TN : 2005 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin, Lodi, California

This wine is made from 35 to 80-year old head-pruned vines. American, French and Hungarian oak are used in the making of this wine. This wine is hand-harvested. At the winery they are gently pressed immediately after harvesting. After 7-9 days fermentation, the wine was racked to concentrate the abundant fruit flavors and to add complexity. The "make-up" is 77% Zinfandel and 23% Petite Sirah. Residual sugar is 0.04g per 100mL. Total acid is 0.61g per 100mL. pH is 3.64.

Lodi is the "zin-famous" appellation due to its ideal climate – long, warm summer days and cooling night-time breezes – and its soil – rich, well-draining loam. These two factors provide a combination that is perfectly suited for growing Zinfandel. Our grapes are hand-selected from some of the oldest and most respected vineyards in Lodi. Older vines produce fewer grape clusters, but the small berries yield intense, concentrated fruit flavors characteristic of great Old Vine Zinfandel.

Aroma : dark berries, raisins

Taste : Smooth tannins, warmth of alcohol, raisins, blackberries, slight spice

Colour : Dark black cherry

Alcohol : 14.5%

Mark : B-

Website : http://www.gnarlyhead.com/