View from the train ride heading south from Paso Robles, January 13, 2026.
One of the first things we do when we return in the new year at Turley is gather in Paso Robles to taste through the new spring wines. Whenever possible, I take the train. The soft, leisurely journey—what is usually a 3+ hour drive becomes a 6+ hour voyage on the gently rocking, aptly named Coastal Starlight—encourages relaxation, urging you to be in the moment. Nothing you can do to influence your arrival time, so you may as well embrace the gift of the present: the breathtaking expanse of the raw countryside, coupled with captivating views of the coast. Traveling this slowly allows you to take in so much more of the vivid details; I’ve witnessed a herd of wild boar, foxes, and deer alongside vibrant bursts of wildflowers, dotted with sage, Bishop pine, and vernal pools. This year, the ride home took place at sunset, and we passed a consortium of surfers, boards in hand, wildly waving while they waited for the train to pass.
I highly encourage you to make the same journey if you get the chance. However, for asimilarly unhurried, contemplative experience closer to home, may I suggest the stunning film Train Dreams. The movie begins around 1917, and I was struck by what our corner of the world looked like then, how people lived and traveled. It takes place at the same time Kirschenmann, Pesenti, Vineyard 101, and Whitney Tennessee were being planted; meanwhile, Bedrock had been put in the ground nearly 30 years prior. How much the world has changed, and yet these vineyards remain, vestiges of a slower time, when we lived closer to and more in kind with the land. It is only fair to give these wines their due, savoring each sip to better appreciate the wisdom, beauty, and delight they have to offer. After all, the present is a gift, and gifts, like wine,are best when shared.
Here’s to slowing down, and looking up, in 2026.
Christina Turley
P.S.—For those of you wondering, yes! You can enjoy your own wine on the train.
Tasting Notes
2024 vintage spring release
A note on our winemaking:
All of our vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process, and we use all natural yeasts in the fermentations. The below single vineyard designate wines are aged in 80% used oak barriques, of which 80% are French (the rest American) and bottled after 15-18 months in barrel.
2024 “Juvenile” Zinfandel, California
Composed of “young” vines (up to 40 years old) that have been planted in several of our most historic sites. Now a seasoned ingenue, Juvenile continues to delight, overdelivering on serious fun. Exuberant red fruits, traditional spice, and bright juiciness, with lovely, comforting softness on the palate. Refreshingly and rewardingly ready to drink
2024 “Pesenti vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Century-old, certified organic dry-farmed vines planted in mineral-rich soil.The lowest yields we’ve ever gotten, resulting in too little of this dazzlingly delectable wine. Bright, buoyant and intensely aromatic, with ripe raspberry and classic warm, white stone minerality. A silky caress on the palate, deeply delicious.
2024 “Turley Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Certified organic, dry-farmed vines planted at our home in the heart of Napa Valley. Ripe red cherries dipped in dark chocolate, alongside piquant herbs de Provence and sun-warmed chapparal. Supple and almost unctuous on the palate with a long, luxurious, classic Napa Valley finish.
2024 “dragon Vineyard” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain
Planted at 2400’ above Napa Valley and certified organic, Dragon isdistinctively majestic—not to mention Larry’s favorite. Teeming with powerful aromas of brambly fruits, herbed meats, mountainside wildflowers and forest floor. Violets, rosemary, and succulent roast game abound on the palate. A meal of a wine you’ll want to sink your teeth into, as you submerge yourself a little further into the sofa. (92-94 pts Vinous)
2024 “Cedarman” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain
A proprietary assemblage of fruit from the Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards, all certified organic. Characteristic Howell Mountain blue fruits, white spice and grippy tannin structure, though more lush and immediately approachable compared to Dragon’s elegance and finesse. Pleasurably brooding and intense, immensely enjoyable alongside a steak.
2024 “Buck cobb vineyard” Zinfandel, Amador County
Organically farmed head-trained vines planted at 1500’ in the granite and quartz soils of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Dark yet with remarkably high albedo, the Cobb is a joy to behold. Raspberry preserves, a juicy steak with an herby marinade, and excellent heft while remaining nimble on the palate. A long lasting finish and overall just delicious. (92-94 pts Vinous)
2024 “Del barba Vineyard” Zinfandel, contra costa county
Hailing from head-trained vines planted in the deep Dehli blow sands of Contra Costa. Vibrant, open, comely and satisfying. Mouthwatering purple fruits, salted chocolate and spicy sandalwood, with a sleek, lissome texture reminiscent of the most classic Zinfandels California has to offer.
2024 “Kirschenmann Vineyard” Zinfandel, LODI
Organically farmed, own-rooted, dry-farmed vines planted in 1915 in the sandy soils flanking the Mokelumne River. Tegan’s favorite, though whether that comes from pride of ownership or palate itself is anyone’s guess! Pretty perfume of cherry, pomegranate seed, and hibiscus tea. Lithe and juicy with a lovely snap of tartness on the sumptuous, dynamic palate. (92-94 pts Vinous)
2024 “Casa Nuestra” red wine, napa Valley
Old vine, organically farmed Napa field blend that is primarily Petite Syrahand Zinfandel based. Succulent, nostalgic aromas of blueberry pie and baking spices, alongside other ripe red and black fruits. Tannins are extremely well-rounded, with a palate that is evocative of classic Napa Valley. (92-94 pts Vinous)
2024 “heminway vineyard” Zinfandel, napa valley
At the top of the Vaca Mountains in Napa, this organic vineyard sits at 1700’ between Howell Mountain and Pritchard Hill. Deeply appealing from the jump! Blue fruits, gravel dust, a touch of spearmint—this mountain Zin hits all the notes of high-end Napa Cabernet for less than 1/3 the price. (95-97 pts Vinous)
2024 “Whitney Tennessee” Zinfandel, alexander valley
Organically farmed pre-Prohibition, dry-farmed vines in the loam & gravel of Sonoma. Enchanting nose of black cherry, blueberry, boysenberry, and a hint of tropical fruit (guava?). More juicy fruits on the palate, dusted in cocoa. Excellent acid/tannin synergy makes for a charmingly fun, bouncy texture.
2024 “Vineyard 101” Zinfandel, alexander valley
Tiny certified organic vineyard planted pre-Prohibition in Sonoma. An absolute gem and Christina’s favorite from the lineup. A veritable berry medley—raspberry, strawberry, blue & blackberry, chocolate-dipped cherries, and a dash of cracked pepper. Palate is superb, drawing you in like a snuggle. A delight to drink!
2024 “Bedrock vineyard” Zinfandel, sonoma valley
Organically farmed, head-trained vines dating back to 1888 in Sonoma. Dark, inky, and powerful, with luscious blue fruits, zesty blood orange dipped in chocolate (like Orangettes!) together with graphite and gravel dust. Classic Cabernet tannins from this 138 year old vineyard. What a special wine.
2024 “turley estate” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley
Certified organic vines just steps from the family home in St Helena. Profoundly deep in color yet luminous. A feast of blue and purple fruits, roast meats, chimichurri, bouquet garni, grilled bread and cocoa powder. Well-integrated tannins, recommend decanting. (93-95 pts Vinous)
2024 “Pesenti Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Paso Robles
Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood.
Strikingly elegant and plush, like a vintage velvet suit. Concentrated nose of boysenberry, blackberry preserves, and apricot skin. Plum, blue fruits and a satiating suppleness on the palate. (95-97 pts Vinous)