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.

Appearance: Deep ruby with a garnet rim; stained tears that suggest generous extract and elevated alcohol.

Nose: Explosive aromas of blackberry compote, boysenberry, ripe plum, and black cherry layered with vanilla bean, mocha, baking spice (cinnamon/clove), cracked black pepper, and a hint of cedar and cocoa nib.

Palate: Full-bodied and plush. A saturated core of dark berry and cherry pie filling meets milk chocolate, cola, and sweet tobacco. Acidity is medium, tannins are ripe and velvety, and the elevated alcohol adds a gentle warmth that amplifies richness without hard edges.

Finish: Long, jam-kissed finish with lingering cocoa, vanilla, and peppery spice; fruit sweetness and supple tannin carry through to the final echo.

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.

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: Destemmed, 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