The Turley Zinfandels are among the hardest to secure in California, and when it comes to their high-scoring single-vineyard offerings, those are even scarcer. But thanks to our longstanding relationships in the industry, we have managed to get our hands on their Pesenti Vineyard bottling of Zinfandel, a wine that recently scored 97 points from Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com!
The certified organic Pesenti Estate Vineyard was planted in the 1920s, making it one of the oldest continuously farmed vineyard sites on California's Central Coast. Originally planted to Zinfandel on the rolling hills west of Templeton, it quickly established itself as one of Paso Robles' most distinctive sources for Zinfandel.
Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles.
Millions of years ago, this land lay beneath an ancient sea. Today, the site sits atop uplifted seabed composed of fractured limestone and marine sediments, so porous that winter rainfall can penetrate deep into the soil profile and remain available to the vines throughout the growing season. In a region known for long, dry summers and scant rainfall, this remarkable geology allows Turley to dry-farm while producing wines of depth, freshness, and balance.
Not only is this one of the more historic vineyards in the Turley portfolio, but it has also received wonderful praise from the critics!
• Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com rated this at 97 points and says it’s "great on the nose, with notes of black raspberries”!
• Antonio Galloni rated this at 92-94 points and states "the 2023 is alluring from start to finish".
• Wine Spectator rated this at 93 points and notes the wine’s "brooding plum and blackberry flavors".
Eminently drinkable now, with classic old-vine character, this wine was a showstopper at the recent Turley tasting we did here at the store. Take one sip, and we’re sure you’ll agree!
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is great on the nose, with notes of black raspberries and Thin Mints, tapping into pure pleasure. Full-bodied, it has layered cherry fruit, terrific length, and feels seamless on the palate. Drink 2026-2050."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92-94 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is a classic Paso Robles Zinfandel. It emerges from a site planted in 1923. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves blast across the palate. A wine of substance and forward, luscious fruit, the 2023 is alluring from start to finish."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Dark and brambly, with brooding plum and blackberry flavors accented by licorice, clove and smoked pepper tones as this builds grip toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035. 2,387 cases made."
The certified organic Pesenti Estate Vineyard was planted in the 1920s, making it one of the oldest continuously farmed vineyard sites on California's Central Coast. Originally planted to Zinfandel on the rolling hills west of Templeton, it quickly established itself as one of Paso Robles' most distinctive sources for Zinfandel.
Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles.
Millions of years ago, this land lay beneath an ancient sea. Today, the site sits atop uplifted seabed composed of fractured limestone and marine sediments, so porous that winter rainfall can penetrate deep into the soil profile and remain available to the vines throughout the growing season. In a region known for long, dry summers and scant rainfall, this remarkable geology allows Turley to dry-farm while producing wines of depth, freshness, and balance.
Not only is this one of the more historic vineyards in the Turley portfolio, but it has also received wonderful praise from the critics!
• Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com rated this at 97 points and says it’s "great on the nose, with notes of black raspberries”!
• Antonio Galloni rated this at 92-94 points and states "the 2023 is alluring from start to finish".
• Wine Spectator rated this at 93 points and notes the wine’s "brooding plum and blackberry flavors".
Eminently drinkable now, with classic old-vine character, this wine was a showstopper at the recent Turley tasting we did here at the store. Take one sip, and we’re sure you’ll agree!
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is great on the nose, with notes of black raspberries and Thin Mints, tapping into pure pleasure. Full-bodied, it has layered cherry fruit, terrific length, and feels seamless on the palate. Drink 2026-2050."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92-94 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is a classic Paso Robles Zinfandel. It emerges from a site planted in 1923. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves blast across the palate. A wine of substance and forward, luscious fruit, the 2023 is alluring from start to finish."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Dark and brambly, with brooding plum and blackberry flavors accented by licorice, clove and smoked pepper tones as this builds grip toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035. 2,387 cases made."
