Livermore Valley Wines
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
2022 CULMINATION Proprietary Red Wine Blend
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
The word culmination is defined by the “end point or final stage of something you’ve been working toward or something that’s been building up”. Synonyms are apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, summit or zenith. Wood Family Vineyards, having made dozens upon dozens of award-winning wines, decided to launch a second label. The second label is the culmination of intense understanding of the vineyard management, grape harvesting, production techniques, barrel choices and wines their customers desired. Simply stated the culmination of decades of intense knowledge and experience was more than appropriate to call the new label CULMINATION!
So why this new label? Often a second label is the function of selecting grapes from a particular row in the vineyard, special barrels, pricing profiling or aging considerations. From conversations with Harrison Wood VP and Rhonda Wood the winemaker, the second label is much more than augmenting their current production. The CULMINATION label is reserved for completely different selections and techniques producing some of the same varieties they produce at Wood Family Vineyards. Their intention is to introduce an elevated experience beyond their current offering and tasting room enjoyment. The CULMINATION wines will be targeted at wine connoisseurs and those wanting a more intimate experience with possible food pairings. Many new and exciting announcements will be forthcoming.
The CULMINATION blend wine will be released in early April. This is the second release of the CULMINATION blend.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Only occasionally one comes across an exquisitely smooth wine with just the right edginess of tannins, this is one of them! The Wood Family Vineyards has produced consistently very good Cabernet Sauvignon wines, but this is on a different stratosphere of quality. In tasting and reviewing this wine, this is the pinnacle of wine making with Livermore Valley grapes. This wine once reviewed, in my opinion, will rate between 95 and 98 points!
First on the eyes a deep almost purple/blackish coloring and with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose juicy black and red fruits fill up the olfactory senses immediately with an ethereal aroma of blackberries and black cherries. Again, leaving this wine open for a good hour allowed the fruit profile on the palate to fully mature with blueberries and blackberries. The experience of intense fruit flavors of both red and blue fruits conjoined made this wine “melt” in the mouth with a robust taste. Clove and French oak were also noted with a faint tinge of vanilla. On the extremely long finish, oak and soft new leather rounded out the tasting experience with exquisite tannins. The tannins entered the palate with texture and some jaggedness, then once fully appreciated, became soft and embracing. It reminded me of the adage, Spring coming in as roaring lion and leaves like a docile lamb! This wine is for serious and discerning imbibers of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
For the 2022 Culmination Red Wine only 58 cases were produced. It is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon from two different vineyards, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. It will retail for $100/bottle and it came in at 14.4% alcohol. The barrel treatment was for 34 months in French oak barrels.
One of the unique characteristics of this wine will be its ability to be aged 15 years in my opinion with strong fruit and firm tannins. This wine will make my annual Best Wines tasted in 2026 without hesitation.
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 seasoned and then seared filet mignon steak. The filet was barbequed to medium rare. Accompanied by a baked Yukon Gold potato, Brussel sprouts drizzled with Balsamic glaze and a fresh garden salad.
The food and wine pairing were spot on with the filet mignon meeting the fruit forward characteristics of wine and tannins.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Malbec With Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Malbec as a grape possesses an inky dark color and robust tannins. This purple grape is also one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wines. This thick-skinned grape needs more sun and heat than other known varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Livermore Valley is great location for this varietal. Besides ripening mid-season during harvest, it provides a plum flavor characteristic to wines in blending or as a standalone varietal. The key to Malbec is its rich, dark and juicy fruit.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Malbec has always been a favorite wine. While having had Cuda Ridge Wines regular Malbec in the cellar for a few years, I was again pleased opening this bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine, when poured into the glass possessed a glistening magenta coloring with a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of black fruits and earthiness wafted into the senses awakening the imbiber. Once on the palate, blackberries, blueberries and black plums were the dominate and rich flavor profiles that swirled about coating the mouth. Secondary flavors of exotic spices of cloves paired with a distinct earthiness. On the finish, light toasted wood with present tannins yet smooth and silky. Very well-balanced and structured layers of enjoyment.
This is 100% Malbec coming from the White Cat Vineyard in Livermore. The wine is aged in Pennsylvanian American oak, with 50% being once used and 50% neutral. The wine was aged 19 months in barrels and comes in at 14.5% alcohol and is sold at $40/bottle.
As an aside we contrasted the wine with a well-known Argentina Malbec, that was good but not nearly the fruit of Cuda Ridge Malbec. Cuda Ridge Malbec will be our go to Malbec of choice in the cellar.
This wine most definitely will make my annual list of 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
Dinner with this wine was a dish not paired before with Malbec. Decided on baked chicken cheese enchiladas. Thinking the spiciness of the dish would be nicely paired with the fruit of the wine to help cut through the red tomato salsa.
The enchiladas ingredients included salsa with chunky Pico de Gallo, grated cheddar cheese, shredded cooked chicken slow cooked in salsa during the day, corn kernels, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne, kosher salt, black pepper, sliced scallions and packed into wheat low carb tortillas then baked. The recipe calls for sour cream and cream cheese, nor that I like on this dish, so my wife cooked hers with them and mine without! Served with Pico de Gallo baked on the top of the enchiladas and toasted yellow corn.
The enchiladas have always been one of our go to dishes and tonight was no exception as they were delicious. The Malbec with its fruit surrounded the spicy enchiladas with each succulent bite. A very good food and wine pairing and will be a repeat for sure!
The Winery
Photo from Cuda Ridge Wines
Larry Dino, the winemaker at Cuda Ridge Wines and is the owner along with his expert wine taster Margie Dino, now has all six modern Bordeaux varietals available at the tasting room.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the solid and simple marketing ideas that Larry devised is his coloring scheme: White label for his Reserve wines, Black label for his non-Bordeaux wines and purple label for his Bordeaux varietals.
The list of awards for all his other wines is extensive and would direct you to his website to view the dozens and dozens of noteworthy awards.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Two Fun Instagram Reels
I recently have done two wine stories but these two were especially fun to put together. For those who aren’t on Instagram or don’t follow me there, thought It would be nice to put the link on the website!
First is the one on Oakville East “Franc ‘N Stern” ( a play on Elliot’s last name Stern) with his 2016 Cabernet Franc. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUKE_pCTf7/?igsh=NGx3dDIxN2lrem1z
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second on is on Wood Family Vineyards and their upcoming new release of “Against the Grain” Bourbon barrel aged wine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPKhly9AYc7/?igsh=NXE3ZXduMDZya3Jt
Photo ©Michael Kelly
You can generally find after each story on the website an Instagram Reel.
Enjoy and Sláinte,
Michael Kelly