6th Sense Syrah by Michael David

6th Sense Syrah by Michael David is a full-bodied Lodi, California red wine blended from Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. The 2017 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the wine draws from one of the earliest Syrah plantings in California, dating back to 1982.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  Varietal Blend: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot  |  Winery: Michael David Winery

Production & Heritage

Michael David Winery is owned and operated by brothers Michael and David Phillips, whose family represents six generations of farming in Lodi — the "6th Sense" name honors this lineage, and the bottle itself features Kevin Phillips' eye peering from inside the glass as a nod to that generational legacy. The Phillips brothers first planted Syrah in 1982 after becoming captivated by the wines of southern France, making their vineyard one of the earliest Syrah sites in California. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak, which layers structured tannins and toasty complexity onto the ripe, warm-climate fruit Lodi is known for.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep and heavily scented, the nose opens with ripe black plum and blackberry jam before revealing layers of berry cobbler, tobacco leaf, and cigar box. Undercurrents of dark chocolate, toasted baguette, and fennel seed emerge as the wine opens.

Taste: The entry is rich and immediate — black cherry and ripe raspberry dominate the front palate. At mid-palate, black licorice, espresso, baking spices, and clove weave together with a satisfying density. Soft, plushy tannins and a solid thread of acidity keep the wine balanced despite its concentration and full body.

Finish: Long and captivating, with lingering oak-inspired warmth, dark chocolate, and black pepper spice. The velvety texture persists through the close, leaving a clean impression of ripe dark fruit and toasted wood.

How to Drink 6th Sense Syrah

Pour this Syrah into a large-bowled glass at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and give it 20–30 minutes to breathe; decanting opens up the layered aromatics considerably. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, the bold fruit and spice profile works well in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where its dark fruit intensity holds up against the sweetness; a Sangria built with blackberry liqueur and citrus, playing off its natural berry depth; or a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh rosemary, which highlights the herbal undertones.

Best For

• Pairing with a weekend barbecue of smoked ribs or tri-tip
• Gifting to a red wine lover who gravitates toward bold, fruit-forward styles
• Hosting a blind tasting of California Syrah to explore Lodi as a region
• Cellar exploration — drinking now or holding 3–5 years to see how the oak integrates

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 6th Sense Syrah taste like? It delivers concentrated black cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors layered with dark chocolate, espresso, baking spices, and tobacco. The texture is full-bodied and velvety with soft tannins and a long, oak-driven finish.

How does 6th Sense Syrah compare to Bogle Phantom? Both are bold, dark-fruited Lodi reds at accessible price points, but 6th Sense Syrah leans into a Rhône-inspired Syrah profile with tobacco and black pepper, while Bogle Phantom is a multi-varietal blend built around Petite Sirah and Zinfandel with more jammy intensity. The 16 months of French oak aging in 6th Sense also contributes a more polished, structured framework.

Is 6th Sense Syrah good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and velvety tannins make it a rewarding wine to drink neat, especially after a short decant to let the French oak and fruit complexity fully unfold.

Where is 6th Sense Syrah made? It is produced by Michael David Winery in Lodi, California, a warm-climate appellation in the Central Valley known for producing rich, ripe red wines. The Phillips family has farmed in the Lodi area for six generations.

What foods pair well with 6th Sense Syrah? Smoked beef brisket, where the wine's dark fruit mirrors the charred, savory richness; lamb shanks braised with rosemary, which echo the herbal undertones; dark chocolate desserts that complement the espresso and cocoa notes; aged Gouda or Manchego, whose nutty sweetness contrasts the wine's spice; and mushroom risotto, which matches the earthy, full-bodied weight.

What sizes does 6th Sense Syrah come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is 6th Sense Syrah worth the price? It positions as a value-tier to mid-range California Syrah that punches above its weight — a 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast at this price level represents strong quality-to-value, especially given the 16-month French oak aging program.

Why 6th Sense Syrah?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Syrah is provenance: the Phillips family planted their Syrah vines in 1982, well before Lodi was widely recognized as serious wine country and among the earliest such plantings in the state. That viticultural head start translates into mature vines producing concentrated, complex fruit. The 16-month French oak regimen adds polish without overwhelming the Rhône-inspired character that originally inspired the planting, and the blending of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot contributes color, structure, and spice that pure Syrah bottlings often lack. For drinkers seeking a full-bodied, richly layered red with genuine heritage behind it, this remains one of Lodi's most compelling Syrah-based wines.