TN: 2002 Turley Petite Sirah Estate (USA, California, Napa Valley)

WINE TALK
1

Fortunately, it has FINALLY started to cool down here in the OC, so last night I decided to go back to a heavy red and eschew the Eel River organic porter and acai-berry wheat beers I had been drinking this week (BTW, these are very nice beers). While the cold beers were great the past 10 days or so, I was ready for a red. Very surprised at this wine’s showing.

  • 2002 Turley Petite Sirah Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/5/2009)
    I bought this off Wine Bid about 3 months ago and on a whim, pulled it tonight to have with home made pizza. Honestly, this is more syrah like than petite and while I was expecting a larger framed wine, with dark color and weight, this is not here. Yes, charcoal and dark fruit but also measured against some olive, crunchy fruit, blackberry and a bit of tartness on the finish. Did I like it? I did, but I was very surprised at the lighter weight and syrah-like expression of this wine.
2

Interesting, Frank. Sounds like a Turley PS to drink now rather than later?

3

Yes. The tannin is fine and the wine drinks just fine now, too.

4

Timely note as I’ve got an '03 Turley Petite Sirah (Hayne Vineyard?) to drink at some point. Seems like now & over the next 3 years for this one.

5

Phil, there’s a big difference between the Hayne and the Estate. The Hayne is generally much more massive and backward.

6

I would have to agree with Ken, too–the Hayne bottlings should generally sit but this 2002 Estate bottling is ready to drink.

I have begun adding various vintages of Turley Hayne to my cellar this year and am letting those rest. I picked up a 1993 Turley Hayne on Wine Bid about a month back, which was the very first release. I am really looking forward to that bottle shipping in the fall and getting here so we can open it.

7

got a name on the acai beer? thanks frank!

8

Ahhhhhhh, thanks. I just checked the bottle in one of the wine fridges & it is indeed a single of the '03 Hayne PS (I wasn’t 100% sure). I’ll leave it where it is in that case.

9

That’s a fantastic bottle of wine – amazing color. I had one about 2 years ago. Although it could use a little time, after decanting and drinking slowly, one can see where it’s headed.
Big wine… it was like chewing on blackberries; I kept wanting to pull the seeds out of my teeth!

10

Oh, for sure. It is the Eel River Acai-Wheat. here is the link, Fu:

http://www.eelriverbrewing.com/acai-berry-wheat.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The berry flavor is subtle but you can sense it. A very nice beer. The Porter is also good. Bev Mo for $9.29 for six, $9.99 at Whole Foods.