A wine friend and influential shop owner in the Atlanta area recently commented that he felt that Turley Zins do not hold up with time, even with a moderate amount of aging (2-3 years). So, putting his beliefs to the test was a priority for me - after all, those who have read my previous blogs know of my propensity as a Zinfandel lover.

So, armed with a 2006, 2007 and 2008 Turley Dusi Vineyard, 7 wine lovers - all of us Zin drinkers - aimed
to answer the question. What happens to Turley's wines (in this case, of course is limited to the Dusi bottling) over a period of three years. Of course, being a wine and food aficionado, we prepared the following to accompany the 'test'...

- Cheese plate with 3 well
matched cheeses (aged Manchego, 5 year aged Cheddar, aged Pecorino Toscano).

- Pasta puttanesca

- Slow cooked lamb french
rack

- Slow cooked baby back ribs

First up - the 2006, Parker rated 90.  The wine presented a rich nose of plums and licorice. Very full bodied- the fruit fills the mouth. The only negative was the structure was somewhat weak - resulting in the wine tasting somewhat 'flabby'. Overall result: all felt that this wine has held up well, however I would not want to cellar this wine any longer - as the acidic structure did not appear to bode well for a wine that will hold up with further aging.

Next - 2007,  Parker rated 91, Tanzer rated 93.  Sharp and focused wine with the same fruit profile as the 06, however the acids are fresher and 'racy'. The puttanesca almost seems to dance on the edge of the fruit. The finish goes on and on...and on... This wine was my favorite of the three.

Final call - 2008, Parker rated 92. This wine is similar in flavor profile as the 06 and 07 however with a bit of a gamey touch as well. The wine appeared young and vibrant, however I found the acidity of the 07 to be a bit racier. This wine may be better for my palate in a year.

All in all we felt that the Turleys held up quite well. The 07 was in general the favorite - while one of the group preferred the 08. I would not want to cellar the 06 much longer as the structure already seems to be degrading. It would appear that the fruit will not retain its depth and robustness much longer, however was still enjoyable now. 

  Next up - Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2006-2008. We will enjoy this set of wines next and hopefully pair with Seghesio recipes.

Cheers for now.