2019 Wood Family Vineyards Malbec Being Released in March, 2022
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 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
I received this wine before it’s official release to do a review and was I pleased. 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. Also present were violets and roses. On the palate, besides blackberries and plums, you experience a soft note of milk chocolate and gentle smokiness counterbalanced with fresh ripe cherries and soft spiciness. The finish is velvety smooth with medium acidity and tannins with no sharpness. Also on the finish the presence of ground stone minerality provide a juicy and mouth filling finish. Alcohol was 14.7% with 108 cases produced and listed at the winery at $34. This is one of my four favorite wines from Wood Family Vineyards! Wood Family 2018 Malbec made the list of Best Wines Tasted in 2021 and the 2019 definitely will make my Best Wines Tasted in 2022!
The Food Pairing with 2019 Wood Family Vineyards Malbec
Paired with a beef Teriyaki with snow peas and green onions. Ingredients included thinly sliced flank steak, teriyaki sauce, snow peas, Mirin, cayenne pepper, cornstarch, sliced shitake mushrooms, sliced garlic cloves, grated ginger root and scallions. The flavoring of the meat was so delightful and with the mouth filling Malbec, a truly memorable meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 