Gnarly Head "Old Vine" Zinfandel 2008

If Napa is known for its Cabernet and Merlot and Sonoma for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Lodi is a destination for Zinfandel lovers and Gnarly Head is known for its reasonably priced excellent offerings. While a bit young this 2008 Old Vine Zin shows some real promise. The wine is luscious and dark hinting at what is in store. Fruit and spice are big on the nose with raspberry jam and spicy oak there andjust a hint of licorice. The wine is medium bodied but a touch tight and young giving a not unpleasant taste but one that telegraphs something better in another year or two. Well constructed, I look forward to sampling the second bottle I purchased in 2011. Recommendation, buy but hold for about another year. Pretty good now, will be excellent next year.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 23