2023 Wood Family Vineyards “One Oak Vineyard” Merlot – Comfort Wine for Comfort Food
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
When it is stormy and raining nothing is better than comfort food and selecting the perfect wine to go with the meal.
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 slowly 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!!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This 2023 Merlot is one smooth and easy drinking Merlot. The color in the glass is your first clue this is an eloquent Merlot. The color is light radiant purple/maroon and intriguing with a medium viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, ripe plum, strawberries 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 a mouthful of Bing cherries, plums, yet silky tannins with subtle earthy tones of bramble and minerality. At the finish, still presents as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today, with or without food. Alcohol is 13.7 % with 16 barrels being produced. The wine is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels. This wine will be released Saturday May 2nd at their Q2 members release party.
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 one of our favorite “wintertime foods”, meat loaf with jalapeño peppers. This wintertime comfort food consists of ground beef, egg, chopped jalapeño peppers, minced garlic cloves, shredded Cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, chili powder and Dark & Smokey Peppers (chipotle, ancho and habanero peppers). Accompanied by sauteed gnocchi in butter and Parmesan cheese and a fresh garden salad.
The fruit profile from the Merlot wine wrapped each bite with its many spices to manage a tangy and delicious meatloaf. Having a glass with dinner was a spot on perfect pairing.
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 2023 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
https://californiawinesandwineries.com