The Phillips family have been integrated into the agricultural community near Lodi since the 1860’s. Brothers Michael and David Phillips had a broader vision, with older brother Michael, a 5th generation Lodi grape grower, deciding to venture into winemaking while bonding his own winery in 1984. His brother David who grew up in the vineyards decided to pursue a background in business and marketing before coming on board in 1989. Jointly they began promoting a portfolio of wines that can be described as a pure sensory indulgence.

The 2020 Earthquake Zinfandel is derived from vines planted around the time of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. This wine is aged for 17 months in American and French Oak. The deeply ruby hue boasts of aromas of boysenberry liqueur and warmed baking spices. It reveals an array of macerated black fruits and flaunts its physique of juicy plums with holiday spices layered with vanilla and creamy milk chocolate fudge. It has a lush mouth-feel with nicely tapered edges.

By W Peter Hoyne