2013 Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
Weightless, gracious and refined, the 2013 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is beautifully lilting on the glass. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, cinnamon and mint are all nicely delineated in the glass. As it often is, the Kirschenmann is one of the more ethereal, lifted Zinfandels in the range.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Winemaker Tegan Passalacqua’s family owns the Kirschenmann Vineyard in Lodi, and the 2013 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard (15.2% alcohol) is yet another Turley offering that wants to transport the taster to the Southern Rhône Valley of France. Yet it is more than the powers of suggestion that the aromas of raspberry, kirsch liqueur, earth, spice and pepper are all present in this wine, made from head-pruned, ungrafted vines. This is a juicy, up-front, full-bodied yet elegant Zinfandel to drink over the next 5-6 years.
The 2013 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is floral, perfumed and quite pretty, with plenty of the aromatic lift that is typical of vineyards with a high percentage of sand. A final kick of sweetness adds nuance and texture on the silky, polished finish. Owners Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua have only been farming this site for a few years. It will be interesting to see what happens over the coming years, as the vineyard is farmed with a little more attention to detail. Dollops of Mondeuse Noire and Carignane round out the field blend.
About the producer
Founded in 1993, Turley Cellars is a leading name in California Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The winery has helped preserve the state’s old-vine heritage, farming historic vineyards organically and producing distinctive single-vineyard wines known for their character and longevity.