2021 Wood Family Vineyards “Woody’s” Cabernet Sauvignon – Perfect for 4th of July!
The Winery and Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Happy 4th of July! Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley, with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article. Her 2019 Won a Silver Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition and suspect this 2021 will follow that tradition.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While fireworks may be going on, depending on where you live, here with this wine was a quiet respite. Not an explosive fireworks like some of other regions, just a calming and enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon. First on the eyes a very dark and royal purple coloring with a medium viscosity. On the nose, dark black cherry aromas waft into the senses. On the palate you find caressing black & red cherries and strawberry flavors, with both sweet and sour notes of those fruits, neither being overpowering. It is a medium dry. On the finish, tannins catapult to the roof of the mouth, with a knowledge of its pedigree without sharp edges and acknowledge of oak aging. Relatively lower in alcohol at 14.2%, contributing to its softer character. 570 cases were produced and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from eastern Livermore valley. The wine goes for $34/bottle and the 2022 will be released mid-August.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
What could be more traditional on a 4th of July holiday? Just an old fashion BBQ’d hamburger loaded with all the goodies. Those include lettuce, bacon, tomato slices, red onion, ketchup and mustard! Accompanied by some baked beans and a fresh garden salad (not shown). The wine and hamburger went together extremely well and light enough in the 102 degree weather. Enjoyed a glass with the meal and after the meal by itself.
Sláinte,
Michael