Region: Lodi, California

Varietal: 100% Cinsault

Producer: Turley Wine Cellars is renowned for championing California’s old-vine heritage vineyards, and their Cinsault bottling is among the most historically significant. The fruit comes from the Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi, planted in 1886 and recognized as the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world. For decades the grapes were largely ignored, sold anonymously into bulk wine, until producers like Turley brought its remarkable pedigree to light. Today, Bechthold is celebrated as a living piece of California’s viticultural history, offering a rare glimpse into the state’s deep-rooted traditions.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The vineyard is dry-farmed and rooted in Lodi’s sandy soils, which naturally limit yields and allow the ancient vines to thrive with remarkable balance. Turley employs a light hand in the cellar, fermenting with native yeasts and aging the wine in neutral vessels to highlight the purity of the fruit. The goal is transparency—letting the vineyard’s history and terroir shine without heavy extraction or oak influence. The result is a bottling that feels both timeless and utterly fresh, bridging California’s heritage with modern sensibilities.

Tasting Notes: The 2024 vintage is bright and ethereal, with translucent ruby color and perfumed aromas of rose petal, strawberry, and white pepper. The palate is delicate yet full of character, offering red berry fruit layered with savory notes of dried herbs and subtle spice. Lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins give the wine an elegant, almost weightless texture, finishing with grace and energy. Beautifully drinkable now, it will gain further nuance with a few years of cellaring.