Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A killer Zinfandel, the 2013 Zinfandel Juvenile is a blend from younger vines replanted on old-vine sites. For the statisticians, this wine is made from Zinfandel vines ranging from six to 25 years of age across 15 different vineyards, including such hallowed Zin terroir as Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador, and Vineyard 101. This is a stunning example that shouldn’t be discounted just because it is not a single-vineyard wine. Deep ruby/purple, with oodles of black cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant fruit as well as some pepper and spice, the wine is plump, full-bodied, sexy and delicious. Sporting 15.5% natural alcohol, this is a lusty, extroverted Zinfandel that has been brilliantly put together by the Turley winemaking crew. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
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Wine Spectator
Racy and fairly ripe, with jammy raspberry and spiced cinnamon aromas leading to vivid flavors of dried cherry, licorice and rosemary. Drink now through 2020.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!