Synopsis, Our Opinion: Simply OUTSTANDING California Zinfandel and one of the biggest Zinfandel bargains we’ve found in a long time.
Producer/Winery: Turley Wine Cellars; St. Helena, California.
Grape Variety: Zinfandel with a small amount of Petite Syrah.
Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Howell Mountain; Napa Valley; North coast, California.
Vintage: 2016
Price: $32.00 (with a club discount)
Purchased From: Turley Wine Cellars; Paso Robles, California.
Paired With: Vietnamese Saigon Tacos (flower & corn) tortillas and rolled in large Shiso (Perilla frutescens) leaves; shredded pork butt; Vietnamese pickles (carrot & daikon); lemon Sriracha Aioli.
Tasting:
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Opened two hours before drinking. Just slightly opaque with a dark ruby color and the same color rim. Strong fruity aromas…ripe blackberry, plum and raisin with whiffs of smoke and fresh leather. Smooth entry, VERY accessible, bone dry, rich mouthfeel, medium to full body and a 150-grit. texture. Plenty of tart blackberry and plum flavors with strong secondary tastes of butterscotch, raisin and sage, but the traditional boldness was subdued and integrated. Abundance of fresh acidity, no-nonsense fine-grain grippy tannins and a bitter fruity finish that ends with a cinnamon and smoky taste. WOW…this is a “middle-weight” Zinfandel that’s similar to softer Italian Primitivo. Loaded with constant surprises and a scrumptious character…it’s a solid, very enjoyable California Zinfandel. FANTASTIC paired with the Saigon Tacos, but also good sipping with dark chocolate after the dinner. It was just bold and fruity enough to complement the food, not overwhelm it and we look forward to having it again. Simply OUTSTANDING California Zinfandel and one of the biggest Zinfandel bargains we’ve found in a long time.
Photo from Turley Wine Cellars.
See also: Our reviews of other Turley wines.
Alcohol Content: 15.6%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: Not available.
Imported by: Not applicable.