The Michael David Winery "Freakshow" Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, larger-than-life red wine crafted in California's Lodi AVA region. On the nose, this heavily pigmented wine opens the show with an alluring bouquet of ripe black cherry, raspberry, plum, and toasted vanilla, accented by hints of hazelnut and nutmeg depending on the vintage. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and incredibly fruit-forward, presenting rich layers of blackberry preserves, blueberry crumble, cassis, and clove. It transitions smoothly into a balanced, long, oak-kissed finish supported by gentle, integrated tannins. Though primarily an authentic California Cabernet Sauvignon, its unique "Freakshow" personality stems from its varietal composition, which typically blends roughly 80% to 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with a generous splash of Petite Sirah, and occasional traces of Merlot or Cabernet Franc. This addition of Petite Sirah lends the wine its signature opaque purple color and adds an extra layer of dark fruit and smoky spice. Because of its muscular profile and natural fruit sweetness, this wine demands hearty dishes that feature plenty of fat, salt, or umami flavor to cut through the structure. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled ribeye steak, prime rib roast, gourmet hamburgers, and smoky barbecue ribs. For a casual night in, it holds up perfectly against comfort foods like sweet and spicy Sloppy Joes or rich red-sauce pasta dishes. If you are assembling a charcuterie board, opt for intense components like sharp aged cheddar, roasted root vegetables, and a handful of dark chocolate pieces to round out the experience.
375ml