Turley Cederman Vineyard Zinfandel 2023

Turley Cederman Vineyard Zinfandel 2023 is a 750ml, 15.4% ABV Zinfandel from Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, produced by Turley Wine Cellars. Awarded 93 points by Vinous, this limited-production bottling draws from some of the highest-elevation plantings on Howell Mountain, with only 1,452 cases produced.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.4%  |  Origin: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Producer: Turley Wine Cellars  |  Cases Produced: 1,452

Production & Heritage

Turley Wine Cellars, founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and his sister Helen Turley, has become one of California's most respected producers of old-vine and single-vineyard Zinfandel. The Cederman Vineyard fruit comes from Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards planted at 2,250 to 2,600 feet elevation in volcanic soils on Howell Mountain — among the highest Zinfandel plantings in Napa Valley. The 2023 is predominantly Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Syrah, fermented with 100% native yeast, aged in 20% new oak (split 80% French and 20% American), and bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve the vineyard's full expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense wild cherry and lavender before building into darker layers of licorice, menthol, and mocha. Dried herbs and cedar undertones emerge as the wine breathes, signaling the volcanic soil influence.

Taste: The entry is dark and imposing, with serious concentration of ripe black raspberry and black fruit that fills the mid-palate. Broad, structured tannins frame the core, while zesty acidity lifts flavors of briar patch, savory pepper, and deep spice. The Petite Syrah component adds density and grip without overwhelming the Zinfandel's fruit-forward identity.

Finish: Long and smoky, with lingering cedar, cracked black pepper, and dried herb notes. The tannin structure holds firm through the close, suggesting strong aging potential over the next five to eight years.

How to Serve Cederman Zinfandel

Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes is recommended to allow the dense, high-elevation fruit to open fully; serve at 60–65°F to balance the wine's richness and 15.4% alcohol. A large-bowled red wine glass helps concentrate the aromatic layers of lavender, menthol, and mocha. Given the bold tannin structure and savory pepper character, this Zinfandel pairs naturally with grilled and smoked preparations — think dry-rubbed beef short ribs, wood-fired lamb chops, or barbecue with a peppercorn crust. For a more adventurous pairing, aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Pecorino Romano stand up well to the wine's intensity.

Best For

• Collectors seeking limited-production, single-vineyard Napa Zinfandel
• Gifting a serious red wine enthusiast who appreciates mountain-grown fruit
• Anchoring a Turley single-vineyard vertical tasting
• Pairing with a grilled steak dinner or hearty charcuterie spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cederman Zinfandel taste like? The 2023 Cederman delivers concentrated wild cherry, black raspberry, and lavender with savory pepper, mocha, and cedar undertones, supported by broad tannins and bright acidity. It is a powerful, densely structured Zinfandel that reflects its high-elevation Howell Mountain origin.

How does Cederman Zinfandel compare to Turley Juvenile Zinfandel? Turley Juvenile is a multi-vineyard blend designed as a more approachable, fruit-forward introduction to the Turley range, while Cederman is a single-vineyard bottling from extreme-elevation Howell Mountain with significantly more tannic structure and concentration. The Cederman's volcanic soil influence, higher alcohol, and limited 1,452-case production give it a darker, more intense profile than the Juvenile.

Is Cederman Zinfandel good for aging? Yes — the combination of broad tannins, firm acidity, and dense fruit concentration suggests a drinking window of five to eight years from vintage, though it is already expressive with decanting. Its unfined and unfiltered production preserves the structural elements that reward patience in the cellar.

Where is Cederman Zinfandel made? Turley Wine Cellars produces this wine from fruit grown on the Dragon and Rattlesnake Ridge vineyards on Howell Mountain, a rugged sub-appellation of Napa Valley known for volcanic soils and elevations reaching 2,600 feet. The winery itself is based in St. Helena, California.

What foods pair well with Cederman Zinfandel? Dry-rubbed beef short ribs complement the wine's smoky cedar finish; grilled lamb chops echo its savory pepper and herb notes; aged Manchego or Pecorino Romano match its tannic grip; wood-fired pizza with sausage and roasted peppers plays off the briar and spice character; and dark chocolate with sea salt bridges the mocha and fruit elements.

What sizes does Cederman Zinfandel come in? The Turley Cederman Vineyard Zinfandel 2023 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Cederman Zinfandel worth the price? Cederman positions as a premium single-vineyard expression within Turley's range, justified by its extreme high-elevation sourcing, limited 1,452-case production, native yeast fermentation, and consistent critical recognition including 93 points from Vinous for the 2023 vintage.

Why Cederman Zinfandel?

What separates the Cederman bottling from the broader Turley lineup — and from most California Zinfandels — is elevation. Sourced between 2,250 and 2,600 feet on Howell Mountain's volcanic slopes, this is mountain Zinfandel in the truest sense: concentrated, tannic, and unapologetically intense. The 93-point Vinous score for the 2023 vintage confirms the vineyard's ability to produce wines with serious gravitas vintage after vintage. With only 1,452 cases made, native yeast fermentation, and no fining or filtration, the Cederman stands as one of the more uncompromising expressions in Turley's already formidable single-vineyard portfolio.