What is different about Michael and David Phillips is that they embrace wines that are pleasurable and affordable. Initially, they introduced a seven vineyard blend of old vine Zinfandel from Lodi named 7 Deadly Zins, because of their catholic background, which became one of the top selling Zinfandels in the U.S. The brand was later sold to the Wine Group. Currently at Michael David Winery there are several tiers of exotic wines, all at different price points, including a line of single appellation Zinfandels called Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Rage etc. Although they don’t take themselves too seriously, their followers will discover these wines to be seriously extracted and opulent. While the packaging is catchy and novel, what’s in the bottle is purposefully entertaining.

The Lust Zinfandel is composed of small lots of Zinfandel sourced from some of the best sites in Lodi. This wine is aged for 24 months in American and French Oak barrels. This Zinfandel has a deeper ruby appearance with an appealing bouquet of black plum and holiday spices. It has a complex mid-palate of freshly picked Morello Cherries, star anise and cocoa powder. This denser styled Zin is well crafted and always pleasurable.

By W Peter Hoyne