Michael David’s 2014 Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. California winemakers are produces outstanding Cabernet Franc single varietal wines in today’s wine-producing world. Yet Cabernet Franc is still one of California's best-kept secrets for many who have yet to venture toward this wine grape. Cab Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory bouquet, and smooth and polished tannins.
The first Lodi Cabernet Franc wine ever produced by Michael David Winery, and one of the few produced from Lodi. This varietal originated from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions of France and has been grown with success in many other countries. The grapes for this wine come from a 9-acre vineyard located on the west side of Lodi right near the winery. Each year of Michael David’s Cabernet Franc are ready when made available at the winery, but each could be set down for a few years, if you can wait a few years.
TASTING NOTES
Dark, decadent, and alluring, Michael David’s 2014 Cabernet Franc is very approachable. Aromas of new saddle leather, black cherry, red plum, baking spices and clove on the nose. Bold in the mouth with smooth, polished tannins, unique flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate truffle and peppery spice lead to a layered, delightfully long finish.
The year this Inkblot was harvested experienced an unusually hot summer resulting in an earlier than usual harvest in Lodi. In fact, 2014 vintage brought challenges as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and every wine grape in between reached its optimal ripeness within days of each other. It was a busy time for not just Michael David, but all the winegrowers in Lodi. The harvest was a fast and furious one with the final lot of Cabernet Sauvignon being picked on October 17th that year. Inkblot Cabernet Franc is a composition of Cabernet Franc and just a touch of Petite Sirah. The wine was in French Oak for 21 months.
A little bit about Lodi, CA
Between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada mountain range you will find Lodi wine country. Lodi, while relatively distant from the Pacific Ocean, is able to maintain a classic Mediterranean climate. experiencing warm, sunny days and cool evenings. This AVA is unique in that it is located at the end of the Sacramento River Delta. The Delta provides chilly, afternoon “delta breezes” to the area during the growing season. These conditions are excellent for growing premier wine grapes.
Lodi is a premier source of 100+ year old ancient Zinfandel vineyards—some dating back as far as 1888! These heritage vines produce low yields of small berries, that result in complex and bold wines, concentrated in rich and opulent, luscious, well rounded wines. While well known for producing Zinfandel it is not just Zinfandel that you will find there. In fact, Lodi winegrowers produces high quality wines from over 100 different grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc in addition to some of California's more rare grapes. You will find also Spanish varieties such as Albarino and Tempranillo. Just to add to the varieties also found among Lodi’s many vineyards are Touriga Nacional, a Portuguese grape, and many German, Italian and French varieties.
Michael David Winery
"Michael” and “David” are Michael and David Phillips. The brother's family have farmed fruits and vegetables in the Lodi for many years. The Phillip family have been in the region since the 1850's and cultivated wine grapes for about100 years. Michael and David are the 5th generation of grape growers and the 6th generation are joining the family business. Stop in at the winery and you will be quick to notice that Phillips family enjoys placing emphasis the quality of their wines along with fun and unique labels. Looking to the future, Michael David Wines has adopted some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices to be found in the state. The entire 800 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified.
Note to winemakers and wineries. If you are a California Winery and you would like some of your wines featured on "Zip Sips", contact us at info@cacorks.com for details.