Gnarly Head Authentic White Blend 2011

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Some wines are better with time on their side. The aging process softens the tannins and allows the wine to form secondary characteristics and flavors not found when it’s younger.

Others — like this California blend — are meant for enjoyment while the wine is relatively young. It’s fermented in cool conditions and not aged in oak because it’s supposed to taste fresh and fruity.

This is a mixture of riesling, moscato, sauvignon blanc and viognier sourced from Lodi and Monterey vineyards. The bouquet and flavors certainly reflect the variety of grapes, with orchard fruit and citrus influences throughout. This would be an excellent wine to serve with summer salads.

Sherry: “Citrus grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.” 3 stars

Chris: “A bouquet of pineapple and honeysuckle, with flavors of pineapple and apricot.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally from $8 to $11.

Coming next week: Las Rocas Red Blend