Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is a bold, fruit-forward Lodi Zinfandel bottled at 14.5% ABV in 750ml, sourced from head-trained vines ranging from 35 to 80 years old. The 2017 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, affirming its standing as one of the most reliable old-vine Zinfandels at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  Old Vine Zinfandel  |  Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Produced by Delicato Family Vineyards, a multi-generational California wine family rooted in the state's winemaking history, this Zinfandel draws from old vines in Lodi — a region whose warm days and cool Delta breezes make it arguably the premier American appellation for the varietal. The vines are pruned in a traditional freestanding method known as "head training," which produces smaller, more concentrated grape clusters with intense dark-berry character. Grapes are harvested in the cool early-morning hours, allowing them to begin fermentation at lower temperatures for a gentler, more controlled extraction. The wine is aged in a combination of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels, contributing layers of toast, vanilla, and spice to the final blend.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Blackberry bramble and ripe plum dominate the nose, followed by toasted oak and a thread of warm baking spice. There is a dense, jammy quality that signals the concentration of fruit from these decades-old vines.

Taste: The entry is lush with dark berry fruit — blackberry and plum — that coats the palate with a rich, almost syrupy weight. Mid-palate, layers of mocha, vanilla, and cracked pepper emerge, balanced by oak-driven structure from the triple-origin barrel program. The fruit stays ripe and forward but never loses its grip, anchored by moderate tannins and a savory undercurrent.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering notes of chocolate, black pepper, and spice that slowly fade into a warm, slightly smoky close. The oak influence persists as a toasty backdrop without overwhelming the fruit.

How to Drink Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin

This Zinfandel drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — which keeps the fruit bright and prevents the alcohol from feeling heavy. It also works as a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink component.

• Zinfandel Sangria: The dense berry and spice profile holds up against citrus and brandy in a red sangria without thinning out.
• Kalimotxo: The wine's jammy sweetness and bold tannins balance the bitterness of cola in this classic Basque combination.
• Mulled Wine: Plum, chocolate, and pepper notes integrate naturally with cinnamon, clove, and star anise in a warm winter serve.

Best For

• Weeknight grilling — pairs naturally with burgers, ribs, and charred sausages
• Introducing new wine drinkers to old-vine Zinfandel at an approachable price point
• Hosting casual dinner parties where a crowd-pleasing, full-bodied red is needed
• Building a side-by-side tasting of Lodi Zinfandels to explore the appellation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin taste like? It delivers rich, jammy blackberry and plum fruit layered with mocha, vanilla, cracked pepper, and toasted oak. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and lush, with a spiced chocolate finish.

How does Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin compare to Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel? Both are Lodi old-vine Zinfandels at a similar price point; Gnarly Head tends to lean riper and more fruit-forward with prominent oak spice, while Bogle typically shows a slightly more restrained, earthy profile. The 2017 Gnarly Head earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, giving it a slight edge in documented critical recognition at this tier.

Is Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin good for beginners? Yes — its ripe, fruit-driven character and approachable sweetness make it an accessible entry point into old-vine Zinfandel without the tannic intensity that can challenge newer red wine drinkers.

Where is Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin made? It is produced by Delicato Family Vineyards from grapes grown in Lodi, California, a warm inland region in the northern San Joaquin Valley known for its heritage Zinfandel plantings.

What foods pair well with Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin? Smoked baby back ribs match the wine's smoky oak and pepper notes. Grilled tri-tip steak complements its bold tannin structure. Wood-fired pizza with sausage and roasted peppers echoes its spice and fruit. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the wine's intensity. Dark chocolate brownies amplify the mocha and cocoa finish.

What sizes does Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin worth the price? It positions squarely as a value-tier old-vine Zinfandel, delivering concentration and complexity — including fruit from vines up to 80 years old and triple-origin oak aging — that punch well above its price class. The 90-point Wine Enthusiast score reinforces its reputation as one of the stronger values in the Lodi Zinfandel category.

Why Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of affordable California Zinfandels is legitimate old-vine sourcing — these are not marketing-driven "old vine" claims but grapes from head-trained vines that have been in the ground for up to eight decades. That age produces naturally low-yielding vines with small, intensely flavored clusters, and the early-morning harvest protocol preserves that fruit integrity from vineyard to fermenter. The triple-oak aging in French, American, and Hungarian barrels adds a layered complexity uncommon at this price tier. For drinkers seeking a bold, generous Zinfandel rooted in genuine Lodi terroir without a premium price tag, few bottles deliver this consistently.