Michael David Freakshow Chardonnay 2024

Originating from the United States in the California region, specifically within the Lodi AVA appellation, Michael David Freakshow Chardonnay represents a fun-loving, opulent, and fruit forward expression of California white winemaking. Produced by the historic Michael David Winery, owned and operated by the Phillips family since six generations of farming in Lodi, the 'Freakshow' range is celebrated globally for its bold, eye-catching circus themed labels and crowd-pleasing, accessible style. Sourced from sustainably farmed estate and contract vineyards across the Lodi appellation, the grapes benefit from warm Mediterranean days balanced by cool evening breezes arriving from the Sacramento River Delta. The winemaking philosophy under winemakers Adam Mettler and Derek Devries involves temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats combined with partial oak barrel maturation to strike a balance between bright varietal acidity and rich, creamy complexity.

Wine Description

The wine presents a clear, luminous golden straw colour with bright yellow reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly fragrant bouquet opens with alluring aromas of ripe nectarine, yellow apple, juicy mango, and honeydew melon, interwoven with pleasant notes of butterscotch, honey, toasted almonds, lemon curd, and warm baking spices. On the palate, it is full bodied, luscious, and smooth, delivering mouthwatering flavours of cantaloupe, ripe stone fruit, and tropical curd, all supported by a crisp spine of natural acidity. Framed by a rich, satiny texture derived from controlled lees contact and subtle oak integration, it concludes with a refreshing, long finish marked by lingering citrus zest, sweet vanilla, and a clean mineral lift. Composed of 100% Chardonnay, this release offers an optimal drinking window of 2024–2028. Stylistically, it effortlessly combines Lodi's sun-drenched fruit generosity and approachable creaminess with a lively, balanced finish.