2023 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc and “Mediterranean” Prepared Swordfish
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
An interesting fact about this wine is its history. The grapes come from the Louis Mel Ranch that was originally planted in 1883. The cuttings were brought over by Charles Wetmore from Chateau Yquem. Louis Mel’s wife, Marie, was good friends with Marquise de Lur-Saluces, long-time owners of Chateau Yquem. Wente later acquired the property and eventually morphed the vineyards to be the renowned Sauvignon Blanc Clone FPS01.
Wood Family Vineyards makes two different Sauvignon Blanc wines, this is their stainless-steel version. This stainless-steel fermented version is similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued” than a New Zealand, yet zesty, bright and lively. On the eyes there is a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity making one think it to be “light”. However, that is not the case at all. 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 merriment. Even a strong hint of lime was present. Layers of discerning flavors unfold to the imbiber. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit to soften the experience. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable lemon zest and lime are present. The current vintage is 2025 and is priced at $34/bottle with 14% alcohol.
This 2023 wine will make my annual Best Wines tasted in 2026!
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
Started off the meal with Sockeye salmon served on a fresh baguette, spread with cream cheese and topped off with Non-Pareil capers.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with freshly delivered Swordfish flown to a local market. I enjoyed blackened Swordfish but just had blackened Salmon the night before. Came up with a “Mediterranean style” preparation of my own. This included chopped Castelvetrano olives, Non-Pareil capers, minced garlic, onion powder, white wine, non-salted butter, Italian herb blend spice, dried basil, sea salt, black pepper, black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds.
With the wine light and refreshing it did not overpower the fish. A very enjoyable meal and one to be repeated.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
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
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com