Michael David Winery, Earthquake Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California

Tasting Note: This purple-colored zinfandel has a nose of jammy black fruit that will cause you to wonder if fruit could get more ripe than this.

On the nose there is ripe plum, violet, and raspberry with some minor smoky strawberry notes.

On the palate the full-bodied red doesn’t feel as heavy as its near 16% alcohol level would suggest.

On the attack there are notes of tartness that eventually give way to some cedar and tertiary, barrel-aging characteristics that show on the mid to back palate.

An intense, concentrated zinfandel with subtle notes that belie its ripe fruit disposition.

This red blend was aged for 12 months in American oak.

Bottle Note: Old Lodi vines, yielding supreme. Like ancient volcanoes releasing their steam. Danger is present, felt but unseen. Vines of such power, such high self-esteem. Intentionally hostile, purposefully bold. Nice not an option when truth must be told. Energy captured, awaiting release. Zinfandel vines, the great seismic beasts. Installing such fear, a risk few will take. Nothing prepares you for the zinfandel quake. – Kevin Philips