Michael David Petite Petit 2013: Inky black color; rich dark cherry, blueberry, blackberry, violets on the nose;
concentrated dense dark cherry, blueberry, black fruits, vanilla, cocoa, bacon, smoke on the palate; smooth sip with grippy tannin, good acidity, long finish. Substantial, bold, big—does Michael David make any other kind of red in Lodi?—yet Michael David again avoids creating an overpowering, monstrous, palate-punishing wine. Even people who don’t think they like big reds could find pleasure in this effort. That is no surprise; year after year, Michael David works magic in Lodi and competes to be among the world’s best value wine makers, especially with rich reds. This delicious blend of 85% petite sirah, 15% petit verdot (thus the label) over-delivers for the price. If I sound like a M-D sycophant, at least I am in good company; Robert Parker: “one of the best value wineries in the entire world”; Jon Thorsen, Reverse Wine Snob: “one of the wineries most responsible for putting Lodi on the map.” From the winery website: ‘Michael’ and ‘David’ are Michael and David Phillips, two brothers whose family has farmed in the Lodi region since the 1850s, cultivating wine grapes for nearly a century. Today Michael David Winery has extended itself to the sixth generation of grape growers in the family, with Kevin Phillips and Melissa Phillips Stroud now joining the family business. The family continues to emphasize the importance of quality wines with unique and eye catching labels. Farming with future generations in mind, Michael David Winery has adopted some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state. All 750 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified and the state’s first per ton bonus was issued for contracted growers to follow in the family’s footsteps. Starting with the 2011 vintage 100% the Lodi grown fruit crushed at Michael David winery was certified sustainable.” Superb story, superb wine. $17-18 