Today I’ll look at the third wine in a row from Michael David. The majority of the wines they make are produced from Lodi fruit. They’re clearly proud of their Lodi heritage, brandishing their appellation on their front or back labels. And it seems like a mutually beneficial situation. The wide availability of their wines has likely made many more people aware of their region than would have known about it otherwise. By and large their offerings are also excellent examples of the bold and sumptuous wines that Lodi fruit often produces. Today I’ll look at one of their Syrahs.
The 2006 Sixth Sense Syrah has small amounts of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. The name of this wine comes from a nickname for the Phillips Grandpa Don. He’s known to have a knack for predicting certain things; This Syrah was aged in French oak for 18 months. The suggested retail price is $17.
Plum, blackberry and kirsch liqueur notes are prominent in the demonstrative nose of this wine. The palate is laden with rich, opulent ripe fruit flavors. While other berry notes are apparent, cherry is the star of the show. Imagine fresh cherry pie with a chocolate graham cracker crust, that’s what the middle of this wine reminds me of. Black pepper plays a role but doesn’t fully emerge until the finish which also shows earth and a touch of bramble.
What I like most about this wine is what strikes me about the Michael David Wines in general. That is, it’s an unabashed expression of big fruit and lavish flavors; still and all though these wines are not over the top. Not every big and boisterous wine is a good one. This Syrah from Michael David is an example of one that is.