Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2005 Turley Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards.

Owned by the ex-commissioner of baseball Peter Ueberroth, the limestone vineyard is situated on the west side of Paso Robles. Ueberroth is the oldest vineyard in the appelation having been planted in 1885. Turley has made an Ueberroth Vineyard Zinfandel since 2002.

Light red in color. 16% ABV. Clean nose of briar, juicy black fruits and a heavy dose of pepper. Rich, spicy and exceptionally well balanced. Blackberry compote, raspberry jam and fresh strawberries on the palate. Is it possible for a wine at 16% ABV to not show any sign of heat? This Zin comes remarkably close. The finish is long and spicy. This bottle won’t get any better. Tremendous Zinfandel. Ueberroth may have surplanted Hayne at the top of my Turley pyramid.

My rating: 95 points.

Turley wines are available via the mailing list and periodically at retail. This particular wine will run you $48.

With all due respect to Carlisle and Bedrock, Turley is arguably the best Zinfandel producer in California. Exceptional vineyards sources throughout the state of California and no detail spared in the winemaking process. The wines are simply better than ever.

Turley has tasting rooms in both Amador and Paso Robles. If you are not on the mailing list, this is an easy way to secure bottles. Both are not to be missed if you are in the area.

I blogged about Ueberroth Vineyard previously in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.

This wine is an early candidate for my Top 10 Zinfandels of 2015.

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