I decided to open a 15 year-old Zinfandel to celebrate Zinfandel Day. I read a review that the 1999 Zin would be great in seven to eight years. I wondered how it would fare after 15 years in the bottle. It was great. The dark ruby color wine had a sienna hue. The aroma reminded me of a black fruit salad. The taste reminded me of black cherries, blackberries and black plums with baking spices led by cloves. The 15.3% alcohol wine’s fruit had a jammy taste and aroma. People that enjoy very fruity wines would like this Zinfandel. The wine offers mild tannins and perceived sweetness from all the fruit.

Turley Wine Cellars which was started in 1993 by Larry Turley produces 30 plus wines. Some Turley vineyards are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. The other vineyards are in the process of becoming certified. It should be recognized that the yeasts are all natural. Some of the vineyards have grapevines that go back to the 1800s. Today the winemaker and vineyard manager is Tegan Passalacqua. Turley Wine Cellars has two tastings rooms, one in Plymouth, California and one in Templeton, California.

Cheers,
Terry