Please join us for a special Zinfandel tasting of Turley’s brand-new spring releases. We’re serving the following four just-released 2022 Zins: “Del Barba” from Contra Costa, “Kirschenmann” from Lodi, “Pesenti” from Paso Robles and “Dragon” from Howell Mountain. Cost for two-ounce tasting pours of all four wines is a mere seventeen bucks, a real steal at twice the price! Tasting notes and bottle prices are listed below and all wines will be available to purchase until sold out.

As you probably know, Turley's mailing list has been closed for years with a waiting list a mile long, so this is truly an extraordinary opportunity to taste and obtain some amazing cult status Zins that very few people are ever able to get. We also have a very limited supply of some of their 2021 Zins which are also listed below and will also be available to purchase until sold out

RSVP

Please RSVP by clicking on the “Contact The Host” button in the box on the right and responding with the following information.

1.How many people are in your party, and

2. Approximately what time you plan to arrive. We’ll take reservations anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 and try to wrap things up by 7:00. No need to provide a credit card in advance as you can just pay when you arrive.

CAVEAT

We reserve the right to limit sales of some of the rare and allocated wines in order to “share the love” with as many folks as possible!

LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.

2022 TURLEY SPRING RELEASE ZIN FLIGHT ~ $17 (four 2-oz. pours)

2022 Turley “Del Barba” Zinfandel ~ $48

(Contra Costa) Winemaker’s Notes: Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet. These head-trained vines are planted in deep sand made of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin and dark saline fruits. Engaging on the nose, with lifted aromas of dusty ripe red fruits, gingerbread spices and pomegranate. Overall bright and lively. A rapturous wine with an utterly vibrant texture on the palate that’s downright delicious.

2022 Turley “Kirschenmann” Zinfandel ~ $60

(Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: The Kirschenmann 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. A beguiling nose pulls you in, instantly letting you know this wine is the essence of old vine Zinfandel. A layered wine with mouthwatering red fruits, roasted meats, sandalwood and and dust.

2022 Turley “Pesenti” Zinfandel ~ $62

(Paso Robles) Winemaker’s Notes: This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. 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. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general. An outright exuberant nose of ripe red raspberry, fruit leather and high-toned spice. Bright and energetic on the palate with pure, sweet red fruits and holiday spices. A long, almost old-world Pinot note on the finish, the Pesenti is always a standout.

2022 Turley “Dragon” Zinfandel ~ $76

(Howell Mountain) Winemaker’s Notes: Dragon Vineyard is an estate-farmed, certified organic vineyard. Planted at 2,400 feet elevation at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, the vineyard sits well above the fog line and faces east, first to receive the soft morning sun. These important features, along with the rocky, red volcanic soil, make for a unique, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. This is often Larry’s favorite since it goes with what he most likes to cook: bold, flavorful, spice-laden meats grilled over an open fire. There’s a reason Howell Mountain was the first designated sub-AVA in Napa Valley: the wines from this hallowed ridge are the most distinctive in the entire region. Powerful, deep, profound yet refined; much like its namesake, the Dragon is an elegant beast. Dark fruits, robust black pepper, savory orgeat, and overall superb. This is a wine with a lot of personality that you will want to discover with time.

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2021 TURLEY ZINS NOT ON THE FLIGHT BUT AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE

2021 Turley “Judge Bell” Zinfandel ~ $56

(Amador County) Winemaker's Notes: As the winery is located on Bell Road, it’s named after the eponymous (and notorious) Judge Bell, who presided over the nearby town of Plymouth during its Gold Rush heyday. Harking from own-rooted vines planted in 1907, the wine shows quintessential Amador granitic tannins and briary fruits. ~~~ Review by Vinous ~ 91-93 points: A potent, brooding wine. Gravel, dried herbs, menthol, cured meat, licorice and red berry fruit give this brawny Zinfandel a good deal of character. The Judge Bell is not an easy wine, but it has so much to offer for those who are willing to take some time with it.

2021 Turley “Fredericks Vineyard” Zinfandel ~ $66

(Sonoma Valley) Winemaker's Notes: Hailing from 1937, these certified organic vines are some of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Just a mile and a half from the Napa border on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, the vines are planted along steep, contoured terraces about 1,000 feet up Moon Mountain. Finding old vineyards is rare enough, but ancient hillside head-trained vines located 900 feet up? Downright extraordinary. Fragrant nose of plum, lavender, black cherry, graphite, anise, herbs and roasted coffee. A liberal dose of mountain tannins adds additional gravitas. The overall effect is wondrous, and the powerful finish left us awestruck. Lay it down or decant and drink now. ~~~ Review by Vinous ~ 94-96 points: A virile, explosive wine. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and mocha infuse the Fredericks with tremendous depth and raw power. Shows unbridled intensity and breath. This is one of the best recent vintages of the Fredericks I can remember tasting. Drink through 2041. ~~~ Review by Wine Advocate ~ 93 points: Has a deep ruby color and broody aromas of black cherry fruit, tobacco, lavender and thyme. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and broody in character despite its approachable tannins, and it has a mineral-driven finish. It will unwind with another 2-3 years in the bottle.

2021 Turley “Estate” Zinfandel ~ $66

(St. Helena, Napa Valley) Winemaker's Notes: This vineyard is special to all of us here at the winery as it's right in our backyard. It’s what we see every day at work (and from the family home). We have slowly and steadily planted additional head-trained dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to complement the original planting from the mid-1990s, and the entire property is certified organic. Taking a page from our beloved old vine vineyards, we’ve also planted several of the varieties most commonly interplanted in old Zinfandel vineyards including Carignane, Trousseau and Cinsault. Fragrant and savory with notes of garrigue, dark chocolate, salted plum, meat marinade and Provençal herbs. The texture on the palate evokes Cabernet or even Petite Syrah in structure and timbre, further demonstrating the multifaceted appeal of this sonorous wine. ~~~ Review by Wine Spectator ~ 93 points: Refined and deeply structured, with potent wild berry, roasted sage and white pepper flavors that build richness and tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. ~~~ Review by Vinous ~ 92-94 points: Bright, punchy and intensely savory. This St. Helena Zinfandel delivers the goods. Powerful and deeply resonant, the Estate is absolutely compelling. This Zinfandel, in reality a Zinfandel-based field blend of 24 varieties, is full of dynamism and character. It will likely need a few years to come together, but then watch out.

2021 Turley “Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard” Zinfandel ~ $76

(Howell Mountain, Napa Valley) Winemaker’s Notes: Rattlesnake Ridge is a certified organic, estate-owned vineyard. Located at the top of Howell Mountain at 2,400 feet, the vines see more sun here than they would on the valley floor; however, it is much colder due to the elevation, and can even snow in the winter. All combined, these factors make for a truly unique wine: bold flavors, and a tannin and acid backbone that can only come from Howell Mountain. Certified organic estate vines planted at 2,400 feet on a windswept ridge overlooking Napa Valley.  Classic Rattlesnake aromas of blackberry, chaparral, violets, sage, bacon and savory pie crust fresh from the oven, it’s reminiscent of a Côte-Rôtie. Traditional Howell Mountain tannins are well tamed by the copious flavors and luscious texture. Utterly delicious now but could also be decanted or laid down. ~~~ Review by Wine Advocate ~ 96 points: This powerful wine has scents of red and black cherries, lavender and dried herbs with streaks of graphite, although it continues to unwind as it spends time in the glass. The palate is full-bodied with generous, nuanced fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and grainy tannins, and it's youthfully coiled on the finish.

2021 Turley “Hayne” Zinfandel ~ $124

(Napa Valley) Winemaker’s Notes: The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for over twenty-six years. The property has been in the same family since 1876, and the head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines, planted in 1902 and 1903, produce wines of power and elegance. Year after year, this wine serves as the archetype for Zinfandel and Napa Valley. Refined rose petal, red and black fruits and braised meats on the nose; like a beautifully set table complete with boeuf bourguignon and a bouquet of roses. Tegan likes to call this wine a “thoroughbred” and it’s easy to see why: strong, beautiful, elegant and downright lovely. Will age well but also ready to drink now.

Hope to see you here!

Chris