With Dry January Over, Bring On the Big Reds
As February rolls in, I can’t wait to get my hands on a rich, full-bodied red. And for me, nothing says winter indulgence quite like a big, warm, delicious Zinfandel—especially from Turley Wine Cellars. In my opinion, they are the undisputed kings of Zin.
Turley isn’t just a winery—it’s a legend. Their Zins are bold, complex, and utterly irresistible, making them perfect for cold nights, hearty meals, or just sipping by the fire. But before we get into pairings and where to buy, let’s dive into what makes Turley and Zinfandel so special.
Quick note — beyond being a personal favorite, Turley also reminds me of one of my favorite clients—someone who shares my deep appreciation for great wine and WE never miss an opportunity to enjoy a bottle of Turley when we’re together. So, this one’s for you Casey — consider this article a toast in your honor! 🍷
The Story of Turley Wine Cellars
Founded in 1993 by Larry Turley, Turley Wine Cellars has redefined Zinfandel as a serious, world-class wine. They specialize in old-vine, single-vineyard Zinfandels, sourcing from some of California’s most historic sites—many of which are over 100 years old.
Unlike mass-produced Zins that can be overly jammy or one-dimensional, Turley’s wines are powerful yet balanced, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthiness. Their meticulous vineyard management and organic farming practices ensure exceptional quality in every bottle.
With a winemaking philosophy focused on terroir, Turley allows each vineyard to express its unique character, making every bottle a truly special experience.
A Brief History of Zinfandel: California’s Heritage Grape
Zinfandel has a fascinating history. While many think of it as a purely American grape, its origins actually trace back to Croatia, where it’s known as Tribidrag. In the mid-1800s, it made its way to the U.S., eventually flourishing in California’s warm climate.
During Prohibition, many of the old vines were ripped out, but some hardy, resilient vineyards survived. Today, Turley has made it their mission to preserve these historic old-vine vineyards, ensuring that Zinfandel remains a cornerstone of California winemaking.
Wait, Is This White Zinfandel? Absolutely Not.
Let’s clear this up right away—Turley Zinfandel is NOT White Zinfandel. If you’re picturing a pink, sweet wine in a box, you’re way off.
White Zinfandel was essentially a happy accident—created in the 1970s when a winemaker’s attempt at a dry rosé stuck in fermentation, leaving it sweet and light. The rest is history—White Zin took off, and for better or worse, it became what many people think of when they hear “Zinfandel.”
But real Zinfandel—like Turley’s—is a bold, rich, full-bodied red, packed with dark fruit, spice, and complexity. So, if someone offers you a glass of Turley Zinfandel, don’t expect a sugar bomb in a plastic cup. This is serious wine for serious wine lovers.
What Makes Turley Zinfandel So Special?
If you’ve ever had a glass of Turley Zinfandel, you know it’s something special. But what exactly sets it apart?
- Big, Bold Flavors – Bursting with blackberry, raspberry, plum, and dark cherry.
- Warm Spices & Earthy Depth – Hints of pepper, clove, licorice, and cocoa.
- Silky Smooth & Lush – Despite its bold intensity, it has an elegant balance.
- Old-Vine Magic – Made from some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, many dating back to the late 1800s.
- Single-Vineyard Expressions – Each wine reflects the unique terroir of its vineyard, from Paso Robles to Napa to Sonoma.
Simply put, Turley Zinfandel is everything I want in a winter wine.
Pairing Turley Zinfandel: What to Eat With It
One of the best things about Turley Zin? It’s fantastic with food, but also so delicious on its own that it doesn’t even need a meal. Here are some perfect pairings:
Hearty Winter Dishes:
🍖 Braised Short Ribs – The rich, fall-apart beef complements Turley’s dark fruit and spice.
🔥 Grilled Ribeye or NY Strip Steak – A classic pairing, balancing bold flavors with juicy meat.
🫕 Beef or Lamb Stew – The earthy notes in the wine match the depth of a slow-cooked stew.
🍝 Bolognese or Spaghetti & Meatballs – Zinfandel’s fruitiness is perfect with tomato-based sauces.
🔥 BBQ Baby Back Ribs – The smoky, caramelized glaze is magic with Turley’s richness.
Unexpected but Perfect Matches:
🧀 Aged Cheddar or Manchego – The saltiness of the cheese enhances the wine’s fruit.
🍫 Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt – A match made in heaven.
🔥 Spicy Sausage or Chorizo – Zinfandel handles heat beautifully.
And of course, if you’re like me, you don’t always need a pairing. A big glass of Turley Zinfandel by the fireplaceis all the indulgence you need.
Where to Buy Turley Zinfandel & How Much Does It Cost?
Turley Zins aren’t cheap—but they’re worth every penny. Prices vary depending on the vineyard and vintage, but you can expect to pay:
- Turley Old Vines Zinfandel – ~$40-$50 (great intro to Turley wines)
- Turley Juvenile Zinfandel – ~$30 (made from younger vines but still delicious)
- Single Vineyard Zinfandels (e.g., Ueberroth, Pesenti, Hayne, etc.) – ~$50-$90
- Rare, Allocated Bottles – $100+ for special releases
Turley wines can be hard to find, as they sell out quickly. You can sometimes snag a bottle at high-end wine shops or online retailers like:
đź“Ť K&L Wines
đź“Ť Wine.com
📍 Total Wine (if you’re lucky!)
But the best way to get your hands on Turley? Join their wine club.
Turley’s Wine Club: A Must for Zin Lovers
Turley has one of the best wine clubs out there, offering exclusive access to their rarest wines. Membership gets you:
âś” Priority access to limited single-vineyard Zins
âś” Special pricing & discounts
âś” Invites to private tastings & winery events
âś” First dibs on library vintages
If you’re a Zinfandel lover, this is a no-brainer. You can learn more and sign up on their official website:
đź”— https://www.turleywinecellars.com
Final Thoughts: The Best Winter Red? Turley Zinfandel.
With Dry January behind us, it’s time to indulge in a big, warming red. And for me, that means Turley Zinfandel. Whether paired with a rich meal or enjoyed solo, it’s a wine worth splurging on.
So, if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Turley Zin, now’s the time. Get your hands on a bottle, pour a generous glass, and savor every sip. 🍷
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