The first thing you'll notice about this wine the minute you pick it up is the super heavy bottle. And that heft is an indication of what's to come from this giant wine.
It's produced by Michael David Winery who has a number of wines that make appearances in Costco stores, including the Petite Petit, and the Freakshow Lodi Cab. And we're usually fans of the wines across their portfolio.
Costco's price at $19.99 is pretty average; I found it online at several outlets for $20, and it's $22 at Wine.com which always skews on the high side. 91 points too from Wine Enthusiast.
This Zin pours a deep ruby with aromatics that jump out of the glass; big pepper and spice with dark fruit. In the mouth this wine is huge, full bodied and big; flavors of dark fruit, blueberry, blackberry, plum, mocha; it is lively and fresh with a fantastic finish.
It is definitely not a wine for all tastes but if you like big Zins and big reds with a lot going on and doesn't hold back, you might want to give it a shot.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 161531
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 15.5%
Bill says
Not a fan of Michael David wines. I've been to their winery in Lodi. The company is a marketing machine, but not a premium quality wine maker. Their wines across the board are excessively dense, over-ripe, high alcohol fruit bombs. Earthquake is prime example. This is a wine that you really can't pair with anything. That said, Lodi wines generally tend toward high alcohol fruit bombs. If you're a fan of Sonoma or Amador Zins made with more finesse and varietal character, then Earthquake and the Michael David portfolio is likely not for you.
Sam says
@Bill, you got it! Wine to impress tastings not to actually drink with a meal.
Ryan says
can't wait for the 18.5% alcohol Zins from AOC Chowchilla
Charlie says
I like a full bodied Zin. This one of my favorites.