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The seven deadly sins of a Lodi, California, legend.
The wine-growing region of Lodi, California, is often the redheaded stepchild of the California wine world. Located about 70 miles northeast of the San Francisco Bay area, many of the grapes grown around Lodi are destined to be vinted into bulk wines. The area is better known for producing great zinfandel grapes, and lots of them, but many local growers of note are making headway into the premium wine market and working hard to change that perception. And nobody works harder than the Michael David Winery.
Named in 2010 as one of the Top 30 wine producers by Wine Business Monthly, Michael David has recently started a sustainably certified wine program that is just one example of the return-to-roots philosophy they've become known for. The Phillips family that gave birth to the Michael David Winery (named for brothers Michael and David) has farmed the region since the 1860s, and today the winery has shifted away from the popular bulk-wine production methods and returned to a more traditional, all-natural approaches to pest control, trellising, and leaf pulling. The resulting wines are splendid examples of how meticulous farming practices can result in superior quality.
Lodi-grown zinfandels have very soft tannins, resulting in wines that are soft and supple, and they typically don't have to age as much when compared with other California regions. Along with the high-quality zin and Rhone blends coming from Michael David, there are some interesting things going on with their chardonnay as well (read on for our recommendations).
But what you really want to try and snap up when you find it is the winery's Earthquake series. Michael David's reserve label is an absolute steal for the price point (under $30).
7 Deadly Zins
2008
A blend of zinfandel, petite sirah and petit verdot, 7 Deadly Zins is Michael David's most well-known label and the inspiration for several others in the series. This a big-bodied red that needs to breathe a bit before it really takes off, and it goes great with full-flavored summer fare like burgers or barbeque.
6th Sense Syrah
2009
Young and drinkable with a bouquet of roses, black cherry, and vanilla, 6th Sense Syrah has a surprising clarity and tartness for a syrah. A superb backbone and moderate alcohol content make this a welcome addition to the Michael David family.
7 Heavenly Chards
2010
A sister bottling to the 7 Deadly Zins, this is a lovely chardonnay with a creamy nose. On the palate it comes across as fruit forward with notes of lemon and a lovely oak finish. 7 Heavenly Chards is an interesting example of Lodi's soft tannins at their best in a white wine.
