Michael David - Don's Lodi Red

What they say: “Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Syrah are the main components of this wine, which was produced to honor and surprise our father, Don Phillips, on his 75th birthday. This is an atypical blend of red wines, with lovely fruity characteristics in order to please Don's amiable palate. This is an easy-drinking, everyday, great quality, red table wine. Or, in the words of Wine Today.com, ‘the three stars Lodi Red is a great quaff at a bargain price.’ “

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

Cost: $10

http://www.michaeldavidwinery.com/

Van Ruiten - 2010 Cab-Shiraz

We found this wine to be oakey with flavors of berry & spice.  It has a wonderfully deep, ruby color.  This wine reminds me of some great Lodi, CA Old Vine Zins.

What they say: “The practice of blending more than one variety of wine has been practiced in Europe for centuries and is the basis for our Cab-Shiraz. This full-bodied, yet very approachable blend is loaded with flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, and plums; with a lengthy finish and just a hint of oak.”

Aerator Used: Vinturi

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

Cost: $19

http://www.vrwinery.com/

Maggio Family Vineyards - 2009 Petite Sirah

As would be expected, this Petite Sirah is very dark.  Like many good Lodi reds it is nice and smooth.  With long legs and an earthy nose, this Petite attracts attention after the first sip.

We found it to have mild tannins and there was a slight peppery taste at the end.  Overall, the wine did very well with only aeration.

What they say: “With touches of fig, cocoa and licorice Maggio Petite Sirah has a very interesting and lingering finish. Maggio is made by Oak Ridge Winery, the oldest operating winery in Lodi, California. This goes great with chicken or beef fajitas, as well as any steak.”

Aerator Used: VinOair


Appellation: Lodi, CA


Alcohol Content: 13%


Cost: $6.99-$9.99

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12577323

Ripken - 2007 Winebarn Red

This wonderful red is made up of Syrah 33%, Alicante Bouschet 30%, Mourvedre 25%, Malbec 10%,  Grenache 2%.  Made in the heart of Lodi, CA.  The nose jumps at you while the taste isn't harsh at all.  The flavor is smooth.  This blend captures the best Lodi, CA soil and climate has to offer.  With its complex flavor and hints of Cherry, the wine is very fruit forward.


Aerator Used: Houdini

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.8%

http://ripkenwine.com/