$17.99 at Crush Wine & Spirits in Bryant, Arkansas (AR)
91 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Blend: Syrah with a touch of Petite Sirah
Aged 12 months in used French oak
Aromas of blackberry, leather, cocoa and smoke. Full bodied with smooth tannins that are balanced by noticeable acids.
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. 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.
