Mark Osmers

8.9

I didn’t have expectations when I opened this bottle, but Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon proved to be a nice discovery. This 2021 Lodi cab delivers beyond its modest price point, opening with an assertive nose that hints at the intensity to come.

The first taste reveals bold, concentrated dark fruit that dominates the palate—ripe blackberry takes center stage, supported by layers of black cherry that add depth and complexity. There’s a jammy richness here that speaks to Lodi’s warm climate and the wine’s full ripeness at harvest. What genuinely surprised me was the balance. Despite the fruit-forward intensity, there’s nothing cloying or one-dimensional about this Cabernet.

The oak integration is particularly well-handled, providing a smooth, vanilla-tinged backdrop that rounds out the wine’s edges without overwhelming the fruit. The finish lingers pleasantly, carrying those dark berry notes through with a silky texture that makes this remarkably easy to drink.

Rating: recommend for every day drinking  — 15 hours ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The aromatics are beautiful. The soft, mid dark spices are delicate, swooning and inviting. Slightly candied plum to pudding , blackberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, black raspberries, hint of charcoal, some of the most beautiful baking spices-gentle cinnamon, soft clove, dash of nutmeg, hint of vanillin, forest floor w/ some dry leaves, wafting, understated, dry herbs-sage, mocha powder, some caramel notes, slightly candied to withering; dark flowers, red roses framed in soft lavender & violets.

Beautifully lush entry with some powdery M dry yet velvety tannins. Slightly candied plum to pudding, blackberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, black raspberries, hint of charcoal, some of the most beautiful baking spices-gentle cinnamon, soft clove, dash of nutmeg, hint of vanillin, perhaps the most beautiful, delicately layered spices I’ve had in a red burgundy, dark chocolate baking bar to cake, moist clay with grey volcanic minerals, limestone powder, forest floor w/ some dry leaves, wafting, understated, dry herbs-sage, mocha powder, some caramel notes, slightly candied to withering; dark flowers, red roses framed in soft lavender & violets, round acidity, balance for days, gently structured/tensioned, elegantly polished finish that lasts minutes and lands on micro grained spices.

Hard not to give this a 93 but it is not quite there yet but will get there in another 3-5 yrs with a total 15 yrs plus of good drinking.

@AmbassadorHotel Split, Croatia. — 3 months ago

JKT

9.1

Very nice balanced well aged complex blend. — a month ago

Bonnie Kissler

9.5

Melting Pot 11/22/2025 — a month ago

Brandon Boesch

9.3

This and the rose are my favorites from Michael David. Huge wine. Explosion of fruit on the nose. Not a lot of oak/wood which is great. Smooth and drinkable. This is a great bbq wine that at or just bellow cellar temp is even better. I’d buy again — 4 months ago

Kevin Løk

9.1

For the money — wow! All #smiles — 5 months ago

with Caroline

Andrew H

9.2

Love it so much — 11 days ago

Ron Kyle

9.0

Always reliable. — 13 days ago

Jennifer Pletcher

8.9

Warm, juicy. Lots of fruit. A hint of overripe fruit. A touch of coconut. — 4 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.0

This is enjoyable in a massive CA overripe wine style! There’s a good amount of all the peppers, bell, jalapeños, white, cracked black, huge amount of purple/black fruit. Jan. Vanilla and some woodsy notes. I’d drink again. — 5 months ago