Michael David Vineyards

Brothers bring acclaim to Lodi Zins

Like many Lodi vintners, brothers Michael and David Phillips are hardly newcomers to the wine business—or the land. For five generations, the family has farmed in this fertile Central Valley region, beginning with a simple homestead established just after the Civil War. And, as one of the few original grape-growing families—weathering Prohibition by selling table grapes with detailed instructions on how “not” to make the grapes into wine, the family has become a critically-acclaimed producer of Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah and Syrah.

The tasting room, on Highway 12 near downtown Lodi, is only partially about the wine. Look for the Phillips Farms fruit stand and grocery, where the family sells their own locally-grown produce, picnic fare and, of course, wines. The down-home charm and still-warm tomatoes aren’t just for the benefit of out-of-towners, however. You’re likely to find plenty of locals stocking up on asparagus or squash for dinner, a bit of gossip around the counter, or lining up for what we hear is the absolute best hamburger in town at the café.

Michael David Winery Wines to try...

Seven Deadly Zins: The Phillips blend the grapes of seven local growers for a powerful, impressive Zinfandel that is the toast of the town.

Earthquake Zin: Another of the Earthquake labels, a well-crafted selection of intense, relatively high-alcohol (15%) wines destined to rock your world.

Incognito: You have to love a wine with a checkered past. In 2000, Incognito was awarded Best Rhone Wine in the World, ostensibly as a Roussane. Enter Jerry Springer-like DNA testing and bam, that grape ain’t who he said he was—the vine actually turned out to be a rare Viognier clone. After all the hubbub, everyone decided it was still a pretty nice wine, so the brothers continue to make both a wine and red (actually pink) version of the mystery wine.

Earthquake Petite Sirah: (The family’s own description) Up front blueberry syrup, black cherry and coffee bean shake up the senses, finishing with warm cigar box cedar and vanilla flavors. Brawny, solid tannins send aftershocks down the throat creating a seemingly endless finish. When all is said and done this Petite Sirah leaves its mark of destruction, leaving teeth and glasses stained of its inky dark color. Gold medal, best of class winner in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2005.