2017 Turley “Estate Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This wine is pure, organically-farmed, single-vineyard estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon—not a statement that can be made by many! Planted in 1989 on the volcanic and alluvial soils found in northern Napa Valley, this vineyard forms the eastern border of the Turley estate and is framed on two sides by ancient, majestic oak trees.
Dark ripe red fruits, black cherry and ample savory berries abound on the palate, including blueberry and boysenberry. (Fun fact: during this tasting, we learned that the humble boysenberry also calls Napa home, thanks to Rudolph Boysen in the early 20th century!) Traces of walnut shell, earth and mint leaf round out the nose of this classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is fresh and satiating, with a supple, finely velveteen texture. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, with notes of nougat and a long, sapid finish. Drinking very well right out of the gate!
2017 Turley “Dragon Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
When we first planted the Dragon Vineyard, the fact that Howell Mountain is hallowed ground for Cabernet Sauvignon did not escape us. Thus, though we filled the vast majority of the site with Zinfandel, we also planted a small parcel with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Deeply and darkly hued, there’s no denying this wine comes from mountain fruit. The glass teems with ripe blackberries and other brambly fruits, rosemary, graphite, perfectly cooked pie crust, grilled game and underbrush. Pronounced, chewy mountain tannins proliferate on the palate. The Dragon’s dense, compact texture is tempered by precise acidity, and the wine will age exceptionally well over an extended period of time as a result. Definitely nothing froofy about this wine; decant it and enjoy with dry-aged beef or other hearty fare, preferably prepared in the hearth over an open fire.
2017 Turley “Montecillo Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, sonoma valley
Near the top of Moon Mountain on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas range lies this jewel of an old vine, dry farmed Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.
The 2017 has extraordinary depth on the nose, with layers of myriad ripe berries, dried herbs, blue slate, savory roast meats, and rose petals. Though more structured on the palate than the Estate, the tannins themselves are elegant and silky, for an overall satisfyingly refined texture. For all the profundity and power of the aromas, the wine itself is nimble and lithe on the palate, with a long, lingering finish. Let it lie for a spell or decant and enjoy over the course of an evening.