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Thursday, July 03, 2008
2005 Earthquake Syrah
The Award-Winning Wine:
Michael~David Winery 2005 Earthquake Syrah
Reason for Reviewing:
2005 Earthquake Syrah won the top-honor Sweepstakes Award for red wines at the 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition.
Noteworthy:
In 1850, amid the Gold Rush, Captain Charles Weber, founder of Stockton, California, brought grape cuttings to the Lodi, California area. Michael and David Phillips represent the fifth generation of growers there. The Phillips family has been farming since their Great Great Grandfather Andrew Harshner and his wife Lucille homesteaded 160 acres near the town of Lodi, following the Civil War in the 1860's.
Winery Notes:
Earth-shattering Syrah fruit trembles throughout the nose with dried cranberry and subtle hints of green tea. Bing cherry and dried plum round out the bold tannins, leaving just a hint of cedar with a warm lasting finish.
AlaWine Notes:
Michael~David Winery 2005 Earthquake Syrah pours as a deep garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and spices lift to the nose. On the palate, black cerry flavors dominate, along with ripe berries and plum, in a sweet earth context, with a leather highlight in a long, moderately tannic finish.
Bottom Line:
2005 Earthquake Syrah is a full flavor, full-bodied red wine, well integrated with interesting complexities. A very rich and satisfying wine. Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 95 points.