Welcome to the 2023 fall release, aka Zinfandolly!
Of all the artists alive today, the one I most wish to see strut across a stage and sing her heart out is the utterly iconic living legend, Ms. Dolly Parton. I daydreamed about it again recently, but let the thought go soon after for being too far-fetched, too unlikely to get my hopes up. The very next day I got word of her upcoming residency in Las Vegas, and managed to snag two seats! So in celebration of a serendipitous dream soon to come true, I would like to welcome you to the 2023 fall release that I have affectionately nicknamed Zinfandolly.
It is a long-held belief of mine that Dolly Parton is to music as Zinfandel is to wine in this country. First, both are distinctly American: Dolly’s 60 year career has spanned a range of music genres, but her identity and signature sound is that of the American South. Her roots run deep in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a home she references often in her music. (Larry is also a native Tennessean, born just one year before Dolly.) Whereas all other wines in the world are measured by their European counterparts, the criterion for Zinfandel is the California version. Though its origin like all wine grapes is the continent of Eurasia, its identity and acclaim are uniquely and inextricably linked to the United States.
Both are prolific: Dolly has written nearly 3,000 songs, recorded 47 albums of her own, and contributed to another 100. For over a century, Zinfandel was the most widely planted grape in the U.S., and it has been a cornerstone of some of the most significant-production American wines since the 1860s. Turley alone makes 28 distinct Zinfandels, and the single largest winery globally, the American E&J Gallo, made its name with Hearty Burgundy, a Zinfandel-based blend, first released in 1964. Three years later, Dolly released her first solo record.
Finally, in the past both have been dismissed for being generally “un-serious” or even “flashy” (lest we forget Dolly’s famous quote, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap!”). After all, the ultimate Dolly-esque wine, White Zinfandel, has been the butt of every wine snob joke for the last several decades.
More recently, however, we’ve seen both a reckoning and renaissance for Dolly and Zin. Dolly has been recognized at the highest levels for her contribution to American culture: in addition to being in both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, in 2021 she was named to Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential People, under the heading “Icon.” White Zinfandel was the #1 selling category of wine for over a decade in the US, making it the single most dominating category in American wine history, and years later Turley’s own “White Zinfandel” was named to the Top 100 Wines list when it made its debut. Also, the only wine to ever be on the cover of Time? That’s right, a Zinfandel: the afore-mentioned Gallo Hearty Burgundy!
Today, we’re seeing a return to Zinfandel, to wines that are heralded as much for their historic significance as they are for being consistently high-quality and just plain delicious. Join me in celebrating the remarkable achievements, contributions, comfort, and joy both Dolly and Zinfandel wines bring. You’ll find some song recommendations scattered throughout the tasting notes (The White “Coat of Many Colors,” for example); I’ve also created a corresponding playlist.
Welcome to Turley’s “Zinfandolly.”
I Will Always Love Wine,
Christina Turley
Tasting Notes
2023 vintage fall 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.
2023 “The White Coat” White Wine, California
Our signature white blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne, hailing from our estates in Paso Robles, Amador, and Napa. Deeply compelling nose evocative of white Burgundy; rich yellow fruits, ripe mango, citron. Rich and softly textured with white stone minerality alongside the ripe fruits. A delicious medley; enjoy with a (white) “Coat of Many Colors.”
2023 “Old Vines” Zinfandel, California
The sage, autumnal older sister to the spring verve of the Juvenile, Old Vines encompasses everything we stand for at Turley. Expansive and comforting, like a warm hug. Dark brambly fruits, beautifully spiced, gingerbread, and a touch of herbs de Provence. Smooth, harmonious, and supple on the palate; pair with the melodious duet Dolly did with Norah Jones, “Creepin’ In.”
2023 “Zampatti Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma County
A miniscule jewel of an organic vineyard, planted 1915. Raspberry preserves, violets, and holiday spices, evocative of the orange and clove pomanders we make at home each year. Juicy and mouthwatering with plenty of lift, freshness, and zesty energy. A lovely pairing with either “Mule Skinner Blues” and “Love is like a Butterfly.”
2023 “Dogtown Vineyard” Zinfandel, Lodi
A jewel of Lodi, these organically farmed ungrafted vines were planted in 1944. An ambrosial mélange of cranberry, currant, gingerbread, orange peel and cigar box-like spices. Refined and elegant, tea-like tannins combined with the baker’s chocolate and dried raspberry on the palate make this wine a must-have from 2023. Enjoy with the haunting beauty of “Silver Dagger.”
2023 “Hayne Vineyard” Zinfandel, Napa Valley
The gold standard Zinfandel in Napa Valley, planted in 1902 and made by Turley for over 30 years. Elegant, Burgundian aromatics of refined red fruits, rosebud, and enchanting spices. This is Zinfandel in its purest, most stunning form. Balanaced with refined, seamless texture, Hayne is the G.O.A.T. for good reason and the 2023 is no exception.
2023 “Brandlin Ranch” Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Historic 1926 Zinfandel vineyard atop Mt. Veeder, along the steep southern edge of the Mayacamas Mountains. Refined Napa Valley brambly mountain fruits, violets, graphite; signature Mt Veeder tannins with a bright, fresh finish. A Zin that could convert a skeptic or two. Beautiful, even more so with some air.
2023 “DuPratt Vineyard” Zinfandel, Mendocino Ridge
A destination worth the distance, this remote, secluded old vine Mendocino mountain vineyard was planted ungrafted in 1919 at 1500 ft. Wild brambly berries, meat marinade, sarsaparilla, and game. More fruit and plenty of mountain tannin on the palate, with bright balancing acidity and an impressive, dynamic, lengthy finish. Given this site is oft referred to as the “islands in the sky,” it is only fitting to pair it with Dolly’s “Islands in the Stream.” Decant.
2023 “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
Certified organic, planted 1937 at about 1000 ft. up Moon Mountain. Dark and richly-fruited with baking chocolate, wild mint, and savory herbed meat marinades. A prime pairing with a thick, well-seared steak served in a darkly cool, classic leather booth. Enjoy with “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
2023 “Monte Rosso Vineyard” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
Legendary 1888 planting on Moon Mtn., along the southeastern edge of the Mayacamas. Fragrant dark fruits, black pepper, orange peel; palate is boldly full bodied with plenty of richness. If you are a fan of the Dragon, don’t miss Monte Rosso. Lay down and/or decant before enjoying.
2023 “Judge Bell” Zinfandel, Amador County
Ungrafted vines planted 1907 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sweetly scented of cherries, cranberries, chapparal, baking spices, and sappy evergreen. The fine-grained granitic dust tannins are softened up with a pleasurable candy-coated-like texture from the ripe fruits. A true delight, evocative of the ancient mountain soils.
2023 “Dusi Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Planted 1945 and still farmed by the Dusi family, a quintessential and storied Paso Robles site. A full meal of a wine with broad, supple dark blue fruits, grilled plum, cocoa powder, and a satisfyingly luscious, rich texture. Pair with the pure fun and celebratory nature of Dolly’s “Two Doors Down.”
2023 “Ueberroth Vineyard” Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Certified organic, ungrafted vines over 130 years old; a rare jewel of Paso Robles. Ripe blackberry, cranberry, wild raspberry, white pepper, and game. Concentrated yet lithe, powerful and pretty, and undeniably one of top wines from Turley.
2023 “Rattlesnake Ridge” Zinfandel, Howell Mountain
Certified organic estate vines planted at nearly the highest point (2400 ft.) on Howell Mtn, on a windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley. Classic Rattlesnake notes of berries wrapped in supple leather and surrounded by wild herbs and underbrush. Texture is signature mountain structure, lending length and robustness to the finish. Pair with Dolly’s early hit about a rough yet romantic lonesome soul, “Joshua.”
2023 “Library Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley
Cherished in the community, this incredibly varietally diverse vineyard was planted 1880-1920. Deep and dynamic, it draws you in with blackberry, currant, tropical fruits, and grilled game. Lay down and decant and enjoy for many years to come.
2023 “Hayne Vineyard” Petite Syrah, Napa Valley
Planted 1953 in some of the most sought-after soils in all of Napa. The definitive Petite Syrah in a pure, classic vintage. A medley of dark fruits—plum, berries, currants—alongside signature power, structure, and longevity. Lay it down for up to 50 years (!) or generously decant and enjoy now. The enduring classic that can only be paired with “I Will Always Love You.”
2023 “Rattlesnake Ridge” Petite Syrah, Howell Mountain
Certified organic mountain vines planted at 2400 ft above Napa Valley. Profoundly perfumed nose of ink, purple fruits, wildflowers, mountain air, and roast game. Incredibly intense on the palate, dense and layered; serve with well-seasoned, roast or grilled and herbed lamb or other flavorful game. Generously decant or lay down for decades to come. Pair with Dolly’s “Wildflowers.”
