“In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles,” David Ben-Gurion
The Michael David Winery came to my attention a couple of years ago when I spotted a fetching display of its Zinfandel, Seven Deadly Zins, from which I quickly averted my eyes.
The winery has had an interesting history leading up to Michael and David Phillips’ tutelage. Beginning with great grandfather Andrew Hershner, the family farmed its 160 acre plot near Lodi, California since after the Civil War in the 1860s. During Prohibition, 15 different grape varietals were frequently shipped through the country to slake wine-thirsty mouths. Each shipment included wry instructions on “How to not have the grapes turn into wine.” It must have worked mightily because the Phillips’ operation has morphed into a vibrant winery under the stewardship of the two brothers, who now make seven labels of very potable wine.
I have previously tried and enjoyed their Chardonnay, and today am tinkering with both the 7 Deadly Zins (sourced from seven old vine Zinfandel plots near Lodi) and their 6th Sense Syrah, planted in 1982 and made by Michael’s son, Kevin, who marks six generations of winemaking in the Phillips family. Here are my tasting notes.
1) 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel, 2009, Lodi, California, $16 ($15.99 at Sendik’’s in Mequon and $11.99 at Piggly Wiggly in Mequon). Clear, brilliant ruby tone with medium body. The nose was practically pregnant with wildly enthusiastic, dancing notes of currants, black cherry and plum. In the mouth, it was intriguingly fascinating with more cherry, trailing off into a long, easy finish. Fun with Thanksgiving turkey. A-
2) Michael David 6th Sense Syrah, 2009, Lodi, California, $16. Profoundly, pointedly purple with clingingly heavy body. Rich, deep and thoroughly satisfying nose with marvelous depth and emphatic suggestions of plum. On the palate, it was richly complex and deep. Lingering finish. Take notice, France! A+
Even though Michael David’s Zinfandel is a dandy annual performer, I gave today’s nod to the Syrah.
Cheers to you, Michael David – and keep it up, Kevin!
Today’s Tempting Trivia Tidbit
The world’s oldest wine bottle was discovered in 1867 near the town of Speyer, Germany, during the excavation of a vineyard. What an ancient party was had by all.
