Gnarly Head, Lodi (California) 2014

 I’m very encouraged by this wine.  It sits in the price range where most domestic wines lack the one thing that could really improve them. What’s that one thing, you say?  Acidity.  Food friendly, mouth-watering, grape-produced acidity that gives wine its desirability factor.  This one shows it so well that it had me reaching for the tech sheet to confirm my impression.  It has some residual sugar, but it’s not a problem here.  Blackfruit, pie spice, a little chocolate and little oak toast are well integrated and keep you sipping.  Go for the bold cheese or fall grilling fare to pair.  A blend mostly of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.