GNARLY INSPIRATION When the search for great Zinfandel led us to Lodi, we saw vineyards that are among the oldest in California – several that are over 80 years old! The vines planted in these older vineyards are free standing “head trained” vines that resemble wild bushes with twisted old trunks and branches that spread out in all directions like unruly umbrellas – truly gnarly heads. These gnarled, head trained vines provided the inspiration for Gnarly Head…they look gnarly and the wines they create are powerful, concentrated, and in other words, gnarly. But Zinfandel is not the only California grape that can be gnarly. All Gnarly Head wines are crafted with California’s spirit of adventure – each sip plunges the palate into bold fruit flavors. WINE WINEMAKING Gnarly H ead 2013 Petite Sirah grabs Grapes for the Gnarly Head Petite Sirah your attention w ith jammy fruit that were hand harvested in the cool of the lasts from beginning to end. It starts night to retain every ounce of flavor with aromas of plum and cocoa and before being taken immediately to the continues in the m outh w ith flavors that winery where they were de-­‐stemmed into expand into blueberry and vanilla. This small lot fermenters. After a brief cold full b odied w ine h as tannins that h it just soak, the must was slowly warmed, which perfectly at the m id-­‐palate and are enhanced color and flavor extraction. The balanced w ith good acidity leading to a wine’s fermentation regime is designed to nice clean finish. This big w ine is highlight Petite Sirah at its best-­‐big color, anything but “petite”. bold blueberry fruit flavor and assertive tannic structure. Once fermentation was VINTAGE complete, the wine was aged on French The 2013 vintage produced a record-­‐
oak to soften and integrate the tannins. breaking crop of exceptional quality in We added a touch of Zinfandel for a bit of California. Healthy winter rains followed pepper and spice. Just prior to bottling the by a warm, dry spring and a warm summer wine was transferred to tank with minimal allowed for longer hang time on the vines, filtration to ensure the maximum helping the fruit gradually reach full expression of the wine’s bright fruit maturity. Few significant heat spikes and flavors and aromas. virtually no high winds throughout the growing season produced fruit that showcases optimal balance of acidity and sugar, vibrant colors, structured tannins and excellent flavor development. With no significant weather disruptions, the 2013 vintage resulted in mature fruit with bright flavors and an overall outstanding quality. TECHNICAL DATA APPELLATION: California ALCOHOL: 14.5% by volume RS: 0.51g/100ml TOTAL ACID: 0.59g/100ml OAK: Mix of 0-­‐6 months in new French oak