Turley 'Evangelho Vineyard' Contra Costa Zinfandel 2023

In Short

Full-bodied Contra Costa Zinfandel with dark plum, black cherry, and white pepper, built for cellaring and comfort.

Quick Facts

• Region: Contra Costa County, California
• Vineyard: Evangelho Vineyard
• Variety: Zinfandel
• Style: Full-bodied red
• Best For: Casual dinners, grilled meats, cellaring

Why We Stock It

Turley's vineyard-designated Zinfandels are among the most consistent expressions of Contra Costa's old-vine character, and the Evangelho sits at a price point that makes aging it a genuine option rather than a luxury. This is the kind of wine that rewards patience without demanding it, and it drinks well now or in five years.

Tasting Profile

Ripe and structured, with the dark fruit weight and peppery grip that define Contra Costa Zinfandel at its best.

• Aroma: Dark plum, black cherry, white pepper, dried herb
• Palate: Concentrated dark berry, subtle jammy fruit, balanced acidity
• Structure & Finish: Velvety tannins, medium plus body, long finish with lingering spice and warmth

Winemaking

Turley's approach to Zinfandel emphasizes the fruit and the vineyard character over winemaking technique, typically using moderate new oak and allowing the wine's natural structure to shine through. The 2023 vintage follows the house style of ripe extraction balanced by acidity, built for both near-term enjoyment and mid-term cellaring.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit; no decanting needed, though an hour in the glass opens it up nicely. Pair it with grilled lamb chops or a simple burger as much as with a more elaborate braise of beef short ribs. The wine's weight and spice bridge casual and composed meals equally well.

The Estate

Turley is a grower and producer based in Napa Valley, known for sourcing old-vine Zinfandel across California's lesser-known regions. The winery works directly with vineyard partners, focusing on single-vineyard bottlings that express site character without heavy-handed intervention.

Terroir

Evangelho Vineyard sits in Contra Costa County, an inland region where older vines thrive in warm days and marine-influenced nights that preserve acidity. The soils are varied and well-draining, conditions that produce the ripe, peppery expression of Zinfandel characteristic of the county's best sites.