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.