“Lodi continues to evolve. This AVA (American Viticultural Area) deserves its reputation for being home to excellent Zinfandel. But there’s more to Lodi.

“Old-timers will remember when Lodi was best-known for growing the Flame Tokay, a table grape that often found its destiny in distillation for brandy. But that was long ago. This wine region located less than an hour south of Sacramento has been home to wine grapes for a century-and-a-half and now grows a broad spectrum of grapes. It’s possible that one of the 100 varieties grown in Lodi, though not necessarily popular now, will become the area’s ‘signature wine’ some day in the future. Meanwhile, Lodi is producing decent quality grapes that allow the California wine industry to market respectable examples of its most popular varieties at reasonable prices. Such a wine is this week’s Pick.

“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sonoma-based Toad Hollow Vineyards delivers the basic personality of Cabernet Sauvignon. We found aromas of blackberries with a little vanilla and spice in the background. Flavors included more of that blackberry quality and possibly traits of dark plums and black cherries. This wine is easy-drinking and shows a lot of fruit flavor, if not the subtlety and nuance of more expensive examples of the variety.”

Food Affinity: “We’re thinking of solid beef options—dishes that could be considered hearty ‘comfort food.’ Perhaps a Sunday evening pot roast or the sometimes maligned (but often delicious) meat loaf.”

Editor’s note:  Wines reviewed at TASTE Publications are encountered by our staff in several ways. They can be discovered at trade tastings or visits to wineries. They may also be purchased by staff members for their own tables or be those sent by for possible review. This is an editorial feature, not advertising, and appearance cannot be secured by payment. More information can be had by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.