Livermore Valley Wines
2020 Cuda Ridge Wines Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry makes his Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon in the “non-Bordeaux style” being more of a New World style with fruit forward, bolder style with the alcohol being higher than the Purple Label offering. This 2020 is a blend of two vineyards being White Cat Vineyard (75%) and Smith Ranch (25%). The barrel treatment is 71% American Oak and 29% French oak and aged for 18 months. The wine comes in at 15.9% alcohol and was released on June 25th 2022. Only 363 cases were produced.
The wine when first poured into the glass was a deep intense purple color yet with magenta hues around the rim. A medium heavy wine when swirled in the wine glass. On the nose aromas of violets waft into the senses with an allure to partake in the wine. On the palate, there is a lot going on with this wine. First dark fruits of dark cherry and blackberries are dominant. Secondary flavor of raspberries rush in and are counterbalanced by subtle tastes of cedar. The finish imparts a structured and well-defined assemblage of the parts coming together. A soft undertone of cocoa and sweet/tart blueberry completes the tasting of this broad grandiose wine.
This wine won a Gold Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition in 2023. The current release is 2023 and is listed at $46/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 this evening with large juicy ribeye steak from Nebraska bought at Chuck’s Fine Meats in Mesa. The steak was seasoned and then seared at 1500 degrees on an infrared BBQ and served medium rare. The steak was so large, my wife and split the steak! Accompanied by a baked Russet potato and then halved.
This was an excellent food and wine pairing with the wine enveloping each bite and enriching the taste of the meat.
The Winery
Photo from Concannon Vineyards
In August 2026, Cuda Ridge Wines was acquired by Lemmon Family Vineyards and now operates in their own tasting salon at Concannon Winery in Livermore. For the complete story you can read at:
Larry is still the winemaker for Cuda Ridge Wines continuing to make his excellent wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2023 Wood Family Vineyards “Muy Bueno” Zinfandel – Just in Time for Holidays??
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Being produced from one vineyard in Livermore provides a “terroir” of distinction. A dark wine in the glass with medium-heavy viscosity, yet translucent on the edges. Strong aromas of black fruits greet the imbiber followed by tastes of jammy, brightness of plums, red and black cherries and freshly picked berries providing an unparalleled juiciness of flavors. On the palate, the fruit is lively and refreshing with a tinge of spicy nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. A reminder of Christmas spices. On the finish anise and black pepper notes linger along with the jammy fruit and from memory, just a bit more sweetness than the previous vintage. The wine will be released in November.
Rhonda adds what they call a late harvest Zinfandel into the blend to enhance the sweetness just slightly. With one lot of Zinfandel (a couple bins/barrels) they intentionally stop the fermentation (leaving it a bit sweet) and add it back into the lot at final blending (before bottling). Also this wine uses 25% new American oak barrels. The wine came in at 14.9% alcohol.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Fun facts about Zinfandel:
- Zinfandel was once known as the “Bordeaux of California” by the gold rush miners.
- The first Zinfandel grapes in California were planted in the Oak Knoll area of Napa Valley
- Today it is still the fourth largest grape varietal planted in California.
- White Zinfandel accounts for six times the production of red Zinfandel.
- At the end of the 19th century, Zinfandel was the most planted grape in California.
- Food pairings run the gambit of BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, cheddar, pork, turkey & smoked Gouda cheeses.
- 9 out of 10 Zinfandel wine drinkers gave Wood Family Zinfandel Muy Bueno a thumbs up! (ok I made this one up!).
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
The wine was specifically selected for tonight’s dinner to go with dry rubbed and baked pork tenderloin. The dry rub included chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, fine sea salt, pepper, Flatiron Pepper Company Dark & Smokey peppers and a little extra virgin olive oil. The slices of pork tenderloin were served with a drizzle of raspberry chipotle sauce. Accompanied with sauteed green beans, mushrooms with garlic slices. Also, angel hair pasta with herbs and Parmesan cheese.
The slices of spicy pork tenderloin provided ample flavors, and the wine provided a great counterbalance with a tinge of sweetness at the finish. A nice solid food and wine pairing. Personally, for me, this is a wine needing a food pairing or standalone as a dessert wine.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://arizonawinesandwineries.com
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
One Holiday (Labor Day), Two Wines and a Simply Delicious Meal
Background
We decided to BBQ this weekend and invite those family members that were in town for dinner.
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
We started off with a 2023 Culmination Sauvignon Blanc. This is no ordinary Sauvignon from Livermore Valley as it is Barrel Aged. This is made by the Wood Family Vineyards and this label represents their higher end, boutique and artisan wines being produced.
The specific Acacia wood barrel and stirring of the lees makes the wine feel creamier and much broader on the palate. This is exactly the taste and texture Wood Family Vineyards targeted for this wine. Still the same basic flavors of the stainless steel but some slight nuances. The 2023 Barrel Aged Sauvignon Blanc picked up besides textural qualities, it also mellowed out or tempered the stronger notes of the grapefruit and citrus. The aging also provided a secondary aroma and herbaceous flavors not found in the stainless steel. Present was more lemon grass and a tinge of vanilla on the finish which was so refreshing and contrasting to the citrus qualities. The wine ends up being refreshing, high in acidity, complex and creamy. This is precisely the qualitative difference Rhonda Wood was striving to make showcasing the barrel aging offering. This came in at 13.6% alcohol with only 75 cases being produced.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Today they produced this barrel aged Sauvignon Blanc under their new designation called Culmination. The grapes come from the historic Louis Mel Ranch that was established in 1884. Mrs. Mel was friends with the Marquise of Chateau d’ Yquem and was able to secure cuttings from there. This is the second release of Rhonda Wood’s Sauvignon Blanc aged in barrel. The wine is fermented in three barrels with one being an Acacia barrel aged for 7 months. The other two barrels were aged in neutral French oak. They were kept separate until tanked for bottling and aged on the lees and stirred every two weeks. The 2024 Culmination is listed at $50/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Doing some research found out Sauvignon Blanc is a recommended wine with Guacamole! The reason for this is that the piercing acidity and herbal undertones mirror the lime juice and green onions. This was the truth and while enjoy Sauvignon Blanc by itself, this added a wonderful pairing dimension. The Guacamole dip besides avocadoes including green onions, cut cherry tomatoes, diced jalapeño peppers and tobacco sauce.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Another appetizer for the evening was a new salsa that was recommended. It is called Mateo’s Gourmet Salas Medium and provides a pleasant roasted tomato and pepper taste with a zesty and chewy finish.
We then moved on to dinner with two delicious homemade salads being prepared. The first was my wife’s potato salad that consisted of Russet potatoes, chopped onions, celery, hard boiled eggs, mayo, mustard and cider vinegar.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second salad was a refreshing fruit salad with pineapple, blueberries, bananas, pears, oranges, peaches and possibly many other fruits by my sister. I was eating so quickly, I unfortunately did not take the time to identify all the ingredients!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The main entrée for dinner was a simply BBQ’ed burger. The meat was from a newly found butcher shop where he makes Brisket burgers. We were shopping there last week and decided to give it a try as it was noted as a customer favorite by the clerk. While we all enjoyed the much heavier consistency of the beef, think we will go back to our regular ground chuck for BBQ-ing. We all discussed next time going with Bison burgers which they also sell. A few Italian pork sausages were picked up and grilled on the stove.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Plenty of food for everyone and this was paired with a 2021 Copia GSM called “The Cure” from Paso Robles. It is 45% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache and 27% Syrah. This was a perfectly matched wine for the flavorful burgers with the fruit from the Syrah enveloping each bite and the Mourvèdre and Grenache adding both flavors, freshness and subtle spices to the meal. A solid GSM and perfectly matched with the food.
From my previous review of the 2021 Copia Vineyards and Winery “The Cure” written in 2025:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes, this a dark and brooding ruby red and medium-heavy viscosity. Once placed under the nose to gain an insight to what was to come, aromas of mocha, dark French coffee and floral notes wafted into the senses. Then on the palate this wine exploded with dark chocolate, depth of the three varietals not commonly found in a GSM. Blackberries and blueberries bounced joyfully in the mouth beckoning yet another sip! At the finish, a plushness of black fruit, along with a smoky quality and spice notes provided ample time to savor each sip. Additionally, beautiful and elegant, yet surprisingly perfectly appropriate tannins were present. The chocolate finish provided a great counterbalance making the textual chewy finish that was elegant and memorable.
This wine received ratings of 95 points from The Somm Journal, 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94-96 points from Jeb Dunnuck. This is a pedigree of quality represented in this GSM.
We all left the table stuffed enjoying each morsel served this evening.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://arizonawinesandwineries.com
2023 Wood Family Vineyards GSM – Fruit Forward With Spices and Sufficent Acidity
Background on GSM
Photo ©Michael Kelly
GSM in the wine world stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre – three important grapes grown in the Côtes du Rhône region of France. Today, it is universally produced around the world. Why blend these three wines? The blend produces great complex red fruit flavors and is age worthy. Typically, GSM wines are bright, with in-your-face aromas of ripe fruit, sage, herbs and can range from smooth to edgy tannins. By changing the percentages of each varietal in the GSM, a winemaker can significantly change the flavor profile. By adding more Grenache, the lighter of the three grapes, the outcome will be a lighter wine. Adding more Syrah, the outcome is a stronger and bolder wine. Mourvèdre a strong grape varietal, is typically added in small amounts. The result of each winemakers’ blend, when a bright and fruity Grenache is blended with deep and peppery Syrah and Mourvèdre, is like an artist creating a masterpiece to their liking. GSM, with three distinctly different grapes, can run the gamut of coloring and flavor profiles.
Many have only tasted a weak GSM, while desired more flavor and written off the entire classification of GSM wines. One size does not fit all with GSM percentages varying from winemaker to winemaker.
As I was preparing the wine to go with this evening meal, I was thinking that I normally am not a fan of GSM wine from any winery. However, I opened it up and was so surprised! I could not have imagined that this wine would possess such an impactful flavor and spice. So now I believe GSM also stands for “Get Some More” wine!
The Winery
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
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Immediately pouring the wine you are taken back with a semi-transparent magenta coloring with traces of purple and violet coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose and palate is where you are awakened to something beautiful and appealing. On the nose, pepper, strawberry, and blackberry waft into the senses. On the palate is where the “masterpiece is painted” with the soft and yet spicy berry notes from the Grenache, the dark fruit of the Syrah and coloring, tannins and earthy notes of the Mourvèdre. All of these components provide beautiful and compatible flavors of strawberry, blackberry, and dark plum while still providing a bright fruit on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying with firm tannins and acidity which was surprisingly welcomed after the fruit, adding structure and complexity to a robust conclusion. One of the best GSM’s tasted in recent memory and Rhonda Wood’s winemaking strikes gold again!
This 2022 GSM will be available on May 2nd at their Q2 release party at the winery. This vintage blend is 57% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre with 26 barrels being produced. The wine comes in at 14.6% alcohol. The grapes are from various site locations in Livermore.
This wine will also make my annual Best Wines tasted for 2026 in this year’s report.
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
The wine this evening was chosen to go with a new recipe called Mongolian Beef Noodles. This is similar but a bit different than previous recipes. This called for noodles (chose our favorite Pancit Canton Chow Mein noodles), cut up flank steak to bite-size pieces, cornstarch, canola oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar and served with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad.
Wanted a fruit-forward, low-tannin red wine with good acidity so grabbed a bottle of Wood Family GSM. This wine complemented the ginger, beef and onions without clashing harshly with it.
The refreshing Wood GSM helped to surround the flavorful entrée and yet still provide the spiciness of the wine as previously described. The savory and pepper notes of the GSM matched the herbaceous savory flavors of the beef dish. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
JMC Cellars – Besides Jessica, a Few Other Surprises
Photo from JMC Cellars
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I met Jessica, owner and winemaker of JMC Cellars located at 6800 Greenville Road in Livermore a year ago at LVVC wine release party at Bankhead Theater. Had just a brief exchange with her but she was eager to get together and have me taste some of their wines. Long story, but between both of our schedules and travel, we couldn’t arrange a time until mid-July.
Winery
The gotcha for me was her producing some “unusual” wines. Those wines include Teroldego, Grignolino, Nebbiolo, Peloursin and a few others. Yes, she does make more of the standard varieties like Syrah, GSM, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Malbec and others. She is especially keen on interesting and intriguing names like Fleur Sauvage, Because… , Talking Bull, Blind Pig, etc. There are stories behind each of these names and best to hear it directly from Jessica!
Her production is typically one or two barrels of each offering. Her current production is around 1,000 to 1,200 cases per year currently. When ask what was her 5 year goal for production she stated in the 2,000 to 3,000 case per year range. Currently she is getting her grapes from Lodi, Livermore and other areas offering quality grapes. I did taste just a couple of her wines and here are my quick reactions:
Fleur Sauvage – a Syrah style blend in the Northern Rhone inspired co-fermentation with Viognier. The nose alone was captivating. The translation of Fleur Sauvage means Wild Flowers.
Teroldego – one of my favorite varietals, so had to try it. It was smooth and silky and excellent wine.
Roussanne- She gets her grapes from a local Livermore vineyard, and it is a refreshing summer wine.
Peloursin – Getting this varietal from Lodi delta area. Peloursin is the father of Petite Sirah varietal.
Pinot Noir – Getting the grapes from atop of the Sunol grade and was bone dry.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
All of this took place while sitting on the outside deck with a wonderful view of the vineyards (not hers).
Background
Jessica graduated from University of Portland in Civil Engineering and landed a job in the Livermore area. While working daily as a Civil Engineer, on the weekends she took up tasting wine at various wineries. This is where is got the “wine bug”. She landed a job at Big White House behind the tasting room bar, soaking up all she could muster on the wine culture both from customers and co-workers.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In 2013 she took a leave of absence and received her certificate on enology from Las Positos Jr College. She then was hired as co-winemaker at Big White House winery. She hooked up with a backer and launched JMC Cellars in November 2023.
Open Discussion
We spent the next 45 minutes discussing wines she has in mind coming out soon, the wine economy both locally and nationally, overall economy, her marketing plans with Constant Contact, her Instagram reels (which are hysterical) but wineries have legal issues to contend with, her range of events drawing in the “alphabet generations” trying to keep approachable (family days, dog friendly, Hide & Seek, Geek Out event, Drag Nights, Wine Club Activities, Music events, etc). She and her staff do not lack creativity in coming up with ideas!
It was a pleasure to meet and talk with Jessica in depth. She is on a solid footing in her endeavor and has a definite plan to keep moving forward with growth. Great to see both good wines, forward thinking and creativity coming together. This is a winery to visit now and keep your eye on for future developments.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2024 Wood Family Vineyards “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is simply no simple explanation on how Rhonda Wood makes consistently great Chardonnay wine except that she is a perfectionist! She has for seven to eight years made Chardonnay wines that have been one of my favorites and annually makes the yearly listing of Best Wines Tasted in the year. It is once again for her 2024 vintage for the Best Wines Tasted in 2026.
This wine comes from two different vineyards in Livermore, one on the valley floor and the other in the hills. The wine is barrel fermented in 100% French oak barrels with 35% new for 10 months. The stirring of the lees was every two weeks.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First in the glass a slightly darker golden color that shimmers in daylight with brightness. A heavier than usual Chardonnay. On the nose a cornucopia of fruits rise to meet the imbiber with green apples and pears being dominant. Once on the palate the fruits of green apple and ripe pear swirl about merrily in the mouth. Additionally stone fruits of apricot and peach provide a secondary flavor and slightly shy quality, but welcoming. On the finish a brioche quality of “heaviness” provides a beautiful conclusion to each sip. Less sweet than the previous vintage with more fruits allowed to come into play.
This release for 2024 Chardonnay is targeted for mid-August. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol and list price is $36/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 this evening with a silver salmon caught in Alaska on the Kenai River. It was vacuum sealed and frozen and transported to Phoenix. I was given a beautiful filet by Mike & Jenn Cole. This was one of the most delicious pieces of salmon I have eaten.
Photo from Wikipedia of Kenai River
Prepared on the stove top in a blackened rub consisting of coriander, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt and cayenne pepper. It was cooked in olive oil, white wine and lemon juice. Served with diced mangos and pineapple. Accompanied by small red potatoes baked with herbs and a fresh garden salad with French Blue cheese and bacon.
The wine with its fruit and smoothness paired calmed down the spicy blackened salmon was a winning combination! A great food and wine pairing.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family website
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 Rhonda’s background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Recently at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (largest in North America), Wood Family Vineyards won the following awards, and not all are listed:
2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold
2021 Malbec – Double Gold
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon “Clone 30” – Double Gold
2021 El Loco Rojo Red Blend – Double Gold
2021 The Captain Red Blend – Double Gold
The list of awards is extensive featuring all their wines on their website.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 Wood Family Vineyards GSM and Mediterranean Chicken for an Enhanced Meal
Background on GSM
Photo ©Michael Kelly
GSM in the wine world stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre – three important grapes grown in the Côtes du Rhône region of France. Today, it is universally produced around the world. Why blend these three wines? The blend produces great complex red fruit flavors and is age worthy. Typically, GSM wines are bright, with in-your-face aromas of ripe fruit, sage, herbs and can range from smooth to edgy tannins. By changing the percentages of each varietal in the GSM, a winemaker can significantly change the flavor profile. By adding more Grenache, the lighter of the three grapes, the outcome will be a lighter wine. Adding more Syrah, the outcome is a stronger and bolder wine. Mourvèdre a strong grape varietal, is typically added in small amounts. The result of each winemakers’ blend, when a bright and fruity Grenache is blended with deep and peppery Syrah and Mourvèdre, is like an artist creating a masterpiece to their liking. GSM, with three distinctly different grapes, can run the gamut of coloring and flavor profiles.
Many have only tasted a weak GSM, while desired more flavor and written off the entire classification of GSM wines. One size does not fit all with GSM percentages varying from winemaker to winemaker.
As I was preparing the wine to go with this evening meal, I was thinking that I normally am not a fan of GSM wine from any winery. However, I opened it up and was so surprised! I could not have imagined that this wine would possess such an impactful flavor and spice. So now I believe GSM also stands for “Get Some More” wine!
The Winery
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
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Immediately pouring the wine you are taken back with a semi-transparent magenta coloring with traces of purple and violet coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose and palate is where you are awakened to something beautiful and appealing. On the nose, pepper, strawberry, and blackberry waft into the senses. On the palate is where the “masterpiece is painted” with the soft and yet spicy berry notes from the Grenache, the dark fruit of the Syrah and coloring, tannins and earthy notes of the Mourvèdre. All of these components provide beautiful and compatible flavors of strawberry, blackberry, dark plum while still providing a bright fruit on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying with firm tannins and acidity which was surprisingly welcomed after the fruit, adding structure and complexity to a robust conclusion. One of the best GSM’s tasted in recent memory and Rhonda Wood’s winemaking strikes gold again!
This 2022 GSM will be available on May 2nd at their Q2 release party at the winery. This vintage blend is 57% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre with 26 barrels being produced. The wine comes in at 14.6% alcohol. The grapes are from various site locations in Livermore.
This wine will also make my annual Best Wines tasted for 2026 in this year’s report.
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
The wine this evening was chosen to go with a new recipe called Mediterranean Chicken. The ingredients included chicken breast, dried oregano, garlic powder, olive oil, minced garlic, dry white wine, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, fresh baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad and wild brown rice. The refreshing Wood GSM helped to surround the flavorful entrée and yet still provide the spiciness of the wine as previously described. The savory and pepper notes of the GSM matched the herbaceous savory flavors of the chicken dish. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
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