I love reading wine labels, particularly when winemakers take the time, and make the investment to tell you a little about their wine.  Gnarly Head, takes the time.  And if you’ve read my post on Gnarly Head 2009 Chardonnay, you know how I feel about the Gnarly Head Brand.  I’m a fan.  I’m also a fan of Old Vine Zin’s from Lodi.

Wow, just like that, a lead-off triple……but hold on a second.  What’s with the love fest?  I haven’t even tasted the wine.  Ok, quick side note – the day I received this wine, my wife literally comes home from the grocery with 2 bottles of Gnarly Head 2008 Old Vine Zin.  I smell bias, don’t you?  Well before you start thinking it, let me assure you that when it comes to reviewing wines, it’s what’s in the bottle that counts.  So let’s see what is underneath the label, shall we?

This Zin has a really nice, rich nose indicative of Old Vine Zin.  It’s complex, starting off with cherry jam and vanilla, revealing darker berry fruit, white pepper and mild coffee with hints of anise as the wine opens up.  Label accuracy – check.  On the palate, the wine offers a good balance of dark cherry fruit, toasted vanilla oak and acidity, with a good backbone of tannins leading to a long, if only slightly astringent finish.   I am, however, having a difficult time discerning any influence from French oak as the label suggests.  The wine lacks some lushness in fruit, and intensity, but honestly, it’s hard to expect that at this price range.

Overall, Gnarly Head has produced a really good value here with this Old Vine Zin.  Which makes me wonder – could my wife actually be spending our money wisely.  That, my friends, would be a home run.

A  Salute!

Wine: Gnarly Head
Variety: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 87
Price: $10.00

Find Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.

About David Germano

David has been a wine reviewer with Cheap Wine Ratings since December 2010.