The Seven Deadly Zins, Zinfandel, Lodi, California 2016
$13.99 at Crush Wines & Spirits in Bryant, Arkansas (AR)
Zinfandel with a small percentage of Petite Sirah
Aromas of jammy fruit with aromas of leather, oak, and spice notes. On the palate the wine is full bodied with flavors of dark fruits, currants, and toffee. Spicy finish.
Seven Deadly was founded by brothers Michael and David Phillips, owners of the Michael David Winery who wanted to produce a wine with Zinfandel grown in the Lodi AVA. First released in 2002, the grapes have been source from seven certified sustainable old vine Zinfandel vineyards in the Lodi AVA. The winery also produces 7 Deadly Red, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
David started his first winery in 1984 and was joined by his brother Michael five years later.
This winery is named after Michael and David Phillips, brothers whose family has planted wine grapes for almost a century. They are the family’s fifth generation of growers. The roots of Michael David Winery go back to great-great grandfather Andrew Harshner and his wife, Lucille, who homesteaded 160 acres near Lodi, Calif., following the Civil War in the 1860s. Vegetable farming led to fruit farming which led to grape growing which led to wine making. They released their first commercial wine in 1984. After 35 years as a winery, they have more than 800 acres of vineyards in Lodi. All of them are certified for sustainable farming practices.
The winery produces more than 600,000 cases annually. Their flagship wine is 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel which sells more than 300,000 cases. Their Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon is having similar success.
Michael’s children, Kevin and Melissa, now run the day-to-day operations.
The Lodi appellation, located between San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada mountains, has a Mediterranean climate with warm and sunny days and cool nights. The Sacramento River Delta is nearby which brings chilly afternoon breezes. Lodi produces over 100 different grape varieties. There are seven sub-appellations: Cosumnes River, Alta Mesa, Deer Creek Hills, Borden Ranch, Jahant, Clements Hills, and Mokelumne River.
Adam Mettler is the Director of Wine Operations. He comes from a long line of grape growers as well. He is a 5th generation grower and was trained winemaker at an early age. He established Mettler Family Vineyards. He joined Michael David Winery in 2005. In 2018, Wine Enthusiast magazine named him Winemaker of the Year.
