2021 Turley Del Barba Vineyard Zinfandel

Turley Wine Cellars makes forty-seven wines from over fifty vineyards, the vast majority of which are single vineyard designate Zinfandels and Petite Syrahs. By focusing on old vine vineyards, in particular, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture. All of their vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or in the certification process. They use all-natural yeasts in the fermentations. Turley aims to be the stewards of California’s most historic vineyards, producing distinctive wines that reflect their heritage.

In 2021, a noteworthy event took place. After more than a decade of working with the fruit, Turley proudly introduced its first single-vineyard bottling from the renowned Del Barba Vineyard. Situated in Contra Costa, where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet, this vineyard features meticulously trained vines in the deep Dehli blow sand. This sand is made up of decomposed granite from the Sierra Mountains, which lends the resulting wine a smooth texture, refined tannins, and rich, saline-infused dark fruits. This combination beautifully captures the essence of the delta's finest characteristics.

Aging: 15 months in oak barrels:  80% used oak, 20% new; 80% French oak, 20% American.

Tasting notes: Red Wine. 100% Zinfandel. Silky, structured, savory, and seriously satisfying, this wine has a kind of natural depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from truly old vines. With 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!