Gnarly Head Story
Our Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel makes a bold statement from the first sip. When the search for a great Zinfandel led us to Lodi, we ended up visiting vineyards that have some of the oldest vines in California. These vineyards, some with + 80 year old vines, also make a bold impression on first sight - "wow, those vines sure have some gnarly heads!" Unlike modern rows of trellised vines, these old Zinfandel vines were grown as free standing "head trained" vines. Today they resemble wild bushes with twisted old trunks and branches that spread out in all directions sprouting leaves like unruly umbrellas - truly gnarly heads. The grapes from these brash old vines create Zinfandel with rich, concentrated fruit flavor that is easy to drink and pair.
2004 Old Vine Zinfandel
Wine
The 2004 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from grapes from 35 to 80 year old vines. Intense, jammy blackberry character from the small grape clusters is balanced with supple tannins from French, American and Hungarian Oak. Hints of licorice, plum, pepper and vanilla offer intriguing layers of flavor that linger. This wine pairs well with barbecue, pizza, hearty pastas, chili, ribs and dark chocolate.
Vintage
The 2004 vintage will be remembered for its early harvest, which yielded grapes with a natural balance of fruit flavors and acid. The growing season began with an early March bud break due to warmer temperatures earlier in the season - great for Zinfandel. Moderate temperatures during most of the growing season and a heat "spike" at the end of the season allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturity and to develop complex and concentrated flavors. The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested in September 2004.
Appellation: Lodi, California
Alcohol: 14.5% by volume
Residual Sugar: 0.04g/100ml
Total Acid: 0.68g/100ml
Final pH: 3.75
2005 Old Vine Zinfandel
Wine
The 2005 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from grapes from 35 to 80 year old vines. Bountiful, rich, dark berry flavors from the small grape clusters are balanced with soft tannins from French, American and Hungarian oak. Luscious layers of plum, pepper and chocolate titillate the palate on a spicy, lingering finish. This wine pairs well with barbecue, pizza, hearty pastas, chili, ribs and dark chocolate.
Vintage
The 2005 vintage will be remembered for its late and long harvest, which yielded grapes with a natural balance of intense fruit flavors, supple tannins and acid. The growing season began with a rainy spring followed by a long heat wave in June. Moderate temperatures during the rest of the growing season allowed the grapes to mature evenly and slowly and to develop complex and concentrated flavors. The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested in October 2005.
Appellation: Lodi, California
Alcohol: 14.5% by volume
Residual Sugar: 0.04g/100ml
Total Acid: 0.61g/100ml
Final pH: 3.64