After founding Frog’s Leap winery with business partner John Williams in 1981, then ER physician Larry Turley had taken a shining to the wines made from Zinfandel & Petite Syrah, growing particularly fond of those made from old vine vineyards. Eventually, he sold his half of Frog’s Leap to John and started Turley Wine Cellars in 1993. Because Larry has never met an old vine vineyard he didn’t like, Turley now makes 50 different wines from over 50 vineyards across California, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Often weak and decaying, these old vine vineyards require extra care and attention in order to restore them to their former glory.
Though the vast majority of Turley’s wines are single vineyard designates, Turley selects a few of their Zinfandel vines to pick early (at 19 brix) to make this vivid, dry rosé. The palate is high in acid, low in alcohol (11.6%), well-structured and thoroughly refreshing. Fermented in stainless steel, then aged only in used French barriques.
Delicate, pale pink rose petals, cherry blossom, peach fuzz and summer melon abound on the dynamic nose. Juicy mouth-watering acidity with an elegant, nimble texture, just the right amount of mouth-filling fruit on the palate, and a well-structured and thoroughly refreshing, citrus-tinged finish. Though akin to Provencal roses in the way it’s made, this wine is distinctly Californian.
