2012 Gnarly Head Merlot

Well, it's a casual Saturday and having gone to the supermarket I happened upon a few bottles of tonight's wine in the bargain bin, but we won't hold that against the wine!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of the 2012 Gnarly Head Merlot, a blend from California.

The wine is a dark indigo at the center, with some brighter garnet along the edges.  The nose exhibits merlot characteristics, with aromas of blackberries, leather, cherry cola and dried herbs.  The taste was rather subdued, despite the marketing pitch on the label, with some sweet, jammy fruit up front, blackberries and plum that transitions to some cherry notes midpalate.  The tannins are rather subdued making for a rather brief and lackluster finish.

Overall I would rate this wine a 7, it's nothing spectacular, but it was in the bargain bin for only $4!  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a seared swordfish steak, baked potato and lemon pepper grilled asparagus, thankfully my dinner has outshined the wine this evening.  Cheers!