2018 Wood Family Vineyard Malbec and a Paella Dinner
The Winery
Rhonda Wood, winemaker at Wood Family Vineyards, makes some exceptional wines from Livermore, California. The background on the winery can be found in another story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/11/06/2018-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of the Livermore’s known name wineries, but have been regarded for years as one of the top quality wine producers. For example, just recently they received the following accolades for her 2017 Malbec:
• 2017 Malbec – 93 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Malbec – Best of Show – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
The Wine
This wine on the eyes is medium viscosity and with a deep royal purple coloration, yet around the rim it is almost translucent (per the picture). On the nose blackberries and dark red plums are the leaders rushing into claim dominance in the olfactory senses. On the palate, besides blackberries and plums, you experience a soft note of milk chocolate and gentle smokiness counterbalanced with fresh ripe cherries. The finish is velvety smooth with medium acidity and tannins with no sharpness. Also on the finish the presence of ground stone minerality. Alcohol was 14.5% with only 210 cases produced and listed at the winery at $34. This is one of my four favorite wines from Wood Family Vineyards!
The Food Pairing with 2018 Wood Family Vineyards Malbec
Are friends Jeff and Mary had prepared a Paella dinner with shrimp, chicken and Chorizo with Bomba rice and lots of spices! While many suggestions on which wine to bring, but ended up pulling the 2018 Malbec to go with the meal. The host and we both thought this made an excellent and enjoyable wine with the dinner. Accompanied with a fresh garden salad with apples, onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, sunflower seeds and a few other items.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 