 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Pretty blue and dark fruits, orange zest, anise, and a hint of Moroccan spiced lamb. Supple and lush, with creamy milk-chocolate texture on the mid-palate. Easy to drink straightaway.

2020 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

Signature spice, white pepper, perfumed purple fruits and chalk, with a lush, juicy yet structured texture. Drinking well now.

2020 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Red fruits, black cherries, dried florals, ink and perfume, with characteristic Amador granite dust tannin. Approachable in its youth, though we nevertheless recommend decanting.

2020 Turley “Dusi Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

The Dusi vineyard was planted by Dante Dusi in 1945 and it is farmed by his family to this day. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, planted in soil that is mostly alluvial with some very large rocks. Like our other vineyards in the area, Dusi is on the west side of Paso Robles, in the cool Templeton Gap sub-AVA.

The darker, more hedonistic cousin to the Pesenti Zinfandel, with plenty of fruits that run the full gamut from berry to stone and everything in between. Supple, juicy, and mouthwatering on the palate with a mineral zip. Drink now.

2020 Turley “Steacy Ranch” Zinfandel, Amador County

Steacy Ranch was one of the first vineyards planted on St. George rootstock in Lodi, which has since become the gold standard for Zinfandel in California. Hailing from 1907, the Zinfandel vines in this sandy-soiled vineyard are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission varieties as well, all common bedfellows in these classic old California vineyards.

Classic Rhône notes of blue and purple fruits alongside lamb fat, spice, and dust. Plush on the palate and satisfyingly open and ready to drink.

2020 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Wild strawberries warmed in the sun, anise, mint, spice, fennel, roast herb-crusted lamb, and a hint of raspberry liqueur. Lay it down for a few or decant to enjoy sooner!

2020 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic. The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

Wild blackberries, violets, India ink and game; classic Petite Syrah. Dark and juicy on the palate with plenty of tannin. Give this wine time in order to really see it shine!

2020 Turley “Duarte” Zinfandel, Contra Costa County

This wine is an homage to Joe Duarte, a prominent grape grower in Contra Costa who first introduced Turley to the incredible vineyards of the area. The wine is comprised of fruit from the turn-of-the-century vineyards, several ungrafted, dating back to the 1890s. Thanks to the windswept sandy soils and impressive age of the vines, the wine has some of the softest, silkiest tannins we’ve ever seen in a Zinfandel.

Fascinating nose of salted caramel chocolate, red apple skin, plum and white stone fruits. Exemplary suave, supple tannins with welcoming fresh acidity. Delightful straight out of the gate. 

2020 Turley “Deaver Ranch” Zinfandel, Amador County

Introducing the newest wine to the Turley family in 2020, the Deaver Ranch Zinfandel from Amador County. Hailing from several head-trained vineyards dating back to the 1920s, these vines are planted at around 1500’ in the granite and quartz-rich soils of the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Ken Deaver, who farms each of these sites, can trace his family’s history in the Foothills back to the mid-19th century. The family planted their first grapevines in 1854, selling their harvest primarily to fellow homesteaders and amateur winemakers. Now, over 150 years later, Turley is proud to participate in this long-standing family farming tradition.

New! Deaver Ranch hails from several head-trained vineyards dating back to the 1920s across the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Stunning pure red in color, with garrigue, spiced red fruits, and sun-warmed rock. A rich mouthfeel and traditional Amador fine-grained granitic tannins. Drinking well now with a quick decant.

2020 Turley “WHITNEY TENNESSEE” Zinfandel, ALEXANDER Valley

This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard in Sonoma County was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve since converted all to organic farming. 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 sprinkled throughout.

Dark fruits, warm spices, gravel dust, and petrichor. Dynamic and shifting in texture, from tannin to juiciness on the mid-palate and finishing with fresh acidity and blue fruits. Drink now or lay down.

2020 Turley “Sadie Upton Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

2020 is the final vintage of this wine for Turley. In 1922, smack-dab in the middle of Prohibition and while her husband was away working for the railroad, a then 21-year-old Sadie Upton decided she was going to plant a vineyard near their home at 1500 feet near Plymouth, CA. Now, 100 years later, the vines are still kicking in the gumption-riddled tradition of their creator. The wine was made exclusively by Karly for the past 30 years and we are beyond excited to be able to share Sadie’s moxie with you today.

2020 sadly marks the final vintage Sadie for Turley. Ripe candied red fruits, peppermint, dried flowers, graphite, and earth, alongside distinctive granitic tannins. Ready now if decanted.

2020 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered, complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

Organically farmed, head-trained vines dating back to 1888 in Sonoma. Deep blue fruits, blackberries, plum, graphite, and gravel dust; similar to the Fredericks in profile. Strong textural loamy tannins carry through to the finish; needs a bit of time, so lay it down for a year or give it a longer decant.

2020 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite. The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Wild strawberries, perfume, pennyroyal, black cherry, dark flowers, and satiating chalky tannins. Drinking well now and can age due to the poise and balance inherent in this stunning wine.

2019 Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon Release

Tasting Notes

2019 Vintage — Cabernet Sauvignon Release

Mark your calendars, our Turley Cabernet Sauvignon release will open mid-November 2021!

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 40% new oak barrels, of which 100% are French oak, and bottled after 18 months in barrel.

2019 “Turley Estate Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

There’s no place like home! This certified organic vineyard is part of our beloved Estate, right in the heart of Napa Valley. Vibrant and deeply red in color, this sumptuous wine is a true classic. Black and red briary fruits, with plum, sage, chaparral, baker’s chocolate and nutmeg; as comforting as the perfect vintage leather jacket. Downright delicious and drinkable straight away. 

2019 “Montecillo Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley

Head-trained, dry-farmed 50+ year old vines planted at 1800’ in the Moon Mountain AVA of Sonoma. Hillside old vines are very rare, especially for Cabernet, and the wine they produce is exceptional. Dark flowers, blue fruits, black cherry, savory herbs, incense, graphite, and a faint note of menthol. The mountain tannins provide an excellent grip and a long, satisfying finish. Decant and drink now or lay down for up to a decade.

2019 “Dragon Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

One of our favorite vineyards makes a triumphant return. Atop Howell Mountain in Napa at 2200’, these certified organic vines produce a powerful, elegant wine unlike any other. Dark and deeply colored, with purple fruits, petrichor, raspberry, dark bitter chocolate, lavender, gravel dust, and cloves. Plenty of energetic tannins that are even more fine-grained and grippy than the Montecillo, with an exceedingly long finish. Decant and drink now or lay down for up to a decade. 

2019 Vintage Fall Release

Tasting Notes

2019 vintage — fall release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barrels, of which 80% are French oak and the rest American, and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel. Old Vines is aged in 90% used oak and White Coat is aged entirely in used French oak.

Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF.

2019 “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California

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 are 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.

From over 20 historic vineyards across California and aged in only 10% new oak. Perfectly ripe blackberries, ripe raspberries, plum, orange zest, and spiced tea. Supple yet nimble on the palate with medium body and very well-integrated tannins. The kind of natural depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from truly old vines. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

2019 “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Ueberroth is one of the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located just a few miles northwest of Pesenti, you can smell the Pacific Ocean air from the top of the vineyard hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high-acid wine, elevating the ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

Ancient, ungrafted, and organically farmed, Ueberroth is one of the prides of Paso Robles. Deep nose of fully ripened blackberry bushes, gently warmed by the sun; herbs de Provence, chalk dust, and meat marinade. Powerful, profound, smooth, and lush on the palate; plenty of sweet fruit without being cloying, and the perfect tannin/acid synergy. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F or could age several years should you prefer.

2019 “Rattlesnake Ridge” ZINFANDEL, howell mountain

Rattlesnake Ridge is an estate-owned and certified organic vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at about 2600 feet, the vines see more sun here than they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold flavors, tannin and an acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain.

Atop the Howell Mountain AVA, these organic vines are planted at 2400’ on a high, windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley. Red-fruited and refined; more savory than super fruity, though red, blue and black fruits are present alongside lavender, garrigue, weathered stone, plum and a bit of leather. Excellent depth with a strong, structured, yet seamless texture, the aphoristic iron fist in a velvet glove. Drinks well now at 55°-60°F, but could also potentially benefit from a quick decant.

2019 “Cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of certified organic fruit from some of the highest elevation plantings on Howell Mountain. Primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah as well, resulting in a truly powerful, dense and wild wine, long on flavor.

This year’s Cedarman is extremely limited compared to years previous, owing to the much smaller crop of these organic, high-elevation vines. Dark purple fruits, savory roasted meats, sappy forest floor, and bitter dark chocolate. Voluptuous yet structured, with fine, well-resolved mountain tannins. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

2019 “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, located in what is the new Moon Mountain AVA, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but historic hillside head-trained vines located 1000 feet up? Downright extraordinary.

Organically farmed vines planted in 1937 at 1000’ up in the Moon Mountain AVA. Copious dark blue fruits on the nose, plum, black cherry, cassis, wild herbs, crème de mûre, and savory roast lamb. Broad on the palate, with ripe fruit that rounds out the tannins and a long finish. Recommend decanting or laying down for several years to show its best, and serve at 55°-60°F.

2019 “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County

As our Amador winery is located on Bell Road, we named this wine for the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins & briary fruits.

Ungrafted vines planted in 1907, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Red fruits, raspberry, juicy plum, and rose petal. Mouthwatering acidity and signature Sierra Foothills tannins, lively and fine-grained. We recommend decanting and/or laying down for some time and will drink well at 55°-60°F alongside a meal.

2019 “The White Coat” White Wine, California

Though the blend has changed over the years, The White Coat (named for Larry’s past career as an Emergency Room physician) is composed of white Rhône grapes from three of our Estate vineyards across California. The rich, textured Roussanne from Rattlesnake Ridge on Howell Mountain in Napa is moderated by acidity and structure provided by the Grenache Blanc grown in the calcareous soils of the Pesenti Vineyard in Paso Robles. Finally, the blend is rounded out with a touch of refreshing, mineral Vermentino (also known as Rolle) from the granitic and quartz-laden Cobb Vineyard in Amador. The result is an exceptional, dynamic white wine that is truly California.

Our signature white wine is a blend of organically farmed Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne, all white Rhône grapes. White flowers, sun-warmed stones, peach, citrus blossom, honeysuckle, and nectarine. Medium-bodied with excellent acidity and luscious texture. Drinking well now at 40°-50°F.

2019 “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Otty Hayne planted the Hayne Petite Syrah in 1953 while he was home from college visiting his grandfather.  All head-trained, dry-farmed and organic, this Petite Syrah vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in California. The wine is powerful and inky in its youth, and becomes more feminine and refined with age. Likely to outlive us all.

One of the finest wines we make, this organic, old-vine Petite Syrah has serious pedigree. Deep and dark, with purple flowers, plum, ink, spiced bitter chocolate, and dust. Substantial tannins and utterly stellar on the palate. We recommend decanting and/or laying down this world-class wine, then serving at 60°-65°F.     

2019 “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-seven years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley.

This legendary Napa Valley vineyard was planted 1902-1903 and is organically farmed. Rose petal, dark cherry, gravel dust, dried laurel, and orange zest. Seamless and smooth, fully integrated acid and tannin synergy, and mind-blowingly balanced. Take your time with this one in the glass and you’ll be further rewarded. Ready now and will age well, drink at 55°-60°F.

2019 “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

High-toned and powerful, with purple flowers, roasted meats, blackberry liqueur, and grilled bread. Strongly textured with impressive tannins moderated by ripe fruits and a long finish. Recommend decanting and/or laying down, then serving at 60°-65°F.

2019 “Salvador vineyard” zinfandel, contRa costa county

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 roamed deeply as the soil is solid sand for 40 feet down. The wine is stunning: suave, complex and powerfully elegant.

The swan song Salvador. This is the last-ever vintage of this organically farmed vineyard, planted in 1896 on its own roots. Red and blue-fruited, white peach and nectarine, sandalwood, freshly baked bread, citrus oil, driftwood, and iron-rich earth. Supple texture, suave tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long finish; truly a beautiful wine. Drinking well now and can age, serve at 55°-60°F.

2019 “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more varied topography than the rest of Lodi; thus, while most vineyards in the region were furrow irrigated, the rolling hills of iron-rich clay and volcanic soil in Dogtown have been dry-farmed from the start. The vineyard has some of the most consistently low yields and best natural acidity of any other we’ve farmed.

Planted ungrafted in 1944, Turley has leased and organically farmed this vineyard for over 23 years. Ripe alpine cherry, mulling spices, black tea, and red earth. Lots of ripe red fruits and super smooth texture on the palate, enhanced by excellent structure and an extended finish. Drinking well now at 55°-60°F and will age nicely.

2019 “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

The Library Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in California. Planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library, the vineyard is very varietally diverse. Primarily Petite Syrah vines mix with a myriad of others, including; Peloursin, Cinsault, Syrah, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Carignan, Grenache and Zinfandel. There are also several white grapes such as Muscat Alexandria, Muscadelle, Burger, and Green Hungarian. We pick them all together to make a wine truly expressive of the vineyard. 

This Petite Syrah-based field blend was planted 1880-1920, harkening back to pre-Prohibition Napa, when diversified plantings were the norm. White flowers, orange blossom, India ink, bright raspberry, purple flowers, and a hint of meat marinade on the finish. Tannins, though substantial, are well-integrated and inviting. Will benefit from a long decant and/or laying down for some time, then serving at 60°-65°F.

2019 “Rattlesnake Ridge” petite syrah, howell mountain

Above St. Helena on the north-eastern ridge of Napa Valley, the Petite Syrah from Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard is another fantastic expression of Howell Mountain. Dark, powerful, inky, funky; this high elevation, sun-drenched but cool and windy site brings out the best characteristics of Petite Syrah.

Planted at the eastern edge of Napa Valley, these organic vines are high up in the Howell Mountain AVA. A full meal of a wine, with purple fruits, bacon fat, savory herbs, grilled bread, lavender oil, graphite, and crème de cassis. Grippy tannins and a mouth-coating texture balanced by the plentiful fruits and a long finish. Decant and drink now at 60°-65°F or will benefit further from laying down.

2019 “DuPratt Vineyard” Zinfandel, Mendocino County

We are beyond thrilled to be working with this vineyard. Planted in 1919 at 1500 feet up on Mendocino Ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by giant Redwood trees and is often called the “vineyard in the sky.” Indeed, the site is so remote that the vines still survive on their own original rootstocks, as Phylloxera has never made its way up there! Located above the town of Philo and only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the northernmost, coolest site from which we’ve ever made wine. Though we’ve worked with Mendocino fruit for many years, DuPratt is the only Mendocino County bottling from Turley.

Old vine mountain Zinfandel planted at 1500’ in 1919 in the Mendocino Ridge AVA. A core of cool, concentrated blue fruit, ink, savory roasted meat, and a hint of black olive; almost Côte-Rôtie-esque. Heaps of mouthwatering acidity pairs exceedingly well with the dense fruits and texture to make for an utterly fascinating, long-lived wine. Decant and drink now at 55°-60°F or lay down.

2019 “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Located in Sonoma County, this vineyard is nearly hidden in downtown Santa Rosa, in the newly-created Fountaingrove AVA. Planted in 1915 on 2.5 acres, the vineyard is farmed organically by Alida Morzenti, granddaughter of the Zampattis. The Zinfandel vines are interspersed with little-known white grapes Palomino & Golden Chasselas, and planted on a cool sloping site with large rocks scattered throughout the warm Franciscan soils. The wines are balanced, aromatic, bright and beautiful. 

A jewel of a historic vineyard, planted in 1915 and organically farmed. Refined, energetic and electric, with blackberry, black raspberry, rose petal, lavender, rosemary, garrigue, spice and subtle meatiness. Pure and lively on the palate, with plenty of refreshing acidity and harmoniously integrated tannin. Drinks very well now at 55°-60°F or can age.

2021 Summer Release

Tasting Notes

2020 Turley “Estate” Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

We may be red-blooded red-wine-lovers at Turley, but we still have lots of love for the pleasures of a clean, crisp white, especially this Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first wines ever made from the Turley Estate in 1993! We’ve since replanted a small section of the estate to dry-farmed, head-trained Sauvignon Blanc from heritage Napa Valley budwood. Best advised to get while the getting’s good though—Larry is hoarding as much SB as possible for himself, and sharpening his oyster shucker as we speak for the summer ahead!

From certified organic vines hailing from heritage budwood at our beloved Estate in Napa Valley, the Sauv Blanc is Larry’s go-to wine all summer long. Fermented and aged in a combination of large and small used French oak barrels, stainless steel, and concrete, the result is a dynamic, utterly well-balanced and satiating wine. Crisp, fresh aromas of lemon verbena and yellow pear with a hint of white pepper. Excellently textured (thank you, concrete egg et al.!) with crystalline yet ripe yellow fruits on the palate, light salinity, and a long, clean finish. Ready to drink now well-chilled at 40-50°F.

2020 Turley Zinfandel Rosé, California

We select a few of our Zinfandel vines to pick early to make this vivid, dry, delightful rosé. Now in its second-ever release to our members, last year this wine sold out in just 24 hours! The wine is fermented completely dry using only natural yeasts, and finishes fermentation in 100% used French oak barrels. This Provençal-style reimagining of California’s infamous rosé wine was conceived of by Larry’s eldest daughter, Christina, while she was still working as a sommelière in New York City; she credits that wine’s success as the impetus behind her landing on both Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list as well as Wine Enthusiast’s “40 under 40.” But this bright, crisp rosé can be enjoyed by anyone at any age—as long as they’re over 21, of course!

Though akin to Provençal rosés in the way it’s made, this wine is distinctly Californian, and pure joy. Delicate aromas of wild strawberries topped with crème fraîche, juicy watermelon, golden & red delicious apples, red berries…like a really, really, good fruit bowl with none of the “filler” fruits (looking at you, honedew). Fresh lively acidity and dangerously easy to drink, with a refreshing mouthwatering finish. Bottled in the unique Turley bottle you know & love, with a striking white label and capsule. Ready to drink now well-chilled at 40-50°F.

2020 Turley “Bechthold Vineyard” Cinsault, Lodi

Planted in 1885, this Cinsault vineyard is certainly the oldest of its kind in the United States, and perhaps even the oldest Cinsault in the world! A light-bodied red grape, Cinsault (pronounced SAHN-so) is usually found in the south of France as a component of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley, or consumed as rosé in Provence. The Bechthold Vineyard vines are gnarly, head-trained, and dry-farmed in deep, sandy soils. They’re also ungrafted, meaning they remain on their original vitis vinifera roots that were first planted 136 years ago, a phenomenon nearly impossible to replicate today. The wine is light-bodied with fresh, high acidity, almost akin to a Gamay or a very light Pinot Noir. It’s fermented using only natural yeasts and aged in 100% used French oak.

An engaging nose of both red and dark fruits, including ripe red plum, crisp red apple, and pomegranate, with a touch of palo santo. On the palate, the wine shows the kind of depth and complexity that can only come from truly ancient vines, coupled with a pleasurable bright zip, owing to the primarily whole-cluster fermentation. Excellent as an aperitif alongside charcuterie, or for that person who insists on drinking red wine with their fish! We recommend serving this wine lightly chilled, around 50-60°F, slightly colder than cellar temperature. If you prefer more body, this wine will take on weight with time in the bottle.

2019 Turley “Steacy Ranch” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1907, and located in the Tokay fine sandy loam soils on the east side of Lodi, these head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission varieties as well, all common bedfellows in these classic old California vineyards.

Deeply satiating aromatics of dark red and blue fruits, orange zest, roast meats, and a hint of flintiness. Imagine you’re eating your leg of lamb at the dinner table, but you can smell the freshly-baked berry pie cooling on the windowsill. Like an everlasting gobstopper, it’s a full meal in and of itself, and hits the spot every time. If you’re a fan of either the Dusi or Estate Zinfandels, we think you’ll find this wine as satisfying as we do! Ready to drink now, and best served at cellar temperature, about 55-65°F. The wine will also age well if you prefer to lay it down.

2019 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks, and Kirschenmann.

Hailing from 27 vineyards across our beautiful Golden State, the Turley Juvenile is more of a clear bellwether for the 2019 vintage than any other wine we make. The wine is truly lovely from the very first pour, showing ripe red fruits, florals, warmed spices, and excellent freshness. Smooth, lithe, and satisfying on the palate, with a hint of texture and supremely well-integrated tannins. Juvenile always sets the standard for classic California Zinfandel, and the 2019 is no exception. What an absolutely gorgeous knockout of a wine for $20.

2019 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Prima facie, one of the most open and expressive wines in the lineup. Red fruits, dark fruits, and chocolate-coated fruits flourish alongside bouquet garni, black pepper, chaparral and plentiful spices. The palate shows subtle gravelly tannins, lending backbone and structure to the wine. This year we’ve co-fermented the Estate Zinfandel fruit with a small amount (<5%) of the Carignane and heritage blend Petite Syrah interplanted on the Estate, affording additional depth and complexity to this beloved Estate wine. Ready to drink without delay!

2019 Vintage Spring Release

Newsletter

2019 vintage — spring release

Welcome to the first release of Turley’s 2019 vintage! The wines are downright lovely—indeed, the word “pretty” kept popping out of our mouths after any of the wines went in. Superbly well-integrated tannin, supple fruits, and expressive aromatics mean these puppies are ready and a-rarin’ to go!

Can you spot the differences? A 2018 Turley on the left, & 2019 Turley in the new bottle on the right!

We’d also like to give a hearty welcome to the first release in our new, rack-friendly bottles! As you can see from the picture above, these ever-so-slightly sleeker bottles maintain the distinctive look and feel of the classic Turley bottle—so much so, in fact, that it was a challenge to take a picture that effectively illustrated the difference in the two. We couldn’t be more thrilled with this new advance: in addition to fitting in wine racks, each bottle is also now 4 oz lighter!

Finally, we want to say an enormous thank you for your support—throughout our history, but especially in the past year. With tasting rooms and restaurants closed, we would never have made it without you, and for that we are eternally grateful. Here’s hoping our wines, in their own small way (and in their respective new bottles!) help lighten your load in the new year.

Old Vines Young Love,

Christina Turley, Larry Turley, & Tegan Passalacqua

Turley Wine Cellars

Tasting Notes

2019 vintage — spring release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2019 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered, complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

Dark fruited and brooding on the nose, with notes of blue fruits, gravel, and volcanic soil; an excellent choice if you’re a fan of the Fredericks. Ripe blackberry and boysenberry come through on the palate, alongside the notable tannins. The texture is densely compacted and very structured; as such, we strongly suggest decanting or laying the wine down for a spell.

2019 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Don’t be fooled by the lighter color in your glass, as this wine is deeply satiating. A distinctive and alluring nose of red fruits, high-toned mountain perfume, dried rose petals, and sun-warmed granite. The palate is silky smooth, with the very finest-grained tannins imaginable—a true textural delight. Decanting not necessary straight out of the gate, but might come in handy several years down the line if you decide to hold the wine.

2019 Turley “Casa Nuestra” Red Wine, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs of Napa Valley field blends will likely recognize the vineyard, made primarily under the eponymous label and farmed organically since 1979. For the formerly uninitiated, Casa Nuestra is nearly adjacent to the Turley Estate property in Napa Valley, just across the nearby Napa River. The vineyard is planted to a Mediterranean mix of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, Napa Gamay, Négrette, Mourvèdre, Refosco, and even Chenin Blanc.

Intensely colored with a multifaceted nose, comprising the full gamut of fruits alongside crème de cassis and wet stone. The palate is profound and mouth-filling, echoing the nose and adding elements of candied bacon, raspberry preserves, savory earth, and myriad spices to boot. A phenomenal pairing with cassoulet or Tomahawk steaks. Ready to drink now with a quick decant.

2019 Turley “Duarte” Zinfandel, Contra Costa County

This wine is an homage to Joe Duarte, a prominent grape grower in Contra Costa who first introduced Turley to the incredible vineyards of the area. The wine is comprised of fruit from the turn-of-the-century Evangehlo, Mori, and Salvador vineyards, planted between 1890 and 1930.Thanks to the sandy soils and impressive age of the vines, the wine has some of the softest, silkiest tannins we’ve ever seen in a Zinfandel.

One whiff of the Duarte tells you everything you need to know about where this wine comes from. Notes of dark-skinned stone fruits, driftwood, and a bracing shoreline breeze convey the windswept sands of Contra Costa as clearly as if you were standing in the beach-like soils yourself. The palate is only further proof: suave tannins, smooth yet textured, velvety with a hint of grip, almost like peach fuzz. The type of dynamic fruit, acid, and tannin balance that can only come from ancient vines deeply rooted in the sandy soils of Northern California. Perfectly stellar from the first pour. If you’ve ever dreamed of renting a remote beach cottage in winter where you can walk your dog along the shore during the day and write your novel by a crackling fire at night, this wine is for you.

2019 Turley “DRAGON” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2400 feet at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats laid over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region.

Defined by dark fruits, white pepper & other high-toned spices as well as savory herbs, the Dragon is truly one of a kind. On the palate, the wine shows ripe black plum, well-spiced roasted meats, and plenty of tannin, reminiscent of northern Rhône wines. Though absolutely a great food wine, the Dragon merits a contemplation all its own; we recommend decanting, then getting to the bottom of a glass or two by the hearth before dinner, just to see what’s what.

2019 Turley “Dusi Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

The Dusi vineyard was planted by Dante Dusi in 1945 and it is farmed by his family to this day. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, planted in soil that is mostly alluvial with some very large rocks. Like our other vineyards in the area, Dusi is on the west side of Paso Robles, in the cool Templeton Gap sub-AVA.

Plenty of lush, opulent brambly fruits abound on the nose and palate. Juicy, mouthwatering acidity, pleasantly soft at the start and finishing with a strong mineral backbone. The darker, more hedonistic cousin to the Pesenti Zinfandel, with a hint more heft. Can age, but unequivocally enjoyable now.

2019 Turley “HEMINWAY” Zinfandel, NAPA VALLEY

Located on the top of the Vaca Mountains in northeastern Napa Valley, this vineyard sits at 1700 feet in between the southern end of Howell Mountain and just north of Pritchard Hill. The vines benefit from the moderating climate above Lake Hennessey. The wines are classic Napa Valley mountain fruit with great tannin. Jay Heminway planted the vineyard with the help of his daughter’s then-Montessori teacher Alice Waters, now known as the pioneering chef of farm-to-table cuisine at Chez Panisse.

Cracked black pepper, blue fruits, black cherry, and freshly milled spices abound on the nose. A rounder, more moderate version of the Dragon, in that it’s along the same mountain range, though Heminway is further south and 700 feet further down. Nevertheless, the mountain shines through in the thoroughly structured texture, with stony tannins and a hint of graphite, balanced by fresh, lip-smacking acidity. Recommend decanting and can age for several years.

2019 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks, and Kirschenmann.

Hailing from 27 vineyards across our beautiful Golden State, the Turley Juvenile is more of a clear bellwether for the 2019 vintage than any other wine we make. The wine is truly lovely from the very first pour, showing ripe red fruits, florals, warmed spices, and excellent freshness. Smooth, lithe, and satisfying on the palate, with a hint of texture and supremely well-integrated tannins. Juvenile always sets the standard for classic California Zinfandel, and the 2019 is no exception. What an absolutely gorgeous knockout of a wine for $20.

2019 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Dark red fruits, black oolong tea, chaparral, and succulent roast meats. Deeply layered and complex while remaining nimble on the palate, with extremely well-integrated, fine-grained tannins. Profound and deep without being heady or brooding; like a pedigreed intellectual who is perpetually in a good mood and not afraid to get their hands dirty. Will benefit aromatically from a quick decant, or can be laid down for several years in your cellar.

2019 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

What a pretty Pesenti! Bright, vivid red fruits, black raspberry, Sweet Tarts, and the characteristic white chalk minerality. Sleek and silken on the palate, with the traditionally lively acidity and a hint of passionfruit on the finish. Would be a killer pairing with Tandoori chicken, Thai beef, or any other aromatically spiced dish! Ready to drink now, or can age if preferred.

2019 Turley “Sadie Upton Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

We are honored to be working with this jewel of a vineyard in Amador County, whose story is almost as compelling as the wine!In 1922, smack-dab in the middle of Prohibition and while her husband was away working for the railroad, a then 21-year-old Sadie Upton decided she was going to plant a vineyard near their home at 1500 feet near Plymouth, CA. Now, 99 years later, the vines are still kicking in the gumption-riddled tradition of their creator. The wine was made exclusively by Karly for the past 30 years and we are beyond excited to be able to share Sadie’s moxie with you today.

Alpine fruits like fraise du bois and rhubarb abound on the deeply appealing nose. Juicy ripe red fruits and tart cherries on the palate, alongside noteworthy mountain yet mineral-y tannin; reminiscent of a high-elevation version of the Pesenti. Decant to enjoy.

2019 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards, including Carignane, Trousseau, and Cinsault.

Prima facie, one of the most open and expressive wines in the lineup. Red fruits, dark fruits, and chocolate-coated fruits flourish alongside bouquet garni, black pepper, chaparral and plentiful spices. The palate shows subtle gravelly tannins, lending backbone and structure to the wine. This year we’ve co-fermented the Estate Zinfandel fruit with a small amount (<5%) of the Carignane and heritage blend Petite Syrah interplanted on the Estate, affording additional depth and complexity to this beloved Estate wine. Ready to drink without delay!

2019 Turley “WHITNEY TENNESSEE” Zinfandel, ALEXANDER Valley

This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard in Sonoma County was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve since converted all to organic farming. 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 sprinkled throughout.

Broad, brooding, and blue-fruited, the 2019 Whitney Tennessee is old-school in the best possible way. Touches of Rutherford dust, soft dark fruits and chewy tannins evoke ‘70s Bordeaux (without the Brettanomyces) or an old Napa Claret, making this perhaps the best Zinfandel to pair with a steak! Indeed, everything about this wine—from the lavish fruits to the polished tannins—recall a swanky steakhouse of yore, complete with leather banquets, dark romantic lighting, and elegantly cantankerous waiters. Decant this beautiful baby or lay it down in the cellar.

2019 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite. The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Just stunning. Redolent red raspberries warmed by the sun, dark red roses in full bloom…we found ourselves asking (more than once!) if Vineyard 101 is the Hayne of Sonoma. Perfectly balanced between the ripe red fruits, succulent acidity, and satiny smooth tannin. Ready to drink now, and will age very well.

2019 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic. The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

Dark and inky in the glass. Whereas the Napa Petite Syrah is more of a choir, the Estate Petite is a soloist: single-vineyard in origin, one voice that soars above the rest. Pure and expressive, with blackberry, plum, blue fruits, meat marinade, and herbs de Provence. Plenty of tannin adds structure without being overpowering, allowing this virtuoso to shine. Decant or lay down.

2019 Turley Napa Valley Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

This new cuvée of Petite Syrah hails from several organic vineyards in northern Napa Valley, including the younger plantings of Hayne, Rattlesnake Ridge, Casa Nuestra, and Soda Canyon. The wine is extremely dark in color thanks to the high anthocyanin content (the antioxidant found in red wine)—in fact, Petite Syrah has one of the highest concentrations of this compound around! Surprisingly, there are very few examples of single-variety Petites to be found. Thus, this wine was created in the hopes it could be a primer on this beloved grape variety, a perfect counterpoint to the lush fruit and broad, expansive textures of Zinfandel. The Napa Petite Syrah is pure taut power and potential, with plenty of body and savory characteristics, but slightly more approachable and youthful than the single-vineyard versions. If you’re new to Petite Syrah, this is an excellent introduction; if you’re a seasoned pro, consider this one to sip on while you age your single-vineyard wines.

Cool blue fruits, Indian ink, violets, and warm earth on the nose. Balanced, layered, and full-bodied without being heavy, the palate is imminently satisfying. No need to decant (though you’re welcome to), and it’s ready to drink now!

2018 Vintage Fall Release

Tasting Notes

2018 vintage — fall release

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2018 “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California

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.

Tegan has called this vintage one of the best he’s seen in a long time. Silky, structured, savory, and seriously satisfying, this wine has kind of natural depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from truly old vines. The full gamut of fruits and a satin-like texture, the Old Vines over-delivers, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Ready to enjoy immediately at cellar temperature, around 55-65ºF.  

2018 “Cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of certified organic fruit from some of the highest elevation plantings on Howell Mountain. Primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah as well, resulting in a truly powerful, dense and wild wine, long on flavor.

Wild berries, cracked pepper, game, pine forest—the perfect wine for cabin-goers and cabin-fever-havers alike. For fans of bold and full flavor, the wine has tons of brambly fruits and signature mountain brawn. A serious steal, the Cedarman is exemplary in 2018. Can decant or lay down, though does not require either; serve at 55-65ºF.  

2018 “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

Ueberroth is one of the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located just a few miles northwest of Pesenti, you can smell the Pacific Ocean air from the top of the vineyard hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high-acid wine, elevating the ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

Blue-fruited, noble, focused, racy, and classically textured, this Ueberroth is one for the ages. With copious dark fruits and piercing acidity, it’s ready to drink now at 55-65ºF and will age well thanks to the immense power & structure inherent to this wine.   

2018 “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County

As our Amador winery is located on Bell Road, we named this wine for the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins & briary fruits.

The full gamut of fruits, blood orange, garrigue, wildly perfumed; the time to try Amador wine is NOW. Satiating, satin-like Sierra Nevada mountain tannins, truly silky and seamless. Will age well but perfect now, right off the bat. Serve at 55-65ºF.      

2018 “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, located in what is the new Moon Mountain AVA, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but ancient hillside head-trained vines located 900 feet up? Downright extraordinary.

Blue fruits, rosemary, jasmine, pepper, and baked white earth/chalk. Tannins are even more poised and elegant than usual, with a volcanic perfume and plenty of structure. Deeply satisfying now and will age well at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF).

2018 “The White Coat” White Wine, California

Though the blend has changed over the years, The White Coat (named for Larry’s past career as an Emergency Room physician) is composed of white Rhône grapes from three of our Estate vineyards across California. The rich, textured Roussanne from Rattlesnake Ridge on Howell Mountain in Napa is moderated by acidity and structure provided by the Grenache Blanc grown in the calcareous soils of the Pesenti Vineyard in Paso Robles. Finally, the blend is rounded out with a touch of refreshing, mineral Vermentino (also known as Rolle) from the granitic and quartz-laden Cobb Vineyard in Amador. In 2018, there is even a tiny amount of Viognier from our Estate Vineyard in Napa co-fermented with the Roussanne! The result is an exceptional, dynamic white wine that is truly California.

Enticing white Burgundy-esque nose of citrus blossoms, white stones, and lemon curd. This is our first time fermenting and aging about ¼ of the wine in concrete eggs, and we are thrilled with the results! Nimble on the palate with excellent mouth-watering acidity. Purely delicious. As Larry always says, this is truly a “white wine for red wine drinkers.” Thoroughly ready to enjoy now at a cool 40-50°F.  

2018 “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Otty Hayne planted the Hayne Petite Syrah in 1953 while he was home from college visiting his grandfather.  All head-trained, dry-farmed and organic, this Petite Syrah vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in California. The wine is powerful and inky in its youth, and becomes more feminine and refined with age. Likely to outlive us all.

There’s a reason we’ve made wine from the Hayne Vineyards longer than any others. Black plum, black cherry, graphite, cocoa, freshly turned earth, petrichor, ink, and gravel dust. Deep and intense yet extremely well-balanced and approachable. Drinks perfectly now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) with a quick decant, but will age seemingly forever if stored properly.              

2018 “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles

This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

Dark purple fruits, black pepper, bitter chocolate, and a touch of wild game—reminiscent of a modern northern Rhône wine. Silky, well-resolved tannins and thoroughly well-rounded, the Pesenti Petite Syrah has come into its own. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) and will continue to over-deliver for many years to come thanks to the copious antioxidants.  

2018 “Heminway Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Located on the top of the Vaca Mountains in northeastern Napa Valley, this vineyard sits at 1700 feet in between the southern end of Howell Mountain and just north of Pritchard Hill. The vines benefit from the moderating climate above Lake Hennessey. The wines are classic Napa Valley mountain fruit with great tannin. Jay Heminway planted the vineyard with the help of his daughter’s Montessori teacher, Alice Waters.

Pungent dark fruits, herbs de Provence, and cherry liqueur abound on the nose. Broad shouldered yet lithe and focused, like an Olympic swimmer. A true Napa Valley classic, and kissing cousins with the Cedarman and other Howell Mountain wines in texture & character. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF).  

2018 “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-six years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley.

All class: smooth, suave, elegant. Regal red and blue fruits, delicate perfume of orange blossom and rose petal and a hint of Ethiopian coffee grounds. Always well-structured and poised, the Hayne is like if Zinfandel went to finishing school. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) and will age well for many years to come.                    

2018 “Salvador Vineyard” Zinfandel, Contra Costa County

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 roamed deeply as the soil is solid sand for 40 feet down. The wine is stunning: suave, complex and powerfully elegant.

Sadly, the Salvador vineyard was ripped out in the winter of 2020; as such, the ’18 is the penultimate vintage of the Turley Salvador. Chocolate, orange bitters, mint, dark flowers—like a freshly-split Terry’s chocolate orange. Ripe, relaxed, satiating, savory and very well-structured. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) and will age well if cellared.  

2018 “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more varied topography than the rest of Lodi; thus, while most vineyards in the region were furrow irrigated, the rolling hills of iron-rich clay and volcanic soil in Dogtown have been dry-farmed from the start. The vineyard has some of the most consistently low yields and best natural acidity of any other we’ve farmed.

Lush, lovely, and the best wine made in Lodi according to our winemaker, one Mr. Tegan Passalacqua! Black tea, mint, chocolate, cherry and a hint of citrus. Deeply appealing and excellently proportioned. Mouth-watering acidity and Grenache-like tannins make this reminiscent of a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) and will age well.  

2018 “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

The Library Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in California. Planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library, the vineyard is very varietally diverse. Primarily Petite Syrah vines mix with a myriad of others, including; Peloursin, Cinsault, Syrah, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Carignan, Grenache and Zinfandel. There are also several white grapes such as Muscat Alexandria, Muscadelle, Burger, and Green Hungarian. We pick them all together to make a wine truly expressive of the vineyard. 

Fragrant violets, chocolate bitters, purple blossoms, honeydew and berries along with palo santo. Always a favorite, Library is generally the prettiest, most open of our Petite Syrahs, owing to the nearly 25 varieties grown in the vineyard that are co-fermented. Smooth, lithe texture and long finish. Drinking exceptionally well now at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF), no need to decant!              

2018 “Whitney Tennessee” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Everything old is new again, and this wine is no exception. This small, estate-owned, pre-Prohibition vineyard was purchased by the winery in 2009, and we’ve been slowly but surely repairing the soils through organic methods until the wine was ready to make its debut. 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 sprinkled throughout. Long-time Turley followers may remember a wine with the same name from the mid-1990’s, though this is a different vineyard source, located just off Alexander Valley Road in Sonoma.

Brooding dark blue fruits, blackberry, gingerbread, and gravel dust. Plenty of fine-grained, well-integrated tannins make for a deeply pleasing texture and long finish. Drinking well now with a quick decant and will age phenomenally in the cellar. Serve at 55-65ºF.  

2018 “DuPratt Vineyard” Zinfandel, Mendocino County

We are beyond thrilled to be working with this vineyard. Planted in 1919 at 1500 feet up on Mendocino Ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by giant Redwood trees and is often called the “vineyard in the sky.” Indeed, the site is so remote that the vines still survive on their own original rootstocks, as Phylloxera has never made its way up there! Located above the town of Philo and only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the northernmost, coolest site from which we’ve ever made wine. Though we’ve worked with Mendocino fruit for many years, DuPratt is the only Mendocino County bottling from Turley.

Deep black, sappy, intense fruits, predominately cassis and plum alongside Indian ink and crushed white stone. The tannins and acidity in this wine are truly out of this world—Nevertheless, the texture is sublime; what a standout. Definitely decant for a few hours before serving at cellar temperature (about 55-65ºF) or lay down for up to a decade! 

2018 “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Located in Sonoma County, this vineyard is nearly hidden in downtown Santa Rosa, in the newly-created Fountaingrove AVA. Planted in 1915 on 2.5 acres, the vineyard is farmed organically by Alida Morzenti, granddaughter of the Zampattis. The Zinfandel vines are interspersed with little-known white grapes Palomino & Golden Chasselas, and planted on a cool sloping site with large rocks scattered throughout the warm Franciscan soils. The wines are balanced, aromatic, bright and beautiful. 

Blue and red fruits, graphite, pomegranate, and piercing purple flowers, with a touch of savory roast meats à la Côte Rôtie. This tiny jewel of a vineyard makes wine with such excellent acidity and a long, mouth-watering finish, we’re always left wishing we could have more! Extra expressive after a few minutes in the glass, would benefit from a quick decanting; serve at 55-65ºF.    

Our First Summer Release!

A NOTE ON OUR WINEMAKING:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2019 Turley “Bechthold Vineyard” Cinsault, Lodi

Planted in 1885, this Cinsault vineyard is certainly the oldest of its kind in the United States, and perhaps even the oldest Cinsault in the world! A light-bodied red grape, Cinsault (pronounced SAHN-so) is usually found in the south of France as a component of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley, or consumed as rosé in Provence. The Bechthold Vineyard vines are gnarly, head-trained and dry-farmed in deep, sandy soils. They’re also ungrafted, meaning they remain on their original vitis vinifera roots that were first planted 135 years ago, a phenomenon nearly impossible to replicate today. The wine is light-bodied with fresh, high acidity, almost akin to a Gamay or a very light Pinot Noir. It’s fermented using only natural yeasts and aged in 100% used French oak.

Stunningly ruby-colored and brilliant yet translucent, almost jewel-like, in the glass. Lifted aromatics of spiced cherry, pomegranate, peach, and light nougat. Fresh, lip-smacking medium-plus acidity and lush, silky fruit glide along the structured yet velvety palate. The tannins are reminiscent of Burgundy, with just a touch of grip and a long finish. The 2019 Cinsault has the unique depth and complexity that can only be found in a wine from truly ancient vines. Excellent as an aperitif alongside charcuterie, or for that person who insists on drinking red wine with their fish! We recommend serving this wine lightly chilled, around 50-60°F, slightly colder than cellar temperature. If you prefer more body, this wine will take on weight with time in the bottle, and will age very well.

The gnarly, 135-year-old, head-trained dry-farmed Bechthold Cinsault vines!

2018 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites. We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. The vines that make up Juvenile range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks and the Estate.

Hailing from 29 vineyards in 11 different counties across our beautiful Golden State, the Turley Juvenile sets the standard for classic California Zinfandel. Bright, vibrant pepper and spice, with lovely lifted red fruits, satiating acidity, and a hint of blue fruits as well. Lithely textured with pure precision and tons of energy on the palate. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature, about 55-65°F.

Dawn over the young vines at the Turley Estate Vineyard, Napa Valley.

2018 Turley “Steacy Ranch” Zinfandel, Lodi

Planted in 1907, Steacy Ranch was one of the first vineyards planted on St. George rootstock in Lodi, a pairing that has since become the gold standard for Zinfandel in California. Located in the Tokay fine sandy loam soils on the east side of Lodi, these head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines are interspersed with Grenache, Carignane, and Mission varieties as well, all common bedfellows in these classic old California vineyards. We are thrilled to add this venerable vineyard to the Turley family of old vine Zinfandels!

Ripe, pretty, racy, spicy: the Steacy Ranch is pure, classic California Zinfandel. The nose overflows with plum, blood orange, bergamot, red cherry, and a bit of earthy matcha for good measure. Dense yet plush on the palate, with the stunning richness and volume typical of this beloved vintage. Freshly crushed cherries & citrus along with some savory herbal garrigue and a texture reminiscent of wines of the Rhône Valley. If you love the copious fruits and mouthfeel of the Napa Estate as well as the piquant spices and refinement of the Dogtown, then the Steacy is most certainly right for you. Ready to drink now, and best served at cellar temperature, about 55-65°F. The wine will also age well if you prefer to lay it down.

Winemaker Tegan Passalacqua in the 113-year-old Steacy Vineyard. For the record, he’s 6’4”!

2018 Turley “Duarte” Zinfandel, Contra Costa County

This wine is an homage to Joe Duarte, a prominent grape grower in Contra Costa who first introduced Turley to the incredible vineyards of the area. The wine is comprised of fruit from the turn-of-the-century Evangehlo, Mori and Salvador vineyards, planted between 1890 and 1930. Thanks to the sandy soils and impressive age of the vines, the wine has some of the softest, silkiest tannins we’ve ever seen in a Zinfandel.

An engaging nose of sun-ripened peach skin with tones of dark blue fruits and flowers as well. The palate is teeming with ripe berries and stone fruits, with the Duarte’s signature suave, mouth-watering texture. Excessively easy to drink immediately, the wine showed stellar from the very first pour! Shows especially well when served at cellar temperature, about 55-65°F.

2019 Turley Zinfandel Rosé, California

We select a few of our Zinfandel vines to pick early (at 19 brix) to make this vivid, dry, delightful rosé. This old-world re-imagining of California’s infamous rosé wine was conceived of by Larry’s eldest daughter, Christina, while she was still working as a sommelière in New York City. The idea of a dry Zinfandel rosé (which Christina lovingly and cheekily refers to as “white zin”) was, at first blush (heh) heartily rejected by Larry; imagine an expletive-ridden “when pigs fly.” Once Christina returned home to work for the winery, she could hound Larry from a shorter distance, and he finally gave in.

The first vintage was 2011. The tiny production was offered to a group of select restaurants, and it sold out in a matter of hours. Since then, we’ve made just a few cases every other year, and its popularity remains high. Indeed, Christina credits the success and impact of the Turley “White Zinfandel” as the impetus behind her landing on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2014. The wine is fermented completely dry using only natural yeasts, and finishes fermentation in 100% used French oak barrels. We— Christina especially—are thrilled to have finally made enough to be able to offer our beloved “White Zin” to our mailing list for the first time ever!

Delicate, pale pink rose petals, cherry blossom, peach fuzz and melon abound on the dynamic nose. Juicy mouth-watering acidity with an elegant, nimble texture on the palate, and a well-structured and thoroughly refreshing finish. Though akin to Provençal rosés in the way it’s made, this wine is distinctly Californian, and pure joy. Ready to drink now well-chilled (40-50°F; for reference, 40°F is about the temp of your food fridge) and will open up nicely as it warms in the glass! Bottled in the unique Turley bottle you know & love, but with a white label and capsule, so you’re sure not to confuse it with the lesser-known “red” Zinfandels you may possess.

2018 Turley Napa Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

While there’s no doubt that our first love is Zinfandel, our Petite Syrah is a very close second. A perfect counterpoint to the lush fruit and broad, expansive textures of Zinfandel, the Petite Syrah grape is pure taut power and potential. Very dark in color thanks to the extremely high anthocyanin content (the antioxidant found in red wine). Indeed, Petite Syrah has one of the highest concentrations of this compound around! We absolutely adore this wine, and hope you will, too.

This particular Petite Syrah hails from two certified organic vineyards nearly adjacent to one another in northern Napa Valley. Recently, we took cuttings from the Hayne and Library Petite Syrah plantings, and replicated them on our Estate, planting them head-trained and dry-farmed. (The Estate Petite Syrah single-vineyard bottling comes primarily from the older Petite Syrah plantings on the property.) These younger mixed vines are blended with fruit from the neighboring Casa Nuestra vineyard, one of the other longest-certified organic properties in Napa…besides us! Another mixed planting of head-trained and dry-farmed vines, these are older—planted in the 1970s— and add gorgeous fruit, depth, and complexity. Think of it as a “baby” version of the Estate, Library, or Casa Nuestra bottlings: plenty of body and savory characteristics, but slightly more approachable and youthful!

Profound, powerful, and pungent nose. India ink, pink peppercorns, pain grillé and savory roasted meats all proliferate. Give it a few vigorous swirls and even more aromas lift from the glass: lavender, garrigue, plums, blue fruits, and a sun-warmed brambly blackberry bush. The palate echoes the myriad flavors found on the nose, with a juicy density, robust tannins, and a long, satiating finish. Though medium weight for a PS, this wine is certainly much fuller bodied than our Zinfandels; while it doesn’t necessarily require decanting, it will likely benefit from doing so, and be even more expressive in your glass. Serve alongside a hearty grilled, smoked, BBQ’d, or otherwise boldly-flavored meal at the same temperature as the Zinfandel, about 55- 65°F.

2018 Turley “Estate Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). In 2006, we planted 6 acres of head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel that compliments the original planting from ten years prior, all of which are certified organic.

2018 is the 20th vintage of Turley’s Estate Zinfandel! Vibrantly colored and deeply aromatic, the ’18 Estate Zin is true Napa Valley elegant opulence. Loads of fruit and earth on the nose, along with dried flowers, cedar and tobacco, reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other wines of the southern Rhône. The multidimensional palate has more structure and grip than years past, as well as a bit of gravel dust on the finish. Fans of our Aida wines of yore will find them resurrected here. Ready to drink now at cellar temperature, about 55-65°F.

We are thrilled to re-release this special celebratory 20th vintage of our beloved Estate Zinfandel, aka the Turley “house” wine! So-called because our family home, as well as the winery’s headquarters, are all located on the same property, here in the heart of the Napa Valley. It’s been one of the longest-certified organic vineyards in Napa Valley, thus we all feel comfortable and grateful to be able to walk amongst the vines.

This is the site the family and winery team members stroll through daily: to stretch our legs and minds on a quiet walk alone, or take our morning constitutional with a cup of coffee and the winery dogs, Billie & Beau, in tow. It’s where all four of Larry’s daughters grew up, traipsing the vineyard rows on the hunt for hunks of shiny obsidian, shouting with glee when the occasional arrowhead was found. It’s for all these reasons and many more that no vineyard is (literally) closer to our daily thoughts and hearts. So, happy birthday Estate Zinfandel; long may ye reign!

Larry reveling in his beloved Estate Zinfandel vineyard, where the mustard is nearly as tall as he is!

2018 Vintage Spring Release

Tasting Notes

2018 vintage — spring release

SPRING RELEASE NEWSLETTER

A note on our winemaking:

All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.

2019 Turley “Estate” Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Though a recent addition to the Turley family, Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first wines ever made from the Turley Estate in 1993. Those vines have since been replaced by Zinfandel, but we have replanted a small section of the estate to dry-farmed, head-trained Sauvignon Blanc from heritage Napa Valley budwood once again. Get while the getting’s good though—Larry is hoarding as much as possible for himself, and sharpening his oyster shucker as we speak!

Bright, honeyed stone fruits such as white nectarines and apricots, as well as a bit of sun-warmed citrus on the nose. The palate of the ’19 Sauvignon Blanc shows a hair more heft & chutzpah than in years past, with a satiating multi-dimensional texture. As this is a young wine, we advise allowing the bottles a moment to catch their breath (at least a few weeks?) before you open them up!

2018 Turley “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

Hailing from 1888 and owned by Joel Peterson (founder of Ravenswood) and his son Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., the Bedrock Vineyard is truly an iconic site. Right in the heart of Sonoma Valley, these ancient vines are planted amidst volcanic rocks and Los Robles cobbly loam soil that has sloughed down from Monte Rosso. This is a layered,complex wine, owing perhaps to the small amounts of Petite Syrah and Alicante Bouschet that are also found in our organically-farmed block of Bedrock.

One of the best years ever for our iteration of Bedrock, with dark red fruits, earthy loam, plum, and spice; a brooding, old-world wine, almost Claret-like in breadth. Perfectly ripe, well-structured with lively, fresh tannins on the palate. Lay it down in the cellar or decant to let the wine truly thrive.

2018 Turley “Buck Cobb Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

Planted at 1500 feet on the volcanic, granitic hillside near our property in Amador, the Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel is an homage to “Buck” Cobb from whom we purchased the vineyard and the Karly property in Amador. We even added a little bi-plane symbol to the label to commemorate Buck’s time as an aerobatic pilot! The rocky conditions and more extreme weather (including snow) in this dry-farmed vineyard make for a hearty, robust Zinfandel.

Bright, pretty, red fruits and alpine garrigue/underbrush perfume on the nose. On the palate, the ‘18 Cobb is nimble, ready to drink, with excellent grippy granitic tannins. The copious spice and naturally rustic texture is reminiscent of Piemonte reds like Barbaresco, and make this wine a natural pairing with your favorite Italian foods. Like the many Italian immigrant prospectors who helped lay the groundwork for these vines in the Sierra Foothills, decant alongside your pasta al diavolo and prosper!

2018 Turley “Casa Nuestra” Red Wine, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs of Napa Valley field blends will likely recognize the vineyard, made primarily under the eponymous label and farmed organically since 1979. For the formerly uninitiated, Casa Nuestra is nearly adjacent to the Turley Estate property in Napa Valley, just across the nearby Napa River. The vineyard is planted to a Mediterranean mix of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, Napa Gamay, Négrette, Mourvèdre, Refosco, and even Chenin Blanc.

A quintessential Napa Valley field blend red: dark, rich fruits on the nose with earth, cinnamon, blue fruits and graphite. A truly inviting wine that begs to be revisited as it opens up through the course of a meal. Dynamic and layered on the palate, with a plethora of fresh fruits, spices,and tons of personality; this is an exceptional food pairing wine. We’re dreaming of burgers, but cassoulet or really any hearty dish will do! Great straight out of the gate and likely even better with time; a complete package of a wine.

2018 Turley “Duarte” Zinfandel, Contra Costa County

This wine is an homage to Joe Duarte, a prominent grape grower in Contra Costa who first introduced Turley to the incredible vineyards of the area. The wine is comprised of fruit from the turn-of-the-century Evangehlo, Mori, and Salvador vineyards, planted between 1890 and 1930.Thanks to the sandy soils and impressive age of the vines, the wine has some of the softest, silkiest tannins we’ve ever seen in a Zinfandel.

An engaging nose of sun-ripened peach skin with tones of dark blue fruits & flowers as well. The palate is teeming with ripe berries and stone fruits, with the Duarte’s signature suave, mouth-watering texture. Excessively easy to drink immediately, the wine showed stellar from the very first pour!

2018 Turley “Dusi Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

The Dusi vineyard was planted by Dante Dusi in 1945 and it is farmed by his family to this day. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, planted in soil that is mostly alluvial with some very large rocks. Like our other vineyards in the area, Dusi is on the west side of Paso Robles.

The darker, more plush cousin to the Pesenti Zinfandel. Wild black cherries and lavender alongside crème de mure, blueberries and gravel. Exceptionally expressive on the palate, with blue-black fruits, higher density and more structure than years previous.Feel free to crack it & attack it, as it’s good to go!

2018 Turley “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California

Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites.We tag the younger vines then pick them separately and make a distinct wine. Juvenile vines range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from a selection of our best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks, and Kirschenmann.

Hailing from 29 vineyards in 11 different counties across our beautiful Golden State, Turley Juvenile sets the standard for classic California Zinfandel. Bright, vibrant pepper and spice,lovely lifted red fruits, satiating acidity,and a hint of blue fruits as well. Lithely textured with pure precision and tons of energy on the palate. The wine is perfectly ready and a-rarin’ to go right on release!

2018 Turley “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi

The Kirschenmann is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

Savory red fruits, wafts of dark perfume and spicy mint leaves. Wafts of appealing herbs and black tea with a hint of tangerine leaf. The core of the wine is very dark, and the palate has excellent depth with pleasantly textured tannins balanced by vivacious acidity. Larry took one sip, sighed and said “This makes me want to cook lamb!” Drinking well now (especially with the aforementioned lamb) and will stay fresh in the cellar thanks to the bracing acidity.

2018 Turley “Mead Ranch” Zinfandel, Atlas Peak

Mead Ranch is planted at about 1600 feet on Atlas Peak, on the southeastern side of Napa Valley. The vineyard was originally planted in the 1880s, though our block is primarily from the 1970s. This vineyard is head-trained, planted in red volcanic soil.On a clear day you can see San Francisco; though those are few and far between, and thus this vineyard sees plenty of fog from the bay.

2018 is the 19th and final vintage of the Mead Ranch Zinfandel for Turley. Extremely expressive on the nose, Mead Ranch has always stood out in the spring tasting and is the easiest one to guess blind. Brambly blackberry bushes, perfume, resin, meat marinade, chaparral and herbs de Provence on the nose. The palate is energetic, wild and exotic with plenty of nimble texture...the Mead really went all-out for its finale! Can benefit from a quick decant but it’s not required to revel in the myriad pleasures of this wine; just pop & pour!

2018 Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.

Vibrant and always distinctive, the Pesenti Zinfandel makes its spring lineup debut! Fragrant red fruits, black raspberry, chalk dust, piquant spices and wildflowers all flourish on the nose. Lush yet linear on the palate, with fresh, lively acidity and profound depth. Intensely pleasurable now, and will age well.

2018 Turley “Sadie Upton Vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County

We are honored to be working with this jewel of a vineyard in Amador County, whose story is almost as compelling as the wine!In 1922, smack-dab in the middle of Prohibition and while her husband was away working for the railroad, a then 21-year-old Sadie Upton decided she was going to plant a vineyard near their home at 1500 feet near Plymouth, CA. Now, 98 years later, the vines are still kicking in the gumption-riddled tradition of their creator. The wine was made exclusively by Karly for the past 30 years and we are beyond excited to be able to share Sadie’s moxie with you today.

Beautiful, alluring, pungent, and pure, Sadie is the Barolo to the Cobb’s Barbaresco. Dark red rose petals, berries, spice, and warm gravel. We believe Sadie is the crown jewel of Amador; sumptuous, dense and compact with excellent structure. We recommend decanting or laying down for a spell to enhance the enchantment this queen of a wine offers.

2018 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley

This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery; right in our backyard, it’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home!). In 2006, we planted 6 acres of head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel that compliments the original planting from ten years prior, all of which are certified organic.

2018 is the 20th vintage of Turley’s Estate Zinfandel! Vibrantly colored and deeply aromatic, the ‘18 Estate Zin is true Napa Valley elegant opulence. Loads of fruit and earth on the nose, along with dried flowers, cedar, and tobacco, reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other wines of the southern Rhône. The multi-dimensional palate has more structure and grip than years past, as well as a bit of gravel dust on the finish. Fans of our Aida wines of yore will find them resurrected here. Ready to drink now.

2018 Turley “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

Located in Sonoma, this pre-Prohibition vineyard is estate-owned and certified organic. At only 2½ acres, it is the smallest site we make into a vineyard designate, which is a shame, since the wines are consistently a staff favorite.The wines are aromatic and light, with lots of fruit and great acidity. Vineyard 101 was the first old-vine vineyard Larry purchased, and it is the longest-running estate bottling we’ve ever made.

Cranberry, pomegranate, pie crust and baking spices abound on the deeply fragrant nose. The palate is pure, lissome, and long, with copious snappy fruits and excellent acidity. Give it some time in the cellar or decant for maximum enjoyment.

2018 Turley “Estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley

Planted adjacent to the Estate Zinfandel, this Petite is also certified organic.The Wappo Indians used to roam throughout the region, and obsidian arrowheads are commonplace in the rocky volcanic soils. The wine is a classic Napa Valley Petite Syrah: dark and brooding on the nose, bright and vibrant on the palate.

The sole Petite on the spring release, this wine is truly set apart from its Zinfandel brethren. As dark in color as the many nights we were without power during harvest (thank you PG&E!), ruby at the rim but nearly black at the core. Purple fruits, crème de cassis, cocoa powder and clove on the nose, coupled with India ink, game and dusty gravel on the palate. Dense yet elegantly textured with polished tannins and a long, savory finish. Lay this wine down for as long as you can stand it—or,at the very least—decant for several hours beforehand!

2018 Vintage Spring Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the first Turley release of the new decade! Let’s kick off 2020—and the first release of our 26th vintage! — with a bang, shall we?

The 2018 vintage marks the 20th harvest for our beloved Turley Estate Zinfandel in Napa!

We’ve done a bit of spring cleaning and re-organizing. One of the first (teeny) changes I made when I started working at Turley nearly a decade ago was to move the Old Vines from the spring to the fall release—seemed like a no-brainer to give that wine more time in the bottle and offer it during more suitable weather, and it’s all the better for it! Now, the powers that be (Larry) agreed to give it a shot with the Howell Mountain wines (Rattlesnake Ridge & Dragon) as well! It’s something I’d wanted to try for quite some time, but as you can see, it can take a while (nearly 10 years!) for everyone (ahem, Dad) to get used to a new idea. In the same vein, we decided to move the Pesenti Zinfandel to the current release. This beautiful certified organic estate wine, with its delicate floral and vibrant red fruit aromatics, always seemed more suited to springtime anyway!

Finally, it is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the prize-winning poet and overall beautiful person Jane Mead, along with her incomparable vineyard, Mead Ranch. The 2018 Mead Ranch will be the 19th and last vintage under Turley. We mourn the loss of a grower and her eponymous vines and will treasure her memory alongside this final paradigm of Atlas Peak Zinfandel for many years to come.

Old Vines Young Love,

Christina Turley, Larry Turley, & Tegan Passalacqua

Turley Wine Cellars