Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
WINE #9 MICHAEL DAVID 2015 INKBLOT CABERNET FRANC, LODI Grapes for this nearly- black, well-structured Cab Franc grow in a sustainably-farmed, nine- acre vineyard on the west side of Lodi, a California wine region known primarily for its Zinfandel production. Inky and laced with a dark purple edge and flavors of dark berry, chocolate, and tobacco leaf, this is the first Lodi Cabernet Franc produced by Michael David Winery and one of just a few produced in Lodi. Named in reference to the wine's deep color, the Inkblot series also includes a Tannat and a Petit Verdot. "The Phillips family has a 150-year-old history of family farming in Lodi," said presenter Michael Epstein. "Michael and David are fifth-generation winegrowers, with the sixth generation [Michael's children Kevin and Melissa] joining the team recently. All Michael David Wines are grown following the Lodi rules: a set of more than 100 standards that account for all aspects of making quality wine in a sustainable manner." THE PANEL SAYS: Big dark fruits, peppered meats, jerky, granite, new oak, black pepper, and grill char. Body is all tannin, medium acidity, and high alcohol with sweet blueberry and pepper. —Paul Ozbrin Jammy ripe strawberry, raspberry, and red plum. Purple flowers and leaves, dried herbs, vanilla, clove, and cinnamon. —Lindsay Drew With a big bouquet of ripe fruit and notes of leather and smoked meat on the palate, this blend of Syrah, Viognier, and Grenache comes from Charles Smith Wines, the Washington State winery founded in 2006 by Walla Walla winemaker and former music manager Charles Smith. Firm tannins, soft floral notes from the Viognier, and hints of crushed granite on the nose inspired several tasters to guess this wine originated in France's Côtes du Rhône. Presenter James Korrodi said the 2015 "was the first wine in what Charles Smith called 'the Modernist Project,' which studied how people are drinking their wines today." "Most people aren't aging their wines, so he came up with wines that could be approachable right out the bottle at a reasonable price point," Korrodi continued. THE PANEL SAYS: Moderate-plus concentration and purple core with high aromatic intensity. Black fruits, blackberry/ boysenberry, black pepper, black licorice, and dark olives with dark earth. Moderate-plus tannins, high alcohol, and diminished acidity. —Scott Ota Red and dark fruit, red and purple flowers, soapy perfume, lavender, and herbs de Provence. Medium acidity, medium-plus alcohol, and medium-plus tannins. —Edward Morgan Southern Glazer's Austin Fine Wine Manager Michael Epstein presented the 2015 Inkblot Cabernet Franc on behalf of Michael David Winery. may 2018 / the tasting panel / 105