2022 Wood Family Vineyards Petit Verdot – A Bold & Structured Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Photo from https://www.bravenewworld.wine/
First, what is Petit Verdot? The literal translation is “little green one”. This is because it is a late ripening grape from the Bordeaux region in France. It is a commonly used grape in blending, usually in small amounts to add color, tannin, structure and herbaceous notes of violet and sage. Today it is common to see 2% to no more than 10% in many Cabernet Sauvignon’s and other wine blends. More recently Petit Verdot is being seen as a 100% bottled varietal.
Key characteristics of Petit Verdot is its boldness and high noticeable tannins which pairs and complements rich fatty foods.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards Facebook
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.
From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property, they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I was smitten some time ago with Rhonda Wood’s Petit Verdot. From the beginning I was taken back and savored every sip so much I walked out with a case of Petit Verdot back in 2021. Now the update today is that her 2022 release coming out the end of June is even better! It is a combination of 94% from their estate vineyard and 6% from the Smith Ranch. It was aged in 33% new French Oak.
First on the eyes this is a cavernous dark wine, almost black. It possesses a medium heavy viscosity when swirled in the glass. On the nose intense aromas of red (cherry), black fruits (plums) and violets greet you. On the palate, the predominant trait are chewy cherries, but not sweet! Followed by leather, tobacco, anise and a slight vanilla quality. The finish was enduring and the tannins were ever present but not overtly obtrusive.
This wine is “so delicious” bold and strong, it was also enjoyable as an after-dinner wine.
I am certain to have more 2022 Wood Family Vineyards Petit Verdot in the cellar!
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
Paired this on a warm summer evening with a BBQ’ed hamburger with the trimmings! First an artisan bun with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, purple onion and smoked Gouda cheese. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad. Normally don’t have Gouda on a hamburger, but even Wine Access suggested a smoked Gouda cheese and they were spot on. Even indulged with a couple of additional slices with the wine as it was spot on. The wine with its layered structure and penetrating tannins provided a perfect food and wine pairing. It also elevated a simple hamburger to a great meal.
Sláinte,
Michael