Gnarly Head

California Merlot

8.6265 ratings

8.12 pro ratings

Sacramento Valley, Central Valley, California, USA

Merlot

Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic

Top Notes For

8.3

Paid $6, aroma is a bit stinky for a merlot, like rotting ivy. You get over it with the taste, though, so that's a bonus. It's a fine wine that I can drink alone, but wouldn't serve it. Cool label, though!!

Paid $6, aroma is a bit stinky for a merlot, like rotting ivy. You get over it with the taste, though, so that's a bonus. It's a fine wine that I can drink alone, but wouldn't serve it. Cool label, though!!

4 people found it helpfulNov 12th, 2014

8.8

Very acceptable, smooth. Good body. Held up well with refrigeration.

Very acceptable, smooth. Good body. Held up well with refrigeration.

3 people found it helpfulAug 19th, 2014

Fahren Fonacier

10

There's only one time I've been disappointed with this wine and I think it's because it wasn't the year 2012. Otherwise, this is honestly the best wine. Very smooth, full bodied wine. Especially for the price, you can't beat it.

There's only one time I've been disappointed with this wine and I think it's because it wasn't the year 2012. Otherwise, this is honestly the best wine. Very smooth, full bodied wine. Especially for the price, you can't beat it.

1 person found it helpfulMar 29th, 2015

Had a friend do a blind pour between this and a Pinot noir. Guessed correct! Woo!

Had a friend do a blind pour between this and a Pinot noir. Guessed correct! Woo!

1 person found it helpfulMar 12th, 2015

8.2

For the price, good, full bodied table wine

For the price, good, full bodied table wine

1 person found it helpfulJan 17th, 2015

9.0

Full bodied with intense oak and tannins. Bold flavors of cherry and blackberry.

Full bodied with intense oak and tannins. Bold flavors of cherry and blackberry.

1 person found it helpfulAug 31st, 2014

9.7

Excellent merlot

Excellent merlot

1 person found it helpfulApr 19th, 2014

8.7

Fruity merlot with a fairly smooth finish. I've enjoyed this before. Nice, with a bit of spice.

Fruity merlot with a fairly smooth finish. I've enjoyed this before. Nice, with a bit of spice.

1 person found it helpfulApr 26th, 2013

7.6

Blackberry and olives. Awkward acidity. $10. Maybe zin blend.

Blackberry and olives. Awkward acidity. $10. Maybe zin blend.

Nov 4th, 2014

10

I am surprised this wine tastes so good with inexpensive price.

I am surprised this wine tastes so good with inexpensive price.

Dec 8th, 2024