2019 Turley Estate

Tasting Notes

2019 Napa Valley Turley Zinfandel Turley Estate

Tasted April 29 2023

Notes

This wine’s scent by putting one’s nostril up to the empty bottle conveys the strong memory of a mixed berry pie, with raspberries being the dominant fruit. The scent is nearly perfumed, conveying something richer than just berry; the contribution of wood barreling conveys the buttery notes from a pie’s crust.

In glass, after 16 hours of being opened, a strong rye bread flavor dominates the nose. Swirling the glass reveals the ruby color of the wine.

The rye flavor is subdued with swirling of the glass; what remains is damp earth. Stone. The alcohol in this wine dominates somewhat the flavors in glass.

The wine is lighter in mouthfeel than the scent conveys; the flavor isn’t overly assertive; it provides a fullness in the back of the tongue. Far less fruit on the palate than on the nose. Was a good pairing with a beef dish dominated by the spice of fennel and star anise. Has a calling for darker chocolate.

Wine was very drinkable on its own, although not outstanding. Works better paired with food.

89 points

Nose

• rye
• hotness of alcohol
• mixed berry compote, raspberry; berry pie
• memory of a SlimJim

Color

ruby red, purple, semi-transparent

Taste

• hot, alcohol is present. 15.1%
• tannins sticky, bite of black tea, not overwhelming
• Sense of smoothness, texture and flavor from wood; cedar notes