2022 Turley Wine Cellars Judge Bell Vineyard Zinfandel, Amador County, USA

Press
Rated 96 Points Robert Parker

From a site planted in 1907 at 1,500 feet in elevation on volcanic, granite and quartz soils, the 2022 Zinfandel Judge Bell shows off a tensile, burly and tannic side of Zinfandel that is completely singular. Medium ruby in the glass, the nose leads with sultry bergamot and wild blackberry jam, further opening to dried strawberries, raspberry and cooling botanical complexity. The palate is dark-fruited and concentrated but immensely structured and tannic, with fantastic width, length and vibrancy to the finish. This is fantastically expressive even in this early stage and should perform admirably in the cellar for at least 15 years.

California can be a logistically challenging region to cover, as many brands produce wines from appellations throughout the state. For Turley’s extensive portfolio, Sonoma County and Central Coast reviewers Erin Brooks and Matthew Luczy collaborated on scores and text to create this special co-report on the 2022 vintage. The pair tasted this prolific lineup of Zinfandels, Petite Sirahs and Cabernet Sauvignons with winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, proprietor Larry Turley and his daughter Christina Turley at the St. Helena winery.