Michael David Petite Petit

Michael David Petite Petit is a bold Lodi, California red blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Ten consecutive vintages have earned 90+ point ratings from Wine Enthusiast, with the most recent receiving 92 points and an “Editor’s Choice” designation—a remarkable streak for a wine produced at this volume.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, Central Valley, California  |  Style: Red Blend (85% Petite Sirah / 15% Petit Verdot)  |  Winery: Michael David Winery

Production & Heritage

Michael David Winery is a fifth-generation farming family operation rooted in Lodi, California. The Phillips family has grown grapes in the region since the 1850s, and today the winery draws on deep vineyard relationships throughout Lodi’s warm Central Valley floor. Petite Petit blends 85% Petite Sirah with 15% Petit Verdot, then spends 9 months in French oak barrels followed by 7 months in neutral oak. That dual-oak approach builds structure and spice from the French cooperage while the neutral barrels let fruit expression dominate the final profile. At roughly 125,000 cases annually, Petite Petit accounts for a serious share of Lodi’s Petite Sirah fruit, yet maintains the consistency that has driven its long run of critical recognition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich plum and boysenberry jam arrive first, layered over black cherry and licorice. With time in the glass, camphor, toast, and subtle background smoke emerge alongside vanilla.

Taste: The entry is saturated with blackberry compote and dried blueberry, shifting at mid-palate to cacao nibs, graphite, and cola. Tannins are strong but smooth, giving the wine an almost Port-like density of dried plum and black raisin without tipping into sweetness.

Finish: Long and firmly tannic, with lingering cocoa, vanilla spice, and a dark fruit echo that persists. The texture remains velvety despite the wine’s considerable structure.

How to Drink Petite Petit

Pour at cellar temperature—around 60–65°F—to balance the wine’s dense fruit and tannic framework. A brief 20–30 minute decant opens the aromatics noticeably. Its bold character also makes it an excellent base for wine-forward cocktails: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off Petite Petit’s natural cola and licorice notes; a Sangria benefits from the wine’s jammy berry core and spice; and a New York Sour gains real depth from the dark fruit intensity and tannic grip.

Best For

• Pairing with charcoal-grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, or braised short ribs
• Introducing a friend to the power of Petite Sirah without spending at boutique-winery prices
• Stocking a reliable weeknight red that consistently over-delivers for its tier
• Building a mixed case of bold California reds for backyard barbecue season

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Petite Petit taste like? Petite Petit delivers saturated blackberry, dried plum, and boysenberry jam flavors layered with cacao, graphite, and vanilla spice. Strong but polished tannins give it a dense, almost Port-like richness while remaining dry on the palate.

How does Petite Petit compare to Bogle Petite Sirah? Both are popular, accessibly priced California Petite Sirah offerings from warm Central Valley vineyards. Petite Petit distinguishes itself with its 15% Petit Verdot component—which adds aromatic complexity and mid-palate depth—and its dual French-and-neutral oak aging regimen.

Is Petite Petit good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—the wine’s full body, smooth tannins, and layered dark fruit make it a satisfying pour by itself, especially after a short decant to let the camphor and smoke notes develop.

Where is Petite Petit made? Petite Petit is produced by Michael David Winery in Lodi, California, located in the state’s Central Valley. Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes are well suited to Petite Sirah, producing deeply colored, full-bodied wines.

What foods pair well with Petite Petit? Charcoal-grilled lamb chops complement the wine’s smoky undertones. Slow-smoked brisket mirrors its black pepper and dried fruit. Aged cheddar or Gouda echo the cacao and vanilla notes. Dark chocolate desserts amplify the cocoa finish. Mushroom and beef ragu matches the wine’s tannic structure and earthy depth.

What sizes does Petite Petit come in? Petite Petit is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Petite Petit worth the price? Petite Petit positions as an everyday premium red, sitting well below boutique Petite Sirah bottlings while delivering a decade-long track record of 90+ point Wine Enthusiast scores. For its price tier, the wine represents strong value given its oak program, blend complexity, and critical consistency.

Why Petite Petit?

Few wines at this production level maintain a ten-vintage streak of 90+ scores from a major publication. That consistency stems from Michael David’s deep access to Lodi’s Petite Sirah vineyards and a deliberate blending strategy: the 15% Petit Verdot lifts aromatic complexity beyond what a single-varietal Petite Sirah typically achieves, while the two-stage oak aging balances richness with fruit purity. The result is a big, dark, tannic California red that delivers weekend-dinner intensity at a weeknight price point—and does so vintage after vintage with uncommon reliability.