2021 Wood Family “Big Wood Family Vineyards Zinfandel
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Not being a large fan of Zinfandel wine, it is always difficult to judge Zinfandel for me. However opening a bottle of the 2021 Wood Family Vineyards “Big Wood” Zinfandel makes life much easier! 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
Picture from Wood Family Vineyard, Rhonda and Harrison Wood
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article. Check out their website at the bottom of this article.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine being released last Christmas season is no coincidence. A good Zinfandel wine will have many of the Christmas spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and of course peppermint. So first on the eyes a medium dark purple yet semi-translucent brick coloring on the rim with a medium to medium heavy body. On the nose, spices of holiday cheer. On the palate this Zinfandel possesses an abundance of fruit, not sweet, but more like preserves of blackberry, plums and boysenberry. Mouth-filling with rich textures provide layers of enjoyment. On the finish the spices dance merrily in the mouth with candy cane flavor and a slight sweet vanilla pipe tobacco and roasted dark coffee. Tannins are present on the back and roof of the mouth on the finish.
The “Big Wood” Zinfandel is higher in alcohol, the 2021 being 16.3% and provides a bold and full body. This wine is 95% Zinfandel grapes from three Livermore vineyards with 5% Petite Sirah. The high natural acidity pairs well with red sauce dishes, mushrooms, pork, lamb and various cheese. This was aged 20 months in 25% new American oak barrels and the balance being neutral. 640 case were produced and is listed at $40/ per bottle.
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
Pulled this wine tonight to go with a BBQ’ed center cut pork chop. The pork chop was marinated with olive oil, minced garlic, honey mustard, cayenne pepper with salt & pepper. Accompanied by roasted red potatoes with seasoning and a Chinese shredded salad. The BBQ’ed meat imparted a beautiful smoky flavor and the Zinfandel provide a bold fruity flavor that complimented the pork. A very nice pairing with the dinner and enjoyed a glass after the meal. Was so impressed with this Zinfandel, I am now looking for other meals to enjoy with it!
Sláinte,
Michael