TURLEY Zinfandel Kirschenmann

VM: 93

The 2020 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is absolutely gorgeous. Bright, intensely aromatic and light on its feet, the 2020 is immediately appealing, right out of the gate. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, red flowers and cedar lend aromatic intensity. This is an especially perfumed, gracious Zinfandel, even in 2020.

WA: 95

From vines planted in 1915, the 2021 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard has a medium ruby color and some rubbery tones on the nose to begin, unfurling with air to wafts of mint leaves, dark cherries and earth. The medium-bodied palate has a silky texture, mouthwatering acidity and elegant yet concentrated berry flavors. It's easy to drink yet expressive after some time in the glass and will benefit from some time in a decanter.

VM: (92-94)

The 2021 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is superb. In most vintages, the Kirschenmann can be a bit light, but in 2021 it offers a beguiling mix of its typical floral qualities, but with an extra kick of depth that holds everything together so well. Bright red berry fruit, rose petal, chalk, min and white pepper are some of the many notes that grace this striking Lodi Zinfandel from Turley.

WA: 93+

Owned by winemaker Tegan Passalacqua since 2012, this site was planted in 1915 on white sand soils on limestone bedrock. The 2022 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard opens with a slight reduction that gives way to ripe wild berries, dried orange peel, potpourri and tea leaves after significant aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, plump and quite generous at this stage, leading to an elegant, sweet-fruited and floral finish that begins on an evasive note but swells and builds in amplitude over time. Given the initial reduction and performance of the finish, this should benefit significantly from 2-3 years in bottle. It includes Mondeuse Noire, Carignan and Cinsault.

VM: (91-93)

The 2020 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard screams with varietal character. Sweet red cherry fruit, Kirsch, cedar, new leather and pipe tobacco are nicely lifted in this mid-weight, textured Zinfandel. The 2022 has a bit more richness and mid-palate resonance than has been the norm.

VM: (92-94)

The 2023 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is one of the best wines I have tasted from this site, as it has more textural depth and resonance than is typically the case. As always, the Kirschenmann Zinfandel is aromatic and lifted. In 2023, it is a bit more complex and nuanced than it often is. Bright red-toned fruit and floral overtones linger. This is such a pretty wine.

WA: 90

The 2018 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard, medium ruby-purple in color, begins with notes of tar over a core of earthy black fruits. The palate is medium-bodied, soft and juicy with uncomplicated flavors and an uplifted finish.

VM: (92-94)

The 2018 Zinfandel Kirschenmann is a perfect example of what makes this vintage so appealing. Always a lighter, rather perfumed wine, the Kirschenmann has striking mid-palate sweetness and depth, both of which round the wine out beautifully. Ripe blueberry, mint and spice notes all run through this racy, expressive Zinfandel.