Livermore Valley Vintners Collective
2023 LVVC Blend from Wood Family Vineyards – Specific Aromas and Flavors
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
What is LVVC? LVVC stands for Livermore Valley Vintners Collective a group of winemakers in Livermore Valley who showcase what can be achieved solely with Livermore grapes. Each year a “framework” of grape selections and percentages are announced. Each of the participating wineries make their wines according to the strict framework (usually one varietal with a percentage) and up to several grapes with a minimum and maximum percentage. This allows each winery to have “similar expressions” of the blend yet allowing individual creativity.
The requirements for 2023 were that that between 30-40% had to be Cabernet Sauvignon and the winemakers could use anything they wished with no one varietal being more than 25%.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2023 Wood Family Vineyards blend is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. All the blends this year were a combination of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties which proved interesting to pair with food. More below on that subject.
In previous vintages, it was very easy to taste and disseminate each varietal, but this year was a bit more difficult. The Cabernet Sauvignon was easy enough to root out with its tannins and fruits, but the Merlot put a blanket on it to keep it in check. The Grenache was light and its berry driven fruit was tucked away behind the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah provided body and dark fruits of blackberries and blueberries. The Mourvèdre with its thicker skins added both a boldness and chewy mouthfeel to the finish.
A very enjoyable drinking wine with both boldness and subtle nuances to be discovered in each sip.
The 2023 LVVC from Wood Family currently goes for $45/bottle. It came in at 14.9% alcohol and was aged in 25% new French oak barrels, 3% new Hungarian oak and the balance neutral for 26 months. A wine to be consumed stand alone or with very selective meals. Only 192 cases were produced. It will be released on August 22nd and 23rd at their Third Quarter Club 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
Paired this evening with chicken enchiladas prepared with whole wheat tortilla shells, cut pieces of chicken breasts, salted butter, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, chopped cilantro, red enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese. Topped off with fresh Pico de Gallo and served with toasted corn.
The wine with its variety of grapes worked wonderfully with the grapes of bold flavors and the fruit surrounding each bite with a great counterbalance.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
Many stories on Wood Family Vineyards have been written, and I would suggest the following links to get a better understanding of the winery and wines offered.
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/01/20/2022-wood-family-vineyards-big-wood-zinfandel/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/08/23/2022-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
These links will help provide you the breath, scope and award-winning wines offered by Wood Family Vineyards.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 LVVC Blend from Wood Family Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
What is LVVC? LVVC stands for Livermore Valley Vintners Collective a group of winemakers in Livermore Valley who showcase what can be achieved solely with Livermore grapes. Each year a “framework” of grape selections and percentages are announced. Each of the participating wineries make their wines according to the strict framework (usually one varietal with a percentage) and up to several grapes with a minimum and maximum percentage. This allows each winery to have “similar expressions” of the blend yet allowing individual creativity.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This year’s requirement was to have a min/max of 35-40% Cabernet Sauvignon and balance being up to five varieties with no more than 25% of any other. The wineries participating this year for the 2022 release were: Fenestra Winery, JMC Cellars, Las Positas Vineyards, Page Mill Winery, Rosa Fierro Cellars and Wood Family Vineyards. The percentage each chose are listed in the above picture.
This year’s release event was held at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on May 22, 2025.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards blend was 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 25% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah. All the blends this year were a combination of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties which proved interesting to pair with food. More below on that subject.
In previous vintages, it was very easy to taste and disseminate each varietal, but this year was a bit more difficult. The Zinfandel was easy with ripe berries, black pepper and spiciness. The Grenache was light and its berry driven fruit was tucked away behind the bolder Zinfandel. The Syrah provided body and dark fruits of blackberries and blueberries. The Petite Sirah added a boldness to the wine as well as tannins and dark fruit.
A very enjoyable drinking wine with both boldness and subtle nuances to be discovered in each sip.
The 2022 LVVC from Wood Family currently goes for $45/bottle. It came in at 14.7% alcohol and was aged in 50% new oak barrels for 19 months. A wine to be consumed stand alone or with very selective meals.
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 dry rubbed pork tenderloin drizzled with Cherry Pepper sauce. The dry rub consisted of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and a pinch of chili powder. Accompanied by a baked Russett Potato, sauteed zucchini with tomatoes and onions. A fresh garden salad with cherry tomatoes, purple onion, apple slices and pepitas.
The wine with its variety of grapes worked wonderfully with the bold flavors of Zinfandel with spicy notes surrounding each bite with fruit. The Cabernet and Petit Sirah with its tannins and bold flavors and adding texture to the meal. The flavorful seasonings were simply symbiotic to the spices of the dry rub. The Grenache stood up nicely to the pork’s richness. And the Syrah’s intensity also worked hand in hand with the smokiness of the pork’s dry rub.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Many stories on Wood Family Vineyards have been written and I would suggest the following links to get a better understanding of the winery and wines offered.
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/01/20/2022-wood-family-vineyards-big-wood-zinfandel/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/08/23/2022-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
These links will help provide you the breath, scope and award-winning wines offered by Wood Family Vineyards.
Sláinte,
Michael