{"title":"Earthquake","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"earthquake-zinfandel","title":"Earthquake Zinfandel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarthquake Zinfandel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Lodi Zinfandel from Michael David Winery, bottled at a commanding 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2017 vintage captured a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — a track record that speaks to consistent quality across releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, Central Valley, California  |  Varietal: Zinfandel (with Petite Sirah)  |  Producer: Michael David Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMichael David Winery is a multi-generational family operation rooted in Lodi's warm-climate vineyards. The Earthquake name traces back to an old Lodi vineyard planted around the same time as the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake — winemaker Michael Phillips chose the name to reflect the wine's intensity and that historical connection. The blend is predominantly Zinfandel with a touch of Petite Sirah for added depth, aged for 18 months in a combination of American oak (77%) and French oak (23%), with roughly 80% of the barrels being new. This heavy oak regimen, paired with Lodi's naturally warm growing conditions, produces a rich, concentrated wine with generous extraction and bold structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with dark, ripe fruit — think olallieberry, black currant, and boysenberry — before giving way to layers of vanilla bean, sarsaparilla, and dried spice. A subtle floral-potpourri quality and a hint of maple syrup sweetness linger beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate is immediately coated with jammy blackberry and baked plum compote, followed by a mid-palate surge of clove, tobacco leaf, and candied orange rind. The Petite Sirah component adds backbone, while flavors of raspberry cobbler and dark chocolate emerge as the wine opens up. Full-bodied and viscous, with suede-like tannins that provide grip without harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and fruit-laden, with lingering notes of black licorice, nutmeg, and toasted vanilla. The warmth of the high alcohol is present but well-integrated, and the finish maintains a surprising thread of bright acidity that keeps it from becoming cloying.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Earthquake Zin\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a wine built for drinking at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — in a large-bowled glass that allows the dense aromas to open. Decanting for 30 minutes tames the oak and lets the fruit come forward. While Earthquake Zin is a sipping wine at heart, its bold profile lends itself to a few specific cocktail-style applications: a \u003cstrong\u003eZinfandel Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with muddled stone fruit and cinnamon, where the jammy richness carries through the added citrus; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola), where the wine's inherent sweetness and high alcohol stand up to the mixer without losing identity; or a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange twist, which lightens the body while preserving the dark fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekend barbecue pairings — the wine's bold fruit and smoke complement grilled meats naturally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to red wine drinkers who favor big, concentrated California styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding out a Lodi Zinfandel vertical tasting alongside other Michael David expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWinter dinner parties where hearty, warming reds are in demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Earthquake Zin taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Zin delivers an intensely jammy profile dominated by baked blackberry, plum compote, and raspberry cobbler, layered with vanilla, clove, tobacco, and dark chocolate from extended oak aging. It is full-bodied with rich, suede-like tannins and a long, spice-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Earthquake Zin compare to 7 Deadly Zins?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both come from Michael David Winery, but Earthquake is considered the bigger, more refined sibling — described by reviewers as more elegant and chocolaty, while 7 Deadly Zins leans more aggressively spicy and fruit-forward. Earthquake also sees a higher proportion of new oak and carries a slightly higher ABV, resulting in a denser, more structured wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Earthquake Zin good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is primarily a sipping wine, best enjoyed in a large glass at cellar temperature with a brief decant to let the oak integration soften. Its 15.5% ABV delivers warmth and concentration that reward slow, attentive drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Earthquake Zin made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Zinfandel is produced by Michael David Winery in Lodi, located in California's Central Valley. Lodi is one of America's most important Zinfandel-growing regions, known for warm days, cool delta breezes, and deep sandy-loam soils that favor old-vine Zinfandel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Earthquake Zin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked tri-tip or beef brisket, where the wine's tannins and smokiness mirror the char; spicy barbecue ribs glazed with a sweet-heat sauce that echoes the wine's jammy fruit; aged cheddar or Gouda, which complement the vanilla and caramel oak notes; braised lamb shanks with rosemary, whose richness matches the wine's weight; and dark chocolate brownies, which harmonize with the cocoa and berry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Earthquake Zin come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Zinfandel is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Earthquake Zin worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Zinfandel positions in the mid-premium tier for Lodi Zinfandel, and its consistent 91–92 point scores from Wine Enthusiast alongside competition gold medals suggest strong value for a wine with this level of concentration, oak treatment, and aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Earthquake Zin?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Earthquake from the crowded field of California Zinfandels is the combination of heritage, oak program, and critical consistency. The 18-month aging in 80% new oak — split between American and French barrels — gives it a layered complexity that many comparably priced Zinfandels lack. Multiple vintages have scored 91–92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2017 vintage's Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirmed its standing among California's top Zinfandel values. For drinkers who want a bold, unapologetically full-throttle Zin with genuine depth and a compelling origin story, this is one of Lodi's most reliable bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Earthquake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837427380393,"sku":"21472","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Earthquake-Zinfandel__99941.jpg?v=1730481872"},{"product_id":"earthquake-cabernet-sauvignon-2020","title":"Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarthquake Cabernet Sauvignon 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, California, bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Aged 18 months in French oak, this powerhouse earned 88 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and a Silver Medal at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  Vintage: 2020  |  Winery: Michael David Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earthquake brand traces its name to a Lodi vineyard originally planted around the time of San Francisco's devastating 1906 earthquake — winemaker Michael Phillips drew the connection between the wine's seismic intensity and that historic event. Michael David Winery, run by the Phillips family in Lodi's warm Central Valley, built its reputation on bold, high-octane reds. The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and spent 18 months maturing in French oak barrels, 18% of which were new, lending structure and toasted complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep ruby in the glass, the nose opens with concentrated dark plum, ripe blackberry, and cassis. Underneath the fruit sit layers of mocha, cedar, and sweet tobacco that develop with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and mouth-filling, with boysenberry and black currant hitting the palate immediately. Mid-palate, espresso and dark chocolate emerge alongside warm baking spice — nutmeg, cinnamon, and a thread of licorice. Tannins are firm and full, lending structure to the wine's considerable weight and elevated alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and oak-driven, with toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and dark chocolate truffle lingering well after the last sip. A savory, spice-tinged fade rounds out the experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Earthquake Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven its concentration and tannic grip, this wine rewards decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving at cool room temperature. It is built for sipping on its own, though its bold structure also stands up in wine-based cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with blackberries and cinnamon sticks plays into its dark-fruit character. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) harnesses the wine's espresso undertones for a surprisingly refreshing serve. A \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — layered over a whiskey sour — uses the wine's density and color for dramatic effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteak night dinners where the wine needs to match the intensity of a char-grilled ribeye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who gravitates toward big, fruit-forward California reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellar holding for two to four years to allow the tannins to soften\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlind tasting lineups comparing bold Lodi Cabernets against Paso Robles or Napa Valley counterparts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Earthquake Cabernet taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Cabernet 2020 delivers a wave of blackberry, boysenberry, and espresso wrapped in firm tannins and French oak influence. Dark chocolate, baking spice, and toasted marshmallow round out a rich, full-bodied palate that carries significant weight at 15% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Earthquake Cabernet compare to Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are produced by Michael David Winery in Lodi and share a bold, fruit-forward identity, but Earthquake is positioned as the more intense, higher-concentration expression. Freakshow tends to be slightly lower in alcohol and more approachable on release, while Earthquake leans harder into power, extraction, and oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Earthquake Cabernet good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its layered dark-fruit complexity and long finish make it a strong candidate for contemplative sipping. Decanting before serving helps open the wine and soften its assertive tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Earthquake Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Michael David Winery in Lodi, California, a warm-climate region in the northern San Joaquin Valley known for producing powerful, ripe red wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Earthquake Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's tannin and weight. Slow-smoked beef brisket echoes its dark, smoky undertones. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complements its oak-driven richness. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the espresso and cocoa notes. Braised short ribs with a red wine reduction create a harmonious, savory pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Earthquake Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Earthquake Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthquake positions as a mid-premium Lodi Cabernet that punches above its price tier in terms of concentration and oak treatment. For drinkers who prioritize bold, high-alcohol reds with generous fruit, the 18 months of French oak aging and the 88-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e score offer solid value within its category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Earthquake Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earthquake label exists because of a specific piece of Lodi history — vineyards planted around the era of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake — and the wine lives up to its name in sheer force. At 15% ABV with 18 months of French oak maturation, the 2020 vintage delivers the kind of dark-fruit saturation and structural density that defines Lodi's strongest Cabernet Sauvignons. Its 88-point rating from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and Silver Medal at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards confirm it as a credible player in the bold California red category. For anyone seeking a high-impact Cabernet that doesn't require a Napa Valley price tag, this bottle makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Earthquake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837596332201,"sku":"24608","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Earthquake-Cabernet-Sauvignon__88359.jpg?v=1730487717"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/earthquake.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}