Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 (California)

A bit late on the review for this wine but I keep an extensive journal of wine notes so I can refer back. My significant other actually purchased this wine for me Halloween 2010 (what a great gift, better than candy)

Another Old Vine Zin, you know I am a fan of the Old Vine Zin weather it be the stories of the 100 plus year old vines also know as Ancient Vines or simply the complexity that seems to spring from Old Vine wines, whatever it may be I enjoy them, every last drop!

The 2008 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from 35 to 80 year old vines as most old Vine Zins, hence the name Gnarly Head and the picture depicting gnarled vines, that is what they look like after years of producing.

It's an inexpensive medium bodied wine that exudes jammy and fresh aromas of black cherry, raspberry and chocolate. The first elements on the palate are sweet blackberry wrapped in oak.  Components of a charcoal broil come through in the background which complement the balanced mouth feel and smooth, juicy finish. Overall, a big, bold, old zin experience. 

Old Vines tend to have fewer clusters of grapes with smaller berry size, yielding more intense sugars, color and concentration of flavors, producing wines that are generally better balanced with more body and structure. I would say that holds true for this wine.