92 Points - Robert Parker. The Zinfandel Old Vines is a blend of declassified wine from Turley's old-vine vineyards. A great buy and one of the best old-vine cuvees the Turleys have produced, rich full-bodied, and unctuously textured, it explodes from the glass revealing black fruits, earth, kirsch, licorice, pepper, and underbrush elements.
Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Aug 2025)
Wine Press Ratings
92 Points - Robert Parker (2022 Vintage)
"As with the Juvenile bottling, the 2022 Zinfandel Old Vines punches above its weight… nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves… palate is light- to medium-bodied… subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity… generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes."
Taste
Hailing from over 20 ancient vineyards across California and aged in only 10% new oak, the wine has all those bright, pure berry fruit notes and more; the elegant, grown-up version of that Rockwellian memory. Intensely satiating and polished on the palate, with the kind of natural depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from truly old vines.
About the Producer
Turley Wine Cellars, a second-generation family winery, is renowned for crafting California's finest Zinfandels from small parcels of ancient, dry-farmed vines. Led by Larry Turley and winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, alongside Larry's daughters, the team has gained stewardship of some of the state's most iconic vineyards. By farming organically, reducing yields to preserve intensity, and harvesting early to maintain acidity, they produce exceptional wines that honour California's rich viticultural heritage.
Why are Old Vines Superior
In addition to their cultural significance, old vines produce a naturally more complex, balanced, and sustainable wine. Young vines tend to be vigorous and high yielding for a short period of time (16-20 years) before most wineries rip them up and replant, t...