Month: January 2025
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache – A Spicy Wine with Pizza
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I had previously written about Wood Family Vineyards 2021 Grenache, and this 2023 just took on a completely new level of deliciousness. Willaim Cowper’s poem from 1785 called “The Task” stated “variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all flavor”. So, it is with the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache giving spice and flavor in abundance.
First on the eyes, a mesmerizing radiant purple hue that was semi-translucent almost iridescent appearance. On the nose, aromas of bright Bing cherries and exotic tropical spicy notes of cinnamon and bay leaf wafted into the senses. On the palate, is where this “lightly colored” wine packs a world-class punch so don’t be fooled! Besides the cherries, strawberries coated in powder sugar waking up the mouth, secondary flavors of cinnamon and vanilla rounded out the tasting experience. On the finish, a surprisingly welcomed amount of tannins resided on the back of the throat with a hint of herbal sage coupled with a smoky flavor. A complete and fulfilling Grenache was presented sip after sip. Seven barrels were produced, and it will be released mid-February. Previous vintage was aged 18 months in neutral French barrels but do not have the specifics for this year. This came in with 14.8% alcohol.
This wine will most likely make the Annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025 upon a second tasting soon.
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
This week was insanely busy and had no time last evening to prepare a “full on food pairing” to go with the wine. We decided to do a rather unusual pairing for us and bake two very different frozen pizzas to go with the wine! We had never had either of these pizzas before. It then became a pizza “bake off”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first pizza was a Porta Uncured Pepperoni pizza from Canada. It had pomodoro sauce, mozzarella and uncured smoky pepperoni. The Roman style pinsa (hand stretched) pizza dough originates from how flatbread was baked many centuries ago in Italy. The flavor of the uncured sausage was amazing. The dough did not seem to rise even with additional baking. While the sauce was good, it needed almost twice as much for our tastes. Garnished with fresh basil.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second pizza was a Rao’s Meat Trio Pizza. It consisted of sausage, uncured pepperoni, uncured bacon and Rao’s homemade pizza sauce. Advertised as using vine-ripened Italian grown tomatoes and whole milk mozzarella cheese. Also garnished with fresh basil. The taste was very good with the abundant sauce and the three meats. The uncured peperoni were better on the Porta pizza, but overall, the Rao’s won in the “bake off”.
The wine was perfectly suited for both the pizzas in adding the fruit to the uncured pepperoni saltiness and able to stand up to the sauce.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards of tasting room
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 about 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.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2022 Lavender Ridge Vineyard Grenache – An Elegant Wine in a Bottle
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I purchased this wine in April 2024 when visiting Murphys for the day. This wine stood out as one of the better wines enjoyed with wonderful cheese pairings.
First on the eyes an almost translucent light red coloring and medium viscosity. It had a similar look to a light Pinot Noir. That is where the similarity ended. On the nose, a bountiful bouquet of floral aromas wafted into the senses. On the palate, a rich combination of flavorful strawberry and raspberry notes greeted the imbiber. Secondary flavors of light cranberry and clove with other exotic spices came through while sipping and on the elongated finish. The acidity was kept in check also on the finish and excellent as a drink without food wine.
The wine sold for $28/bottle and comes in at 14.4% alcohol.
The Winery
Photo from Lavender Ridge Wines Facebook posting
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard tasting room is in the town of Murphys in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills. The tasting room is located at 425 A Main Street and specializes in Rhone varietal wines. They include Cotes du Calaveras Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Grenache, Cotes du Calaveras, Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Vin Doux and Anniversaire Blanc. They also feature an artisan cheese selection that is unique and has something for just about everyone. To read more about Lavender Ridge, see three previous articles:
Sláinte,
Michael
Did you find the five rabbits?
Were you able to find the five rabbits in yesterday’s story on Chêne Bleu Abélard?
See https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/01/29/2014-chene-bleu-abelard-a-recurring-favorite/
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.chenebleu.com
2014 Chêne Bleu Abélard – A Recurring Favorite
Photo from the winery
I have previously written stories on other vintages and now this story on the 2014. Truly a remarkable wine on so many levels–from the land, the label, the history and the wine. Firstly, the area is in the Rhone Valley and sits on top of a hillside in Provence, near Gigondas. Here is a picture from their website.
Photo from the winery
Secondly, the label is as mysterious and elusive as the wine. The label shows their respect for the land and history. They show dozens of references on the label as to what makes their wine and project so unique. Embedded in the label are five “bunny rabbits”. They used to advertise find them and submit to “Where’s Fluffy?” for a prize from the winery!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Now add the name and its meaning for the third facet of this wine. Abélard is one of two of their leading wines, Héloïse the other. In the Middle Ages, Abélard was a theologian and philosopher who had an illicit romance with his disciple Héloïse. Unfortunately, they were forced into separation but their love lasted decades of monastic seclusion and correspondence. Abélard, the Grenache blend, is strong, bold and structured. Whereas Héloïse, the Syrah blend, shows a more elegant and softer side with restraint. The winery made both wines showcase their uncompromising commitment of their love, passion and thinking of their vineyard.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While all of this and I haven’t even begun talking about the wine! If these auxiliary points were not enough to entice you to explore getting this wine, hopefully the description will. Initially when pulling this out of the cellar with a listing of Grenache/Syrah, I was expecting a mild and light French Grenache. This was so far from reality. This is perhaps one of the largest and extremely robust French wines I have had the opportunity to drink. This is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that spent 18 months in French oak barrels.
On the eyes, it is a deep ruby red and medium-heavy weight. On the nose, aromas of blueberries, licorice and black berries almost overwhelm the senses. The spices of various herbs (pepper & sage) linger in the background. On the palate, one is astonished with the liveliness of raspberries, cherry and mocha which make this wine plush and layered. The finish offers up supple tannins with just enough oak to provide “a passing hint of old world” winemaking. This is truly a rich and concentrated offering. Big and bold only begin to describe this wine.
It has been a Best Wine Tasted in previous years and will once again be on my list for 2025.
This is a must wine to be sought after for a memorable experience.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.chenebleu.com
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “One Oak Vineyard” Merlot
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paul Giamatti, the actor in the iconic movie “Sideways” playing the role as Miles and his disdain of Merlot almost killed this wondrous grape varietal in California. Even after two decades with Paul’s comments, Merlot is slowing recovering from his disparaging comments on the varietal. His classic comments range from “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving” to “I am NOT drinking any ####### Merlot!” only begins to frame the movie. A great book that just came out is called “Sideways Uncorked” by Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt recaps the Merlot saga as well as the rise of Pinot Noir. Many did not understand the significance of the end of the movie with Miles saving a bottle of Chateau Cheval Blanc a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that he was saving for a special occasion! He ended the movie confirming his love of Merlot!!
This 2022 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/maroon and intriguing with a medium heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, chocolate covered berries, ripe plum 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, jagged and yet 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 at the finish as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today, with or without food. Alcohol is 14.8 % with 8 barrels being produced. The wine is 100% Merlot and aged 18 months in French oak barrels. This wine will be released mid-February 2025. Price has not been released.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is not required to have this wine in the bathtub, but perhaps worth exploring? This wine will be tasted again soon as I believe it will make the Best Wines Tasted list for 2025.
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 to have with a new dish this evening called stuffed pepper casserole. A great wintertime comfort food consisting of chopped yellow onions, diced orange bell pepper, ground beef, tomato paste, kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped vine-ripened tomatoes, long-grain white rice and chopped parsley. The bell pepper and ground beef were first cooked in a skillet before other ingredients being added and then baked. Shredded combination of Colby and jack cheese were added and baked on top for a few minutes. Accompanied by sauteed zucchini, summer squash and mushrooms and garlic French bread.
The fruit and tannins from the Merlot wine wrapped each morsel of the beef and spices of the casserole (bell pepper) to make a tangy and delicious meal.
The Winery
Picture from Wood Family Vineyard, Rhonda and Harrison Wood
Over 20 years ago, I believe this was one of Rhonda Wood’s first wines produced and continues to be a crowd pleaser. Now her 2022 Wood Family Vineyards “One Oak Vineyard” Merlot will most definitely be an award-winning wine. Located in eastern Livermore Valley with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker. You can read more about her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wautoma Springs Cabernet Franc
The Winery
Photo from and of Wautoma Spring Winery Tasting Room
I have not personally visited the winery but was intrigued by their award prowess and having tasted one of their wines and was impressed. The winey is in southern Washington in Prosser, near the Yakima River in the Columbia Valley. The winery consists of two owners, Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle. Tom is a second-generation grape grower. He started planting his first vineyard in 1999 with Cabernet Sauvignon exclusively. He has sold his grapes to many of the more reputable wineries in Washington.
Photo from Wautoma Springs Winery
Jessica, a winemaker from Australia had moved to Washington working at Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estate and Vintage Wine Estates. Her wines were recognized as top quality and awarded locally, nationally and internationally. She spoke with Tom about working together in 2008. Instantly a partnership formed and became Wautoma Wines, producing great Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Wautoma Springs Vineyard. A great team collaboration of vineyard management and winemaking!
Photo from Wautoma Springs Winery
In 2016 they hired Rachel Mercer and opened a tasting room. In 2019 the tasting room in Prosser, WA opened. Since then, an additional tasting room opened in Woodinville. Their tag is line is simple and to the point “our story is in every bottle”.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This Cabernet Franc from the pour and aroma immediately got my attention. Not having tasted it before, the wine announced itself, garnering attention! First on the eyes a rather dark and brooding Cabernet Franc from Washington with medium viscosity. Aromas rose up to greet the senses with spices and red/black fruits. On the palate, juicy ripe plums and raspberries danced gleefully in the mouth. Secondary flavors of blueberries and soft vanilla were present and counterbalanced with herbal notes. On the finish it was very pristine and clean with mellow oak notes and tannins that were present, yet round and soft.
The wine is 14.5% alcohol and aged in 20% new French oak with only 234 cases produced. As previously mentioned, this wine deserved attention. Its awards are astonishing including:
2024 San Francisco Chronicle Competition winning Double Gold
2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge winning Double Gold and 96 points.
The name for this wine “Fork & Spoon” at first took me back. The background on the unique name (which they give to every wine produced), came from their Cabernet Franc being a rich wine with blue fruits and less pyrazines than most Cabernet Franc’s, with rounded tannins, made it a delicious food friendly wine. When trying to think of a name, the idea of food pairing came up and “thought of those meals where you find yourself digging in with a fork and spoon to get every last bite”.
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
Brought this wine to our “Friday Night Wine and Dine” at a local restaurant. Thinking of a pasta dish before arriving, but with a Mahi Mahi special with a mango chutney, I could not pass it up. Accompanied by risotto and fresh vegetables. A bit reluctant to have this wine with the fish and yet it worked reasonably well. Should I get a chance to try this wine again, I will pair it with pork or beef dish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We enjoyed a few other wines this evening which others brought to the dinner from various California AVA’s/districts: Lodi, Paso Robles, Livermore Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Anderson Valley
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Derthona Timorasso, Colli Tortonesi DOC, A Rare Find
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background on Timorasso
I was introduced to this wine about 1 ½ years back by a friend and SOMM Fran Cunniffe at a small tasting at Prima Vini Wine Shop in Dublin, California. Thoroughly enjoyed the wine and picked up two bottles awaiting the right food & wine pairing opportunity.
This wine comes from the Piedmont region of Italy from the city of Tortona. The village is halfway between Milan and Genoa. While Piedmont is renowned for its gorgeous red wines (Barbera, Dolcetto, etc.) it is also the home of Timorasso. This grape has been around since the Middle Ages but with the advent of phylloxera and the Second World War it was quickly disappearing. Additionally, this grape varietal almost went extinct due to the finicky nature of the vines: double/triple buds at break, low yields and more desirable wines from the area. Many farmers wanted to replant with more well-known grape vines. Its survivability is credited to one man, Walter Massa a local farmer from Monleale a village in Piedmont who believed in the grape. In 1980’s it was almost extinct. By the 1990’s Walter and other local producers had continued to plant grapevines. Today over 20 wineries are producing Timorasso. It is key to the Colli Toronesi DOC. To be produced as a varietal from Colli Tortonesi region, it must constitute at least 85% of the Timorasso grape and the balance can be Moscato Bianco and Favorita (Vermentino).
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine has a unique texture and layers upon layers of panache! On the eyes, a straw light-colored golden hue. On the nose, both floral and fruity notes waft into the senses. Classical Timorasso may have notes of acacia, Hawthorne, peach, honey and tropical fruits. This one from the Oddero family provided wide-reaching floral scents coupled with minerality. On the palate yellow apple was dominant. The uniqueness of this grape is the mouth filling and heavy body white wine. Soft tropical fruit was secondary but present. A generous finish of refreshing delight with well-balanced acidity and texture. This wine scored 91 points and sells for about $36/bottle. When aged, it is sometimes referred to as a “white Barolo” or “white wine for red wine drinkers”.
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
While having a heavy mouth feel white wine it is still mild and meant to go with light and medium bodied fish. While in Modesto yesterday picked up a fresh piece of Tuna at Ohana Seafood. Rubbed with olive oil, Himalayan Sea salt, black pepper and seared quickly on the BBQ. Served with a homemade medley of cut up pineapple, mango and Mandarin oranges with red pepper flakes and sliced green onions. Accompanied by brown rice.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The tuna was prepared perfectly being seared on the outside and rare on the inside!
This Timorasso was a perfect match in complementing and not overwhelming the fish. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Barra of Mendocino Zinfandel
Photo of bottle with old label ©Michael Kelly
Background on CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)
To understand the winery, it is essential to understand what organic farming and certification entails. A very brief explanation, when Charlie Barra started the winery almost 40 years ago, he undertook a Herculean task of making it organic on his terms. In his words “Yes it’s more work (annual audits/certifications, paperwork, labor requirements), more risk (crop devastation from pests) and not necessarily a bigger payout, buts essential to the well-being of this planet”. His vision was remarkable.
The BARRA of Mendocino has been CCOF for over 20 years and took 3 years of inspections prior to becoming complete. Charlie’s favorite saying is that he had been farming organically for over 55 years! Organic certification requires the vineyards are maintained without conventional pesticides or herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. Crop covers, of bell beans, red clover and peas are planted between the rows of vines and when flowering is then turned back into the soil for nutrients for the vineyards/grapes. The micro-organisms in the soil allow the vines to utilize the nutrients efficiently.
History of the Winery
Charlie followed his father and maternal grandfather who migrated to Mendocino County from Piedmont, Italy in 1906. Charlie began farming grapes in the mid 1940’s and in 1954 purchased Redwood Valley Vineyards. He worked vigorously with Karl Wente, Robert Mondavi and others to be one of the first growers of many varietals planted on the North Coast. Today the ranch grows organically Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Muscat Canelli. Besides the BARRA of Mendocino label, they have two other labels, Girasole Vineyards and CORO Mendocino. Charlie passed in 2019 and his wife of Martha who worked with him for almost 40 years, is heading the family winery which now stands at 350 acres and a 2.8-million-gallon custom crush facility. They launched the BARRA of Mendocino Brand in 1997 and the Girasole Brand in 2003. Their son and daughter also have major responsibilities to keep the “family farm” running.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The organic grapes come from the Bella Collina ranch and were hand harvested. The must was mixed twice a day to extract a beautiful color, flavor and smooth tannins. They strove for “a deep ruby color with flashes and jewel tones” and by all accounts achieved their goal.
First on the eyes a mesmerizing color of purple and ruby awaits the partaker of this wine with medium viscosity. On the nose, the aroma of fresh cherry pie in grandma’s kitchen is the predominant scent. Once on the palate, the red Bing cherries along with raspberry and Christmas spices (specifically clove and cinnamon) dance merrily in the mouth. Red licorice finished off the symphony of tastes. On the finish a dry Zinfandel with a tinge of sweetness of vanilla for the finale.
This wine is 89% Zinfandel and 11% Petite Sirah and aged 17 months in 20% new French oak barrels. Only 243 cases were produced, and the suggested retail is $24/bottle. That is a phenomenal value for the layers of enjoyment for this dry Zinfandel wine from Mendocino County coming in at 14.8% alcohol. Their current release with the new logo, is the 2021 and lists at $26/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
Paired last evening was a slow cooker Mongolian beef dish. Using a tenderized flank steak cut up in small pieces and cooked for 3 hours. First browned on the stove and then placed in the slow cooker with cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar and water. Served garnished with green onions slices and sesame seeds. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad and brown rice.
The jammy fruit and spice of the Zinfandel complemented the beef’s sweet and savory elements. A very good food and wine pairing this evening.
This wine made the Best Wines tasted back in 2022 for the bountiful flavors and tastes in the up to $50 category! Less than 2% of all wines tasted make my annual listing for “Best Wines” during any given year! Additionally, at the price point, it is an absolute deal! It will once again make my Best Wines Tasted for 2025.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Langtry Petite Sirah from Guenoc Valley
The Winery
Photo from Langtry Facebook
Have not visited the winery located in Middletown, in Lake County just north of Napa Valley. The land was purchased in 1888 by Lillie Langtry who was a famous actress and socialite during the 19th century. The purchase was for 4,200 acres that would become Langtry Farms.
Today they produce various red wines such as Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, a Proprietary Red blend, Bourbon Barrel Petite Sirah and of course Petite Sirah. They also have two dessert wines and a Sparkling Brut Rose. Their white wines consist of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier. Most of their wines are rated from 90 to 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Today they practice sustainable farming (Lodi Rules Certification) and a host of environmentally friendly and rigorous practices including water management, water recycling, weed control, cover crop, composting and drip irrigation. These practices cover their 2,000 acres of vineyards.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a beautiful purple hue on the edge of the glass and deep dark coloring. On the nose, an arrangement of juicy black fruits arises up to greet the senses. On the palate, luscious blueberries infused with the blackberry provide an opulent elixir. The rich fruits are counterbalanced with an earthiness and black licorice. On the finish pronounced tannins, yet rounded and velvety finish each sip. Serpentine Meadow vineyard is the source of their Petite Sirah and is known for producing robust and complex characteristics. The wine sells for $42/bottle. The lone Blue Bent Oak is a drawing of one that sits on the property that is 300 years old showing their determination to produce sustainably farmed wine of distinction.
The overall impression was the wine offered some unique characteristics of their terroir and provided layers of enjoyment. Especially noteworthy was the initial tannins coming on strong and finish ultra smooth.
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
This wine was chosen to pair this evening with a 24-hour marinated and then seared tri tip steak. We had tried this marinate a short time back with another cut of meat and decided to give it a try this evening. The ingredients for the marinade include a purple onion, fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and minced garlic. Additional marinade sauce was prepared to drizzle on the meat when served. Accompanied by a twice baked potato with chives and cheddar cheese. The wine provided enough tannins and boldness to easily cut through the meat and with its fruit guided each seared piece of beef in the mouth. A very nice food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “Big Wood” Zinfandel
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Rhonda Wood’s previous vintage inspired me to reconnect with Zinfandel. Now her 2022 is even more enticing! 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 will be released on February 1st, 2025. A beautiful expression of Zinfandel that is somewhere between an “Amador bomb” and a reserved varietal from Dry Creek area in Sonoma. First on the eyes a medium dark purple and magenta coloring yet semi-translucent on the rim with a medium body. On the nose, luscious blackberry, anise and pepper. On the palate this Zinfandel possesses an abundance of fruit, semi-sweet, but more like preserves of blackberry, plums and boysenberry. Mouth-filling with rich discernable textures provides layers of enjoyment. On the finish the spices leap merrily in the mouth with cinnamon and nutmeg with a tinge of roasted dark coffee and dark chocolate. The tannins are initially present in the mouth but as the wine opens, they dissipate into the background as round and warmly embracing.
The “Big Wood” Zinfandel is higher in alcohol than the 2021 as the 2022 being 16.7% and is a bold and full body wine. 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 cheeses. This was aged 18 months in 23.6% new American oak barrels and 1.4% new Hungarian oak barrels. The balance of barrel treatment being neutral or once used. 870 cases were produced and will be listed released at $42/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 Bratwurst sausages of smoked gouda and jalapeño peppers. Accompanied by sliced roasted small potatoes, steamed broccoli and a fresh garden salad. The food and wine pairing were wonderful together as the bold and fruity flavor of the wine contrasted nicely with the heat of the jalapeno peppers and welcomed the smoky gouda.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We have paired the Bratwurst sausages with other wine varietals in the past, but this may be our favorite going forward!
Sláinte,
Michael