2024 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stainless Steel – Lively, Zesty and Bright!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards does makes two different Sauvignon Blanc wines. One is finished in wood barrels and the other is their stainless-steel version. This 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, bright and lively. It is like a roller coaster ride with a sudden dip or turn! On the eyes there is 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 inviting one to partake in the activity. Layers of discerning flavors unfold to the imbiber. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit to soften the enjoyment. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable lemon zest is present. This year the lees were stirred daily for the 6-7 weeks which helped in producing a more mouth filling feel. Only 259 cases were produced, and the wine will be released in mid-February 2025 and will be priced at $34/bottle with 13.6% alcohol.
This wine made my annual Best Wines tasted in 2024 and will again in 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
I normally pair Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish and seafood dishes. However, this evening a very thick cut pork chop was the designated meal. A very thick cut was ordered at the market (almost 2”) and brined with water, salt, brown sugar, thyme, garlic and peppercorns for eight hours. The brining keeps the pork chop extremely moist and tender.
Accompanied by mashed potatoes infused with blue cheese, fresh chives and butter. Also a fresh garden salad with pepitas provided for a scrumptious meal. The food pairing was spot on with the crisp, tart and citrusy flavors complementing the richness of the meat. The acidity also cut through the fat on the pork chop.
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
Sláinte,
Michael