| Score: |
95 RP.
"Blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, slightly lower acidity, and a big, fleshy, full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel characterize the 2013 Zinfandel Dogtown Vineyard from Lodi. This vineyard was planted in 1944 on rolling hills largely composed of volcanic soils and come clay. The 2013 is a terrific example of Dogtown and stands out as one of the great successes Larry Turley and his winemaking team have had in this vineyard they have farmed for so long . . . . Beautifully textured, full-bodied, opulent, and one of the sexiest of a fabulous portfolio of seductive wines, this is a knockout example to drink over the next 5-7 years. In fact, I would go so far as to say this might be one of the all-time greatest Zinfandels ever produced in Lodi, but it is not without some heady competition. 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 |