| Score: |
90 RP.
"A lighter Zinfandel (although by no means should the word 'wimpy' be implied), the 2013 Zinfandel Cobb Vineyard from Amador tips the scales . . . . This higher elevation vineyard (1,500 feet) planted in volcanic and granite soils has produced a more finesse-styled and aromatic Zinfandel. It possesses a touch of austerity, but beautiful, almost Pinot Noir-inspired black cherry and berry fruit. Some minerality again makes an appearance in the wine. Medium to full-bodied, it is very stylish, and for those who want a Zinfandel more reserved and restrained, this is your pick of the Turley portfolio. Probably no one in Northern California has done more for the renaissance and resurrection of old vine Zinfandel than Larry Turley. He started Turley Cellars after selling most of his interest in Frog’s Leap Winery to his original partner, John Williams. The Turley Cellars project was founded in 1993, and is now over 20 years of age. The great thing about Larry Turley is that he’s quick to admit he’s never met an old vine he’s not fond of. As a result, they farm and buy fruit from 35 different vineyards, with some of them dating back to the late 1800s, long before Prohibition. There are at least 30-plus separate wines, and some super-talented winemakers have worked for Turley – first Ehren Jordan and more recently Tegan Passalacqua. I have praised these wines from the beginning and, to my surprise, older vintages . . . have aged remarkably well . . . . Turley’s Petite Syrahs are probably 50-year wines . . ." eRobertParker.com #218, Apr 2015 |