Introduction: A show-stopping, fruit-driven Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi that leans into lush California ripeness, sweet-spice oak accents, and a big, crowd-pleasing personality—true to Michael David’s theatrical “Freakshow” series.

Terroir: Centered on Lodi’s sandy loam (Tokay series) soils—particularly around the Mokelumne River—where old-vine Zinfandel thrives under warm, sun-soaked days and Delta-breeze evenings that cool the vines and help preserve acidity, deepen color, and concentrate black-berry fruit and spice.

Tasting notes:
Blended with 17% petite sirah and aged for 17 months in a combination of American and French (9%) oak, the 2022 Freakshow Zinfandel shows off the fiery side of Lodi zinfandel, with notes of blackberry, plum jam, and brioche on the nose. Full-bodied, with forward flavors of cherry, blueberry, and cocoa nibs, this old-vine beauty finishes long, with ripe, jammy, lingering red and black fruit characters. (from winery notes)

Food Pairing Suggestions: Smoked baby back ribs glazed with a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce, pepper-crusted ribeye steak with caramelized onions, or wood-fired wild mushroom and Italian sausage pizza. For cheese pairings, try aged cheddar or manchego.

Press:
92 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromas of juicy red berries, baked red plum, propelling outwards into baking spices, toasted vanilla, and florals on the nose. The flavors on the palate are lifted, pulsating raspberry jam, clove, black tea, and black peppercorn sprinkled through the mouth and finished with supple tannins." (5/1/25)

Overall Impression: The 2022 Freakshow Zinfandel is a quintessential expression of Lodi’s old vines—opulent, fruit-saturated, and polished with oak spice. It strikes a balance between playful exuberance and structural depth, delivering jammy black fruit, velvety tannins, and a lingering cocoa-spice finish. A bold, extroverted wine that embraces its showmanship, it’s perfect for those who crave intensity and richness in their reds.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15.0%
Farming Practices: Lodi Rules–certified sustainable sourcing; conventional viticulture with sustainability focus
Producer Name: Michael David Winery
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Lodi, California (Mokelumne River influence)
Grape Varietals: Zinfandel (Old Vine)
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry red; full-bodied, fruit-forward, oak-spiced
Winemaking Techniques: De-stemmed, warm stainless-steel fermentation with regular cap management; barrel aged in predominantly American oak (with some French) to emphasize vanilla/spice tones
Pack Size: 12 x 750 mL
Container Style: 750 mL glass (Bordeaux-shape)
Closure Style: Cork