Wood Family Summer Release Party — Sunday July 9th
Guests arriving at front door on far side of tasting room. Photo ©Michael Kelly
Attended a spectacular summer release party at the Wood Family Vineyards tasting and production area on Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm. Upon arriving each guest was greeted with their 2022 100% Albariño. Moving thru the tasting room to the processing floor, four stations were set up with a hand selected cheese pairing for the released wines and one additional bonus wine was poured.
Harrison Wood and recently appointed Susanna Marin, Director of Hospitality. Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first station was their 2021 Cabernet Franc with the following tasting notes: The Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc on the eyes is a dark ruby red/purple and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose blackberry and cherry were dominant. On the palate, plum and caramel pipe tobacco engulfed the mouth with a hint of milk chocolate. The finish is medium with soft edges and extremely smooth with an earthiness, an absence of any strong pyrazines (bell pepper) made for a soft and smooth landing and lingering finish with a hint of vanilla. The tannins and acidity were as balanced as a funambulist! A great food and wine pairing varietal with a broad range of foods and even nicknamed and referred to as “the utility player” of wine varietals by Michael Kelly. Ideal serving temperature is 67 to 70 degrees. Alcohol is 14.4 % and listed at the winery at $42/bottle. 571 cases were produced. Paired with OG Krystal Gouda from Belgium and was the hit of the day, both wine & cheese.
Don Pickett smiling while working. Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next was the 2021 Petit Verdot with the following tasting notes: Generally it has been a blending grape for highly sought out Bordeaux wines. Recently more wineries are producing Petit Verdot varietals. A quick background on this “little green one” (translation) as it got its name from being a late ripening warm climate variety. On the eyes, it is extremely dark and has a mysterious allure in the color, with radiant purple and magenta hues. On the nose, aromas of black fruits blackberry, black cherry and plum were prominent. Secondary aromas of dried herbal and floral notes of violet and sage sprang forth. On the palate, previous aromas burst through coupled with cedar, anise, sage and violet. Dense and mouth filling is best to describe this wine of “thickness and bold fruit”. The finish is rather than being high tannins with angular definition, this was rounded and smooth with an underlying structure. Little smoke and rustic characteristics are found! The wine presents itself as a being a thoroughbred stallion with smoothness and silkiness. Medium acidity only enhanced the smoothness for an enjoyable finish and allowed a slight vanilla and hazelnut to surface. Alcohol is 14.6% and listed at the winery at $38/bottle. 101 Cases produced. The cheese pairing was with an Aries Alpine style cheese from Paso Robles.
Dennis Gajewski serving wine and cheese. Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next was the 2021 Merlot with the following tasting notes: Paul Giamatti, the character in the movie “Sideways” and his disdain of Merlot almost killed this wondrous grape varietal in California. Yet this 2021 Merlot is one fierce wine and not a weak or wimpy Merlot. The color in the glass is your first clue this is a different Merlot. The color is dark purple and intriguing with a medium heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, chocolate covered berries, strawberries and vanilla waft into the senses. On the palate, it is a bit of a paradox as this is both your warm and cuddly drink that is relaxing and comforting to sip. Yet you are awakened with the first sip to an explosive mouthful of Bing cherries, plums, defined and silky tannins with subtle earthy tones of bramble and minerality. The finish has a textual feel and a complex layered structure continues to enhance the wine drinker. The words chewy and masculine almost come to mind in describing this beautiful wine. While having so many brawny characteristics, it still presents on the finish as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today with or without food. Alcohol is 13.7 % with only 241 cases produced. Price is $36/bottle. The cheese pairing was with an Old Farmdal Gouda from Belgium.
Shelley Hyde with her award winning smile! photo ©Michael Kelly
Followed by 2021 Malbec with the following tasting notes: On the eyes this wine possesses a medium viscosity with a deep royal purple coloration, yet around the rim it is almost translucent. On the nose blackberries and dark red plums are the leaders rushing in to claim dominance in the olfactory senses. Also present were violets and roses. On the palate almost overpowering black and dark red fruits (blackberries and plums) come to the forefront with tobacco, French oak, chocolate, black licorice and fresh leather round out the fullness in the mouth. The finish is velvety smooth with medium acidity and rounded embracing tannins with no sharpness. Also on the finish the presence of ground stone minerality. Alcohol is 14.2% and listed at the winery at $38/bottle. 93 cases produced. Paired with Holy Cow Swiss from Paso Robles.
Fred Graham manning Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo ©Michael Kelly
A bonus wine to the four released wines was the 2020 “Viva” Cabernet Sauvignon with the following tasting notes: The color is deep magenta red; you can barely see through it. The first impression, “this is a manly wine.” Cigar smoke wafts up from the glass… but the aromas don’t stop there. Bright red raspberries sweetened with pomegranate jelly. A depth is achieved with notes of wet earth and pencil lead. One taste, you get lip-smacking, perfect, acid and fruit. It’s all red fruits, berries, plums, and pomegranate. The texture intrigues, expressing a rugged aspect. The tannins have a roughness that scrape across the tongue, and NOT in an unpleasant way. The finish is warm, smoked plums that linger delightfully.
Photo is just a small portion of production area shown. Photo ©Michael Kelly
A great time was had by all the existing and many new club members attending the event.
Wood Family Vineyards release events are now on my calendar, as the wines, appetizers, friends and conversations were all outstanding. Great job Rhonda Wood and staff.
Sláinte,
Michael