Turnbull Wine Cellars Revisited

Turnbull Wine Cellars makes good wines, including some that are very reasonably priced. We had visited Turnbull Winery 5/21/10 See: Turnbull Wine Cellars We decided to make a return visit because my friend had never been there. In my last review, I applauded Turnbull for making a Tempranillo wine because it so seldom found at Napa Valley wineries.  It appears that they no longer offer this.  I also commented they had some very reasonably priced wines and noted how friendly the service was. Turnbull still has some very reasonably priced wines, starting as little as $18 for their Sauvignon Blanc and $19 for their Old Bull.  Service was friendlier the first time we visited.

 

Our tasting began with the Turnbull 2010 Viogner that retails for $30.  It had a lovely lemon nose, quite distinct, with lemon and vanilla on the palate and a hint of butter, nicely balanced.  My friend bought a bottle.  This was followed by the Turnbull 2007 Fortuna Merlot at $55 with a nice nose and some cassis, cherry and oak on the palate.  The Turnbull 2007 Cabernet Franc at $55 followed.  I got some vanilla on the nose, with soft tannins and some blackberry on the palate. My favorite wine of those sampled was the Turnbull 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon at $40 which is 80% Cab, 5% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and, just to distinguish it from any Bordeaux blend, 5% Syrah.  Nice nose, well balanced, with cherry on the palate.  Fairly big, but very drinkable now.  The last of the five tastings was the Turnbull 2008 Petite Sirah which retails for $40.  This is a decent PS, with nice spice, good fruit and a decent finish. 

The Estate Tasting Menu was $10 a person for five samples.  The $10 tasting fee is applied toward a purchase of $50 or more. There is also a reserve tasting, and I suspect the reserve wines are very good. Turnbull is in the Napa Neighbor Program.

Turnbull Wine Cellars
8210 Saint Helena Highway

Oakville, CA 94562
(800) 887-6285
Date of return visit: January 4, 2012