Gnarly Head

California Merlot

8.778 ratings
7.61 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
Theresa Odello

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
Sam Waters

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

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
Jenna E

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
Jami Parkison

For the price, good, full bodied table wine

For the price, good, full bodied table wine

1 person found it helpfulJan 17th, 2015
Amanda C

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
Austin Beeman

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

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

Nov 4th, 2014
ML
7.5

Not overwhelming in the least

Not overwhelming in the least

Dec 25th, 2015
Tyrell Bourquin

Smokey and smooth, a fantastic Merlot for a cheap price! Really enjoy this one!

Smokey and smooth, a fantastic Merlot for a cheap price! Really enjoy this one!

Dec 22nd, 2015
Henry Cullen

My thanksgiving wine this year, plenty of fruit plus a lovely spice/herb layer to pair with Fall food.

My thanksgiving wine this year, plenty of fruit plus a lovely spice/herb layer to pair with Fall food.

Nov 9th, 2015