Turnbull Cellars

With neighbors such as Robert Mondavi, Nickel & Nickel, and Cakebread you would think that Turnbull Wine Cellars would have a bigger following that it does. Although it is lesser known than the previously mentioned wineries, the quality of their production is just as good if not better in our opinion.  With 40 years of history in Napa Valley Turnbull Wine Cellars is a top tier production. The winery sits off of CA 29 one property north of Nickel & Nickel about 13 miles north of Downtown Napa. A gorgeously landscaped entrance leads you passed their gate and into the parking area. A walk around tasting room and wine shop leads you to their outdoor seating area which is where our tasting took place.

Although the outdoor tasting was amazing and we loved every minute of it, it can get a little hot as there is no permanent cover and only umbrellas which help some but dress accordingly and bring a fan or something to cool yourself off. Our two hosts were very knowledgeable and a big help while on property. Our first host actually had to leave as she was going to take her Advanced Sommelier Test that afternoon.

Our tasting included four wines, the Josephine Sauvignon Blanc, the Fortuna Vineyard Merlot, the Fortuna Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Bonne Vivante Blend. As an added bonus we were giving a taste of the 2016 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon and WOW was it good. The level of intensity on this wine was off the charts, it was to the point you couldn’t even put your nose over the glass without chocking on all the fruit and spice coming from the glass (this is a great thing). Plum preserves, blackberry, cassis, juniper berry, black currant, exotic spice, cedar box cocoa, pencil shavings and mocha all throughout this wine. A strong tannin structure that are exceptionally soft and smooth, strong acidity to balance out the tannin and fruit, a strong finish and no evidence of overwhelming heat to suggest out of balance alcohol.