1. 2011, Gnarly Head, Old Vines Zinfandel (14.5%)
This red variety, also known as Primitivo covers over 10% of Californian vineyards since arriving
between 1840 and 1860. Its origin is quite vague but it was probably the Italians. Zinfandel’s
naturally high sugar content can be fermented into levels of alcohol that could be over 15%. Of
course the wine generally has a fairly robust style, take it easy with this if you are inclined to use a
straw. Some producers also make a semi-sweet rosé called Zinfandel blush, which has sales of six
times that of the red. DNA “fingerprints” show that Crljenak Kastelanski, Tribidrag (both from
Croatia) and Primitivoare prettymuchthe same grape. Gnarly Head2011 Old Vine Zinfandelismade
from gnarled 35-80 year-old head trained vines. Fruit from these unruly branches is intense and
powerful, and as some of the oldest in California, these brash old vines produce exceptional, full
flavouredgrapes.Thisintrepidoldvine Zinfandel has a gnarly core of rich, dark raspberry and black
cherry flavours with layers of spice & chocolate balanced by complex American and French oak
toast. The 2011 growing season was cool and wet but in the end, provided the framework for
flavourful,elegantwines.Thisis the fourth year in a row Lodi experienced very mild weather, with
onlya fewdaysbreaking 35c. Growing conditions were generally cooler than historical averages. A
wet winter and spring delayed bloom, contributing to an exceptionally long, cool growing season
and smalleryields.In October, a warm spell provided just enough heat to push the grapes along to
near perfect sugar levels. The resulting fruit was packed with brilliant, concentrate flavour and
colour. Lodi is the bestknown for being the centre of wine production in California, in other words
the Zinfandel Capital of the world.The regionsvintageshave beenless prestigious than those of the
Sonoma and Napa counties. However in recent years the Lodi Appellation as become increasingly
regardedforitsZinfandel andotherrichvarieties. Its recognition came from the song “Lodi” by The
Creedence ClearwaterRevival, writtenbyJohnFogarty in March of 1969, whichI barely remember…