Turley Old Vine Zinfandel 2022 (75cl, 15.2%)

A multi-region California Zinfandel blend from Turley Wine Cellars, made from vines at least 50 years old across seven California appellations. The 2022 bottling is composed of 95% Zinfandel with 5% field-blend varieties including Mataro, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. Fermentation relies entirely on native yeasts, and the wine ages for 12 months in 80% used oak barriques, split roughly 80% French and 20% American. The contributing vines range from 50 to 130 years old. The nose opens with crushed plums and wild berry preserves, then tobacco leaf, red fruits, peach, citrus, anise and autumnal undertones. The palate is lighter and more graceful than the strength suggests, with raspberry, cranberry, blackberry cobbler, anise and black pepper, kept lively by bright acidity. The finish is moderately long, with briary tannins, a dusty texture and lingering licorice and savory pepper.