Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 5
THE STORY
We are now smack in the middle of our weekend in Paso Robles at the winery which brought us there – Turley. When Turley announce this first pre-release tasting, we decided this was a rare opportunity for once to try the wines before buying.
We were hosted as though we were wine judges, seminar style, in the winery by certified sommelier, Christina Turley. Christina is the oldest of Larry’s 4 daughters. She did a fabulous job educating us on the vineyards and the vintage. I thought this was excellent marketing – a way to get members down to their Templeton tasting room after closing their Amador one. Our bonus was tasting some library wines, all of which was accompanied by some charcuterie – if you could pull yourselves away from the tastings! But the icing on top was free shipping on our Fall order – if we placed it then. Smart!
You can read my last post about Turley here: A NEW TURLEY FROM PASO ROBLES!
ABOUT TURLEY (from their website)
“Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Napa Valley by former emergency room physician Larry Turley in 1993. Under the direction of winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, Turley now makes 50 different wines from over 50 vineyards across California, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vines dating back to the late 1800s. By farming organically and focusing on old vine vineyards of these varieties, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture.”
There is a great story on their website about how emergency room doctor Larry Turley got into winemaking and co-founded Frog’s Leap Winery, leaving it to start Turley Wine Cellars in 1993. But what I liked even more was this description, which explains why Turley makes so many wines from so many vineyards:
“Because Larry has never met an old vine vineyard he didn’t like, Turley now makes 47 separate wines from over 50 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Often weak and decaying, these old vine vineyards require extra care and attention in order to restore them to their former glory. After twenty-five years in the emergency room, Larry can now focus his resuscitative skills on the various old vineyards that comprise the wines he loves.”
THE WINE
I have 8 wines to present to you today from Turley. Interestingly, none are Central Coast! Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. As a rule, I don’t correct typos from winery websites. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Zampatti Vineyard, Sonoma, $50 (#1627)
Winery Notes: “A miniscule jewel of an organic vineyard, planted 1915. Raspberry preserves, violets, and holiday spices, evocative of the orange and clove pomanders we make at home each year. Juicy and mouthwatering with plenty of lift, freshness, and zesty energy. A lovely pairing with either “Mule Skinner Blues” and “Love is like a Butterfly.”
My Review: Blueberry on the nose. Rich and delicious red fruits and blueberry on the palate. August 2025
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Dog Town, Clements Hill AVA, Lodi, $50 (#1628)
Winery Notes: “A jewel of Lodi, these organically farmed ungrafted vines were planted in 1944. An ambrosial mélange of cranberry, currant, gingerbread, orange peel and cigar box-like spices. Refined and elegant, tea-like tannins combined with the baker’s chocolate and dried raspberry on the palate make this wine a must-have from 2023. Enjoy with the haunting beauty of “Silver Dagger.”.”
My Review: Texture like tea steeped for a while. Cassis or prune on the palate. August 2025
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Judge Bell, Amador, $43 (#1629)
Winery Notes: “Ungrafted vines planted 1907 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sweetly scented of cherries, cranberries, chapparal, baking spices, and sappy evergreen. The fine-grained granitic dust tannins are softened up with a pleasurable candy-coated-like texture from the ripe fruits. A true delight, evocative of the ancient mountain soils.”
My Review: Dark slightly cooked fruit. I kinda like it. We have enjoyed the Judge Bell year over year. August 2025
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, $76 (#1630)
Winery Notes: “Legendary 1888 planting on Moon Mtn., along the southeastern edge of the Mayacamas. Fragrant dark fruits, black pepper, orange peel; palate is boldly full bodied with plenty of richness. If you are a fan of the Dragon, don’t miss Monte Rosso. Lay down and/or decant before enjoying.”
My Review: More sophisticated. The Monte Rosso has become one of my favorites. August 2025
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Brandlin Ranch, Napa, $53 (#1631)
Winery Notes: “Historic 1926 Zinfandel vineyard atop Mt. Veeder, along the steep southern edge of the Mayacamas Mountains. Refined Napa Valley brambly mountain fruits, violets, graphite; signature Mt Veeder tannins with a bright, fresh finish. A Zin that could convert a skeptic or two. Beautiful, even more so with some air.”
My Review: Delicious nose. We are long time fans of Zinfandel from this vineyard and ordered some. August 2025
2023 Turley Zinfandel, Dupratt Vineyard, Mendocino, $50 (#1632)
Winery Notes: “A destination worth the distance, this remote, secluded old vine Mendocino mountain vineyard was planted ungrafted in 1919 at 1500 ft. Wild brambly berries, meat marinade, sarsaparilla, and game. More fruit and plenty of mountain tannin on the palate, with bright balancing acidity and an impressive, dynamic, lengthy finish. Given this site is oft referred to as the “islands in the sky,” it is only fitting to pair it with Dolly’s “Islands in the Stream.” Decant.”
My Review: Medicinal on the nose. Pine needles in the soil. Try the old Dupratts now. Really delicious. Lay down and decant August 2025
2023 Turley Petite Syrah, Library Vineyard, Napa Valley, $71 (#1633)
Winery Notes: “Cherished in the community, this incredibly varietally diverse vineyard was planted 1880-1920. Deep and dynamic, it draws you in with blackberry, currant, tropical fruits, and grilled game. Lay down and decant and enjoy for many years to come.”
My Review: Really dense in the glass alcohol and smooth dark fruit like the bbq we had last night. Sweet and spicy. August 2025
2023 Turley Petite Syrah, Rattlesnake Ridge, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, $66 (#1634)
Winery Notes: “Certified organic estate vines planted at nearly the highest point (2400 ft.) on Howell Mtn, on a windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley. Classic Rattlesnake notes of berries wrapped in supple leather and surrounded by wild herbs and underbrush. Texture is signature mountain structure, lending length and robustness to the finish. Pair with Dolly’s early hit about a rough yet romantic lonesome soul, “Joshua.”
My Review: No note but I am sure I ordered some. August 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Want to try a Turley? Let’s head on down to Paso Robles!
Paso Robles Tasting Room: “A few miles inland of California’s storied Central Coast, Paso Robles is a pioneer’s paradise, where surfers, cowboys, vintners, farmers, and ranchers commingle amidst ancient vines, towering oak trees, and rolling hills.”
It is open daily 10 am – 4 pm. If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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