2021 Turley Kirschenmann Zinfandel

HISTORY

The Kirschenmann Vineyard is close to our hearts as our winemaker, Tegan Passalacqua, owns and farms this vineyard. The ungrafted vines were planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Thanks to the river’s cool waters and delta breezes, these head-trained, dry-farmed vines are constantly protected from the heat. In the grand tradition of old-vine field blends, the vineyard has small amounts of Mondeuse, Cinsault, and Carignane.

DETAILS

• AVA: Lodi
• Sub-AVA: Mokelumne River
• Soil: Sandy Loam
• Planted: 1915
• Varieties: Zinfandel, Mondeuse Noir, Cinsault, Carignane
• Viticulture: Head-trained, own-rooted, dry-farmed, hand harvested
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Barrels: 80% used oak, 20% new
• 80% French oak, 20% American
• Aging: 15 months in barrel
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered
• First Turley Vintage: 2012
• Serving Temp: 55-65ºF

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.
95 - Robert Parker

The 2021 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is superb. In most vintages, the Kirschenmann can be a bit light, but in 2021 it o!ers 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.
92 - 94 Galloni