Michael David Winery

These two wines come from Michael David Winery based in Lodi, California. The property has been producing grapes since the late 1800s, and they currently offer a broad range of wines priced from $9 to $60. I enjoyed their Petite Petit, and they even offer a Tannat that looks interesting. But before we get to the wines, let's take a look at the packaging.

Both bottles hold 750 mL of wine, but they look quite different. The one on the right is wider and taller, but has an insanely deep punt (the hollow depression on the bottom of the bottle). The one on the left is fairly standard, just enough room to get a grip if you like that pouring method (3.5cm deep). The one on the right will swallow most of your thumb (5.5cm deep, and wider). The one on the right is also substantially heavier due to thicker glass. As always, what's inside the bottle is the most important thing, but based on how the human brain works and estimates volume, it would be easy to think that the one on the right delivered a full litre of wine.

2008 7 Deadly Zins
Old Vines from Lodi
$16, 15% abv.
Predominantly Zinfandel, with traces of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. Big blueberry and raspberry aromas, lots of fruit, low tannins. Based on the price and the approachable, fruit-forward profile, this makes for a pretty great pizza and burger wine. You'll want to let it breathe for a bit to smooth out, but it holds up pretty well to well-seasoned, hearty fare.

There are separate bottles named Lust, Sloth, and Gluttony (the "fun" ones), and I don't imagine Greed or Envy sound as good. Pride seems like a natural choice, and Wrath practically writes itself. Angrily.

2007 Rapture
Lodi
$60, 14.5% abv.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah

Representing the upper end of the product line, this curious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah has a lot of great things going on. Coffee, cassis, and cedar on the nose, medium tannins. On the palate there are balanced fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, with a lovely, balanced structure. Steak or lamb chops would be great here, although I had it with a section of roast pork loin and apples.


Note: These wines were received as samples.