Mokelumne River
Mokelumne River is a prestigious subregion within Lodi AVA located in the western central part of Lodi, surrounding the Mokelumne River with deep, sandy loam soils that provide excellent drainage for viticulture. The area has a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights due to the Delta Breeze, and is renowned for its old vine Zinfandel (some over 100 years old), though Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Petite Sirah also thrive here. The wines from this subregion typically display intense fruit concentration with elegant balance, producing Zinfandels characterized by red berry flavors, spice notes, and approachable tannins.
Wines from Mokelumne River
Michael David Inkblot Cabernet Franc
Michael David Winery doesn't do subtle – and thank goodness for that. Their Inkblot series takes underappreciated grape varieties and turns them into bold, statement-making wines that demand attention. This Cabernet Franc is like Cab Franc's bodybuilder cousin who spent the summer in the gym while everyone else was lounging at the beach. Lodi's warm climate allows Cabernet Franc to reach a level of ripeness and concentration rarely seen in its traditional Loire Valley homeland. The result is a wine that maintains the variety's characteristic herb and graphite notes but wraps them in a package of luscious, concentrated fruit. It's perfect for those who appreciate the variety's unique character but prefer their wines with a bit more muscle. The name 'Inkblot' is fitting – this wine is so dense and dark it could leave a permanent mark on your palate (in the best possible way).
Michael David Inkblot Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is typically the strong, silent type in Bordeaux blends – adding color, structure, and spice in small doses. But in the hands of Michael David, this supporting actor gets its star turn, and boy does it deliver a commanding performance. Grown in Lodi's warm climate, Petit Verdot reaches a level of ripeness that would make a Bordeaux winemaker's monocle pop out in shock. The Inkblot series is aptly named – this wine is so densely colored it could be used to sign important documents if you run out of pen ink. It's a wine for those who find Cabernet Sauvignon just a bit too wimpy (yes, such people exist). The intensity might be too much for some, but for those who appreciate a wine with gravitas and personality, this is a thrilling ride. Just be warned – this is not a wine for the faint of heart or anyone wearing a white shirt they care about.
Michael David Inkblot Petite Sirah
If wines were superheroes, Petite Sirah would be The Hulk – and Michael David's Inkblot version is The Hulk after discovering energy drinks. There's nothing 'petite' about this wine except its name; everything else is bold, intense, and unapologetically powerful. Lodi's warm climate is the perfect playground for Petite Sirah to flex its muscles, developing incredible concentration and depth while maintaining surprising complexity. The Inkblot series aims to showcase underappreciated varieties at their most extreme, and this bottling delivers that mission in spades. It's the kind of wine that makes you wonder if you should be decanting it or bench-pressing it. Perfect for those nights when only the biggest, baddest red will do – just be sure to warn your dentist about the purple teeth that will inevitably follow.