Gnarly Head Chardonnay and Ravenswood Zinfandel

This weekends tastings were on two wines that I have not previously reviewed nor tasted.

Gnarly Head 2009 Merlot ($10.50) is from California.  The aroma was blackberry.  The flavor was spice and any fruit flavor (see Winemaker's Notes below) was overpowered.  I was not impressed with this wine, but it was the customers favorite and sold well.   

Winemaker's Notes: "Gnarly Head Merlot is boldly fruit-driven, with concentrated black stone fruit flavor. Our winemakers carefully select grapes from California’s finest growing regions, choosing only the best fruit. Gnarly Head Merlot rallies to heighten the boldness of this often quiet, soft-spoken wine. Its dark fruit and balanced tannins score big on your palate.  

Our Merlot has lush, velvety tannins and rich fruit, with aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry, and blackberry with ripe plum, sweet herbs and a hint of spice. Don’t be shy, Gnarly Merlot is bold enough to pair with hearty dishes, try with piping hot pizza, pork loin, porterhouse steak and roasted vegetables."

Ravenswood 2008 Vintner's Blend Zinfandel ($10) is also from California.  In 2007 this was a blend.  For 2008 I was not able to find Winemaker's information.  In the plastic tasting cup I was not able to detect an aroma.  The flavor was spice, and this wine was nicely balanced.  Because of the thin mouthfeel, I was not a fan of this wine. I found the 2007 vintage to be the same flavor and mouthfeel.  I much prefer a bolder, fuller bodied Zinfandel. (At least I can say Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel is consistent.) Customers were not enthused with this wine.  Their comments were also the thin mouthfeel and their preference for a bolder, fuller bodied Zin.

Winemaker's Notes: (Not available)