Michael David Winery Earthquake Zinfandel 2022

Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Michael David Winery was named Wine Enthusiast’s American Winery of the Year for 2020, largely thanks to their commitment to sustainability and exceptional winemaking. The Phillips family have been farming fruit and vegetables in Lodi since the 1860s, but it was only in 1984 that brothers Michael and David made their first wines in a barn using a couple of barrels and an old press. Since then the winery has blossomed into an 800-acre estate which has its own strict set of sustainability regulations known as the “Lodi Rules”. Their Earthquake wines are designed to deliver a shockwave of flavour and plenty of power and concentration. The grapes for this puncy Zin actually come from an very old Lodi vineyard which was planted at the same time as San Francisco’s devastating 1906 earthquake. Michael Phillips thought it would only be fitting to name the wine after this historic event. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully vinified and the young wine ages in American and French oak barrels for 22 months. This extended ageing period adds rich spice and toasted oak notes to the luscious dark fruit, bringing yet more power and complexity to the classic old Zinfandel character. Robust and powerful, this is a wine to pair with hearty red meat and vegetarian dishes, or to cellar for a few more years if desired.

Price: £35.44 from 8wines UK