132 year old vines produce a plush Lodi Rosé wine.
Brothers Michael and David Phillips, constitute the 6th generation of grape-growers in the Phillips family. The Phillips family has farmed fruits and vegetables in the Lodi region since the 1850s, cultivating wine grapes for nearly a century.
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| Tasting with David Phillips of Michael David winery at Bare Ranch. |
I enjoyed meeting David Phillips two years ago in Lodi, California. Not only did we taste through many of his Michael David wines at Bare Ranch (available to rent) we also visited the Bechthold ancient vine Cinsault vineyard in the Mokelumne AVA.
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| David Phillips at Bechthold ancient vine Cinsault vineyard, Mokelumne AVA. |
This is my first tasting of his Cinsault Rosé made from those ancient vines. What is an ancient vine? The dry-farmed Bechthold ancient vine Cinsault Vineyard in the Lodi, Mokelumne AVA is 132 years old! I believe that makes this wine quite special. This Rosé wine was last produced in 2007, so that makes it even more special.
Cinsault is a drought resistant dark skinned grape. It can deliver floral and ripe strawberry notes as well as hints of dried fruit. It is often used in the production of Rosé wine in Provence.
You'll notice that this wine has more color than is fashionable today. Many of today's Provence inspired Rosé wines are quite pale. This is not that wine. The 2017 Cinsault Rosé is created from a blend of two separate Rosés. The first Rosé is from an early harvest picking, which emphasizes bright flavors and acidity. The second Rosé is produced Saignee style, which produces a different set of flavors and a bright pink color. Then the two Rosés are blended together, showing the best qualities of both wines.
Tasting Notes Michael David Winery 2017 Cinsault Rosé
Color: Shiny pink. Pretty in glass.
Nose: Floral with dried cherries, powdery, slate, medium
minus intensity.
Palate: Medium body, with some weight, strawberry and cherry,
with a suggestion of cucumber water, gentle texture, medium acidity, medium
plus finish, wants food.
Wine had some weight, which I feel should match food well. Not a drinking wine for me at day one. Match with robust flavors, grilled or smoked salmon, BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, and fresh tomatoes. Also think a good choice to match spicy foods, especially Mexican with chorizo sausage or hot salsa.
Wine had some weight, which I feel should match food well. Not a drinking wine for me at day one. Match with robust flavors, grilled or smoked salmon, BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, and fresh tomatoes. Also think a good choice to match spicy foods, especially Mexican with chorizo sausage or hot salsa.
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| Taco pairing with Michael David Winery 2017 Ancient Vine Cinsault Rosé. |
*Taco pairing: Pretty fruit shined through spicy food, lovely contrast of
heat, salty and wine provided perfumed red fruit and soothing creaminess,
yum. Wants spicy and heat to show best for
me.
Day two: Paired with pastrami flatbread sandwich. Greasy,
savory, messy delicious pairing. Wine met and worked with the strong flavors.
Yum! A favorite pairing this year.
Day three: Bright, fresh, medium body, medium intensity,
strawberry, red cherry, touch of creamy yoghurt, nice tingle edges of tongue
and gums, very dry and textured, slate on medium finish. My speed, better
drinking and more interesting, still big enough to match many foods. Well done.
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| Fantastic pairing with melted Pastrami flatbread. |
Thoughts: Major potential for a foodies showcase. Perfect wine for an elevated meal. Go grab some now and discover your fave pairing. Cool wine. First two days I would pair with food. Day three a
perfect patio sipper, cheese and crackers optional. Drink now and over next
three years. Well done.
Strongly Recommended.
Strongly Recommended.
State: California
Region: Lodi
Bechthold vineyard
Blend: 100% Ancient Vine Cinsault
Stainless
Blend: 100% Ancient Vine Cinsault
Stainless
Closure: Natural Cork
ABV: 13.5%
SRP: $22
Michael David Winery
4580 West Highway 12
Lodi, CA 95242
Toll Free 888.707.WINE
Phone 209.368.7384
www.michaeldavidwinery.com
Today, Michael David Winery extends to the 6th generation of grape growers, with Kevin Phillips and Melissa Phillips Stroud now joining the family business. The family emphasizes the importance of quality wines with unique and eye catching labels.
With some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state, all 750 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified. Starting with the 2011 vintage, 100% of the Lodi grown fruit crushed at Michael David Winery was certified sustainable.
Go drink Lodi Rosé!
Cheers!
Michael David Winery
4580 West Highway 12
Lodi, CA 95242
Toll Free 888.707.WINE
Phone 209.368.7384
www.michaeldavidwinery.com
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| David Phillips of Michael David winery at Bare Ranch |
Today, Michael David Winery extends to the 6th generation of grape growers, with Kevin Phillips and Melissa Phillips Stroud now joining the family business. The family emphasizes the importance of quality wines with unique and eye catching labels.
With some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state, all 750 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified. Starting with the 2011 vintage, 100% of the Lodi grown fruit crushed at Michael David Winery was certified sustainable.
Go drink Lodi Rosé!