Introduction
Michael David Inkblot Petit Verdot Lodi 2020 is a profound and intensely concentrated wine, living up to its “Inkblot” moniker with its deep color and the powerful, expressive character it reveals from Lodi’s unique terroir. Produced by Michael David Winery, a fifth-generation family-owned winery in Lodi renowned for their imaginative labels, full-bodied wines, and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, this bottling boldly showcases Petit Verdot as a standalone varietal of remarkable depth and structure. While traditionally a blending grape, the Phillips family has recognized Petit Verdot’s immense potential in Lodi’s warm Mediterranean climate and diverse sandy soils, cultivating it to achieve a distinctive balance of dark fruit, floral notes, and commanding tannins. The 2020 vintage in Lodi, despite some regional challenges in California, generally provided excellent conditions for Petit Verdot, allowing grapes to achieve exceptional ripeness, profound concentration, and robust, age-worthy tannins, setting the stage for a wine of formidable power, complexity, and a truly commanding presence.
Character Description
The Michael David Inkblot Petit Verdot Lodi 2020 enchants with an impenetrable, opaque black-purple hue, indicative of its profound concentration and youthful intensity. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of dense black cherry, ripe cassis, and wild blueberry, elegantly interwoven with compelling notes of violet, dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee, and a distinct earthy minerality. Subtle nuances of graphite, sweet baking spices (like vanilla and clove), and a hint of licorice or dried herbs may also emerge, adding infinite layers of profound complexity. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and massively structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit and decadent savory flavors that mirror the nose, underscored by a characteristic mineral edge. It’s supported by chewy, yet remarkably integrated and powerful tannins that provide superb backbone and a long, expansive, almost explosive finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision for such a colossal wine. The finish is exceptionally long, intensely layered, and profoundly satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of immense dark fruit intensity, complex floral and savory notes, and the formidable, yet surprisingly balanced, character that defines this iconic Lodi Petit Verdot.
Perfect Pairings
This monumental and intensely flavorful Petit Verdot is an exceptional partner for the most robust and hearty dishes, perfectly complementing its powerful structure, immense concentration, and intricate layers of flavor. It pairs beautifully with prime cuts of grilled or roasted beef (such as a perfectly seared Wagyu steak, braised short ribs, or a prime rib roast), rich venison loin, or slow-smoked brisket. Its dark fruit, savory, and tannic profile also makes it an ideal accompaniment to wild game stews, aged and pungent hard cheeses like mature cheddar or an intense blue cheese, and dishes featuring black truffles or strong wild mushrooms. Furthermore, it excels alongside dishes with a touch of sweetness or char from grilling. Its profound depth and compelling qualities make it a fantastic choice for a truly special occasion, a celebratory meal where a powerful red is desired, or for those who appreciate a bold and unforgettable wine that truly expresses the pinnacle of Lodi’s viticultural prowess for single-varietal Petit Verdot. Decanting for at least 2-3 hours (or more) is highly recommended to allow its full spectrum of aromas and flavors to unfold.
About the Winery
Michael David Winery is a distinctive and pioneering force in the California wine scene, rooted in over 150 years of Phillips family farming in Lodi. Established by brothers Michael and David Phillips, fifth-generation grape growers, the winery has become known for its bold, imaginative labels and a philosophy of “wine for all, all for wine.” They are deeply committed to sustainable farming practices, having been early adopters of the Lodi Rules program, a rigorous third-party certified sustainability initiative that covers environmental, social, and economic aspects. This dedication ensures that their wines are not only delicious but also produced with a deep respect for the land and community. The “Inkblot” series highlights their exploration of single varietals, showcasing the depth and character that can be achieved from unexpected grapes in the Lodi appellation. Michael David Winery consistently delivers quality, character, and a sense of fun, making this Petit Verdot a true representation of their innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to crafting impactful yet balanced wines from Lodi’s cherished vineyards.
