livermore-valley
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon – A Versatile Wine
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2022 Wood Family Vineyards “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon is a great and versatile wine. It falls between some of the stellar Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (and now Wood Family Culmination Cabernet Sauvignon) and many commercial & grocery store daily wines! There are days where a big and bold Cabernet along with mouth puckering tannins is too much to have as a standalone wine. Conversely a “milk toast” commercial/grocery store Cabernet doesn’t provide enough fruit, balance and tannins to be enjoyed with a hearty steak. Now the solution appears with “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon by Wood Family Vineyards. This wine is mellow enough to enjoy by itself but can also packs enough punch to go with a meal.
Thus, the versality with the “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon. For those occasions where a softer, more refined and gentler Cabernet Sauvignon is required this Wood Family Vineyards “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon is spot on! Rhonda Wood does make your bigger and heartier Cabernet Sauvignon’s (“Especial”, “Clone 30”, “Woody’s Cab” and now “Culmination) for those characteristics and for heavy food and wine pairings. She calls those Cabernets “fork & knife Cabernets”. I call them “chewy Cabernets”. Each has its place and now “VIVA” provides a perfect mid-point Cabernet for the wine aficionado.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a deep and bright purple and maroon color stands out in the glass with a medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of cherries and flowers waft gently into the senses. I have stated this before and it is again true for the 2022 vintage, that on the palate this wine cuddles up like a down comforter on a cool winter evening. While tannins are present, they are absent of harshness or overwhelming oak layers upon layers to debunk. Vanilla, cranberry, raspberry and a hint of blueberry swarms about to provide a compelling wine to sip and enjoy. The finish is medium length and harmonious. Alcohol percentage is 14.3% and aged in French oak with 14 barrels being produced.
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
For dinner tonight after some research on a pan-fried thick pork chop, a soft California Cabernet Sauvignon was listed. While never paired a pork chop with a Cabernet Sauvignon decided to give it a go! The thick 1 ½” pork chop was pre-soaked in a brine solution consisting of salt, water, peppercorns, garlic and red pepper flakes. This made the meat extremely moist.
It then was patted dry, seasoned with black pepper, minced garlic, sea salt and paprika pan fried and then baked. It was topped top with a cherry pepper sauce (not shown) and delicious. Accompanied by a baked Russet potato with chives and sautéed halved Brussel sprouts.
Having the cherry pepper sauce helped the food and wine blend nicely together. While each was great by itself, it is not a recommendation to follow having pork chops with Cabernet Sauvignon. A better choice would have been a GSM, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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/
and their new and off the charts Culmination “Bordeaux style” Cabernet Sauvignon at:
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Carménère With BBQ’ed Tri Tip Steak
Photo ©Michael Kelly
History of Carménère
The history of the Carménère varietal is as fascinating as it is happenstance! It was once one of the grapes in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, one of the original historical seven grapes of Bordeaux. It originally served a similar purpose as Petit Verdot, producing a deep red ink on wines. Carménère originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the crimson color of the autumn foliage.
Photo from Wikipedia
When the Phylloxera plague hit in 1867 destroying most of the vineyards in Europe, many thought the Carménère grape was extinct. It wasn’t until 150 years later that it was discovered that Chile had preserved the Carménère grape thinking it was Merlot (from clippings planted from France). DNA confirmed that it was the missing 6th varietal of Bordeaux.
Carménère Today
Carménère grows mainly in Chile, specifically the Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley and in the Maipo Province. It is also grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and recently several wineries in Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, Napa and Calaveras are producing it, albeit in small quantities. The 2023 USDA Statistical Service showed only 78 acres planted of the 284,341 in the state of California or .00027%. Oregon and Washington also have some root stock growing in Carménère, but their summary of red wine grapes planted does not even breakout Carménère!
Uniqueness of Carménère
As a varietal, it has the deep ruby coloring and aromas of red fruits. Tannins are softer and milder than Cabernet Sauvignon, thus its use in blending to soften a strong Cabernet. The use is similar to Merlot in formulating an enjoyable blend. Chile produces a 100% Carménère which has a cherry and fruity flavor with traces of smoke and earthy notes combined with inky coloration.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is one of my favorite pictures of Larry at a recent tasting this year. Lots of captions can be used to describe this picture. For this story, I will forego the story about the big fish that got away and state Larry was describing the spectrum and enormity of flavors in his Carménère!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines in Livermore, California with Larry Dino as the winemaker and his wife Margie as chief wine taster. They produce Bordeaux style wines. The Cuda Ridge Wines tasting room is located at 2400 Arroyo Road in Livermore, California. The picture above and below are just a portion of the tasting room and they have a large outdoor seating area. Cuda Ridge Wines current production is approximately 2100 cases. They produce the following Bordeaux varietals: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and most recently their addition of Carménère. Always experimenting, Larry Dino also has produced non-Bordeaux style wines which are designated under their Black label, these wines include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of the varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2022 Cuda Ridge Insel Vineyard Carménère wine lived up to and exceeded all the key characteristics of Carménère. The Insel Vineyard is located in Pleasanton still within the Livermore AVA. Only 49 cases were produced and since being released in September 2024, the wine has not been submitted for ratings or competitions. Previous vintages have received high scores from Wine Enthusiast. Barrel treatment was 50% new French oak and 50% once used French oak and aged for 19 months. The wine sells for $50/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes, a medium-heavy viscosity wine with a unique inviting deep color combination of maroon and ruby red. On the nose, fresh Bing cherries greeted the senses with a hint of green pepper. The palate is where the wine exceeded prior expectations. Bright cherry taste was intense and concentrated. Plums and dark fruits then came forth with a hint of soft and wet earthen tones (minerality and forest floor) with black tea in the background. On the finish tannins were noted as being “rounded and soft” yet with enough to be mildly grippy. The finish was long lasting with mocha and pepper finishing off the enjoyment with a tinge of vanilla. The wine immediately made my annual “Best Wines” tasted in 2024 which is published in December.
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 24-hour marinated prime tri tip steak in Chaka sauce. Seared at 1500 degrees and served medium rare. Accompanied by an oil rubbed Russet baked potato with sea salt and sauteed asparagus and button mushrooms. The wine possessed enough tannins to work with the meat and the refreshing fruit of the Carmenere provided a smoothness to the seared steak. A wonderful food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay with “Spinach Salad” Chicken Bake
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Rhonda Wood has been making award winning Chardonnay for at least 7 years in a row and before. I personally have enjoyed this wine extensively for the same amount of time. It has also won my Best Wines tasted over the years for the same amount of time. Over the last 7 years, as a testimony of her quality of Chardonnay, I have purchased 8-14 cases a year. What I also find interesting is that while a thread of flavors is evident year to year, the nuances of the wine do change with the “terroir” of the year.
When one is consistent in a sport, they are called All Star, consistent in horse racing they are known as a thoroughbred, consistent in car racing they are called a champion, etc. All those accolades and more are indeed worthy of Rhonda’s Chardonnay and several of her other wines.
I have called the past Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay the “Utility Player of White Wines” as it goes so well with so many dishes. I have written about the Chardonnay food pairing dishes that include Asian chicken wraps, swordfish, seared Ahi tuna, baked stuff chicken, stir fried chicken with Bok Choy, baked butterflied chicken with Swiss cheese, blackened Mahi Mahi, Tempura chicken with noodles, shrimp Pad Thai, Firecracker chicken, seared scallops and many more dishes.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a bright and deep golden color. Swirling the wine in the glass, you immediately see the thick and rich texture of this wine. On the nose when cold, a slight lime note wafted in the senses, but as it warmed up, green apple and a tinge of green tea was present. On the palate most notable was the weightiness of the wine in the mouth. Honeydew melon was the dominant flavor with both a buttery brioche dough and soft lemon zest and almond coming to the party. Also, on the finish a fresh star fruit quality was present. This year the butter scotch finish was not present, yet the wine encapsulated the mouth with freshness.
The 2023 comes from two vineyards with 70% being Wisner and 30% being from Kalthoff Common area. These are on opposite sides of Livermore. Barrel treatment was 100% French oak with 32.5% being new 30% being once used and the balance being neutral. The wine was aged 9 months, and 900 cases were produced. The lees were stirred once every two weeks for five months. It was released in August at $36/bottle and comes in just slightly higher alcohol than the 2022 at 14.6%.
The 2022 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay won Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and fully expect the 2023 to do the same!
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 new dish called “Spinach Salad” Chicken Bake. The recipe combines the elements of a spinach salad with chicken to make a delicious dish. Other ingredients were included Swiss cheese, mustard dressing, white wine, black pepper, bacon, olive oil, butter, shallots, minced garlic and spinach leaves. Accompanied by jasmine rice and a warm wilted spinach salad. The dish was extremely delicious and will be added to our normal rotation of meals! The warm wilted spinach salad which was delicious but did take away from the wine because of the red wine vinegar in the dressing recipe. Still a great food and wine pairing.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards 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 her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
Sláinte,
Michael
Two Carménère Wines: Cuda Ridge Livermore Valley and Spangler Vineyards Oregon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
History of Carménère
The history of the Carménère varietal is as fascinating as it is happenstance! It was once one of the grapes in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, one of the original historical seven grapes of Bordeaux. It originally served a similar purpose as Petit Verdot, producing a deep red ink on wines. Carménère originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the crimson color of the autumn foliage.
When the Phylloxera plague hit in 1867 destroying most of the vineyards in Europe, many thought the Carménère grape was extinct. It wasn’t until 150 years later that it was discovered that Chile had preserved the Carménère grape thinking it was Merlot (from clippings planted from France). DNA confirmed that it was the missing 6th varietal of Bordeaux.
Carménère Today
Carménère grows mainly in Chile, specifically the Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley and in the Maipo Province. It is also grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and recently several wineries in Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, Napa and Calaveras are producing it, albeit in small quantities. The 2023 USDA Statistical Service showed only 78 acres planted of the 284,341 in the state of California or .00027%. Oregon and Washington also have some root stock growing inCarménère, but their summary of red wine grapes planted does not even breakout Carménère!
Uniqueness of Carménère
As a varietal, it has the deep ruby coloring and aromas of red fruits. Tannins are softer and milder than Cabernet Sauvignon, thus its use in blending to soften a strong Cabernet. The use is like the use of Merlot in formulating an enjoyable blend. Chile produces a 100% Carménère which has a cherry and fruity flavor but has traces of smoke and earthy notes with the inky coloration
The Background for this story
With its limited quantities being produced I am always interested in finding this wine to taste and how it is produced. Larry Dino, the owner and winemaker of Cuda Ridges Wines in Livermore produces two Carménère wines. Pat Spangler in Oregon produces one Carménère wine. Both wineries offer different vintages of each. So last night decided to compare and contrast the two.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Had both wines side by side last evening with a 24-hour tenderized and marinated flank steak. It was seared on the BBQ at 1500 degrees. The marinade included fresh cilantro leaves, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, several minced jalapeno with seeds, ground cumin, black pepper and kosher salt. It was served with fresh lime wedges squeezed onto the meat. Accompanied by roasted Brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes with blue cheese and garlic French bread.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Cuda Ridge Wines 2022 Carménère is from the Casa de Vinas vineyard. This wine lived up to and exceeded most of the key characteristics of Carménère. On the eyes, a medium-heavy viscosity wine with a unique inviting deep purple coloration. On the nose, ripe Bing cherries greeted the senses along with violet fragrance. The palate is where this wine excelled. First the bright cherry taste was intense and concentrated. Plums and dark fruits then came forth with a hint of soft dry and with a tinge of earthen tones (minerality and forest floor) with black tea in the background. The earthen notes are generally found in Chilean Carménère but not found too often in California. The finish was long lasting with mocha and pepper finishing off the enjoyment with vanilla and soft tannins making it a round and enjoyable wine. It is 100% Carménère grapes and comes in at 13.5% alcohol. It was released in September and sells for $50/bottle. Only 49 cases were produced. Barrel treatment was 19 months in 50% new French oak and 50% in once used American oak. It has not been submitted yet into competitions.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Spangler Vineyards was a 2020 Carménère from southern Oregon vineyard called Crater View. The color was again a dark and enticing coloration. On the nose, aromas of cherry and mocha dominate. On the palate, this was a strong and bold Carménère more reminiscent of a Chilean Carménère. On the palate, this was gritty and bold demanding your attention to its pedigree. Key was a “wet forest floor” quality that was tantalizing and delicious. Red plum and green peppercorns, while different flavors, danced in rhythm in the mouth. At the conclusion a chewy and hearty wine, with leather and the concentrated fruits of plum and cherries provided a long finish. The tannins were structured and present and spicy. The wine sells for $39/bottle and comes in at 14.4% alcohol. Only 142 cases were produced. Barrel treatment was 18 months in 1/3 new, 1/3 one year old and 1/3 two-year-old. The barrels were 50% American and 50% French. This wine has won 95 points & Double Gold from Oregon Wine Award competition and 93 points from Cascadia International.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While trying simply to comprehend each on its own merits and uniqueness, both were truly appreciated at dinner with the meat. After dinner both were also enjoyed alone themselves. Cuda Ridge Carménère was a tad softer and milder with less tannins. Spangler Vineyards possessed less vanilla (in a conversation with Pat) and spicier with red roasted peppers and peppers and black ground pepper purposely and more like a Chilean Carménère. Cuda Ridge was more aromatic with violets wafting into the senses. The coloring was almost identical with Spangler having just a slightly lighter crimson ring in the glass.
Discerning wine aficionados will be happily content with both Carménère wines!
I know I definitely was enthralled by both, and they will make my annual Best Wines of the Year that were tasted in 2024. That list is reserved for 1-2% of the 1600 to 1800 wines tasted during the year.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com