Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard Willow Creek District Paso Robles 2022

You really can’t go wrong with anything Turley makes. Our humble opinion, but this 2022 Pesenti Vineyard old-vine zinfandel out of Paso Robles only firms up our standpoint. Earning 92-94 points from Vinous, it offers something a little different from your typical California zin...to go with all the characteristic big, juicy, fruit essences, there are also more nuanced floral notes, chalky undertones, and charismatic earthy aromas that can only be attributed to the land on which it was grown.

These century-old zinfandel vines were planted in the sub-AVA of Willow Creek in Paso Robles between 1922 and 1924. The head-trained, dry-farmed, hand-harvested vines sit atop ancient marine calcareous soils, adding enriching layers to the flavor profile of the wines produced from this fruit. Set eight miles from the coast, the vineyard experiences a Mediterranean-like climate with steamy days and chilly nights – a perfect equation for grapes to ripen and mature to their fullest, juiciest, most robust expression.

Larry Turley has become somewhat known for his affinity for vineyards like this, with their interesting terroirs and fantastically gnarly old vines. He established Turley Wine Cellars in 1993 and now makes upward of 50 wines from parcels all over California, focusing mainly on single-vineyard, old-vine designates in order to showcase each area’s distinctive characteristics, history, and soils. As a former ER doctor, Larry’s desire for preservation and respect of the land makes all the sense in the world, after he did the same for people for so many years. Turley’s winemaker Mike Schieffer and director of winemaking Tegan Passalacqua continue to make some of the best expressions of California Rhone and old-vine zinfandel anywhere using organic farming methods and carefully built grower relationships.

As stated, this zinfandel has got something enchantingly different about it when compared to your typical Cali-zins. The rocky, calcareous limestone soils – interplanted with the occasional carignane vine – lend the grapes a “sweet-tart-esque” character, building with notes of fresh and explosive sweet red raspberries, candied blood orange, and blackberry pie, followed by violets and lilacs, wild brush, a splash of bold coffee, and a sprinkle of spicy peppercorn. It has some pinot noir-like qualities – with an elegance and lightness not common in zinfandels – while still carrying through a strong, aromatic, and lasting finish. An all-around gorgeous wine from a knockout producer, who we will continue to champion because they just never miss! Just trust us on this, you can’t let this pass you by!

PAIRING IDEAS: A little sweetness and a little spice will go far alongside this rare, zipping beauty of a zin – I’m eyeing an easy mole chicken enchilada recipe that looks as delicious as it is simple!