2023 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stainless Steel
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The stainless-steel fermented version is like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued”, yet zesty and lively. On the eyes a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of lemon grass and tropical floral rise to meet the imbiber. On the palate, the strong flavors of grapefruit and lemon grass swirl about like a party in the mouth. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable finish of lemon zest. A complete and hearty Sauvignon Blanc from Livermore!! Only 240 cases were produced, and the wine was released in early March 2024, it is priced at $34/bottle with 13.6% alcohol.
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 evening with a seared Ahi tuna on the BBQ to a medium rare level. Black pepper and black sesame seeds were pounded on the fish filet before grilling. Plated with sliced green onions and pineapple pieces. Unfortunately, not shown was the wasabi, ginger and lemon compote that each delicious bit was dipped. Served with sweet yellow corn and a fresh Santa Fe chicken salad with iceberg lettuce, chicken, roasted corn, cheese and tortilla chips. The wine was sympatico with both the food this evening. The wine with its New Zealand spiciness complimented the dish. Additionally, the temperature of the wine served cool, help mitigate the “heat” of the wasabi and ginger compote.
A delicious meal with the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. As previously mentioned in another story, this wine made my Best Wines tasted in 2024.
Sláinte,
Michael