The 2008 Gnaughty Vines Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley has a pleasant color; perhaps a bit lighter than expected. Straight from the bottle, the wine is really covered up by a forest of new American oak. After a while, though, the oak starts to fade a bit, revealing plenty of cherry and raspberry fruit and a good bit of spicy black pepper. Medium-full bodied with nice tannins and plenty of acid to provide balance. it isn't shy about the 15.0% alcohol, but there's plenty of fruit in there to keep it in check. Delicious with smoked pork tostadas.
For $15, I'd call this a pretty decent value. The flavor profile, while a bit lighter, is somewhat comparable to the venerable Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel. But I would prefer to invest a few more dollars in a bottle of Plungerhead's super peppery Dry Creek Valley Zin.
Bill, is this wine Naughty or Gnarly? ;-)
ReplyDeleteDoesn't seem like it's either; maybe it's just Skimpish! I haven't tasted this, and I've not seen it either, but there is a place for a lighter Zinfandel, and $15 is reasonable.
I suspect this is from the same people who make the Gnarly Head Zinfandel, but I can't say for sure since the server is down (at least it was last night and this a.m.) at www.gnaughtyvines.com
DeleteOverall, I liked this pretty well; especially once it got some air and the American oak was reigned in a bit. Like you said, there is a place for Lighter Zin. After all, we can't drink Dunning every night!