LVWA
2023 Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Merlot and 2023 Cabernet Franc – Doubling Down on Dinner, and Which Wine Would You Choose?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Larry Dino, owner and winemaker at Cuda Ridge, was beyond excited at getting the news that his 2022 Merlot got mentioned as being one of the thirteen favorite Merlots from around the world. To be mentioned in an article featuring Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Washington and some running up to $1,000 a bottle is some accomplishment and recognition. Story can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/07/23/cuda-ridge-wines-2022-merlot-mentioned-in-wine-enthusiast-as-one-to-be-sought-after/
Photo from Cuda Ridge Wines
While visiting two weeks ago, Larry provided me a bottle of his 2023 Merlot to contrast with his award winning 2022. He also provided a 2023 Cabernet Franc to compare to his award winning 2022 at the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition winning Double Gold from both the Professional and People’s Choice Judges.
My wife and I were discussing meals the other night and decided on a special cut of filet mignon with a red wine reduction sauce. We wanted to use either the Cabernet Franc or the Merlot. Finally decided on trying the meal with both wines and below is the story. Which would you choose to go with this meal?
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
**The 2023 Merlot**
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a deep purple and magenta color with a medium-heavy viscosity. This is no ordinary Merlot upon first glance! Even this would have made Miles from the movie “Sideways” take pause and notice! Once the cork was popped, the strong aromas of plums and blackberries rushed into the senses hinting as what was to come! This mystery dark wine with beautiful aromas once in your mouth only begins to tell the story of this varietal by Cuda Ridge Wines. The dark plum flavor along with blackberries co-mingled happily like the song Happy by Pharrell Williams on the palate. On the palate, one is struck with the boldness, jammy (not sweet but texturally) and a modicum of grippy tannins on the wine. On the finish black pepper counterbalanced by a note of vanilla in the background, provide an enduring conclusion to each sip.
The wine comes from the eastern portion of Livermore with the majority (88%) being Thatcher Bay vineyards where the cooling afternoon winds provide an overall warm climate. Larry adds 8% Insel Carmenere, 2% White Cat Vineyard Malbec and 2% White Cat Vineyard Cabernet Franc to make this elegant wine. Barrel treatment was 50% new French oak and 30% once used French oak barrels with the balance neutral barrels. The wine was in barrels for 19 months. Now the newsflash – it is listed at $42/bottle and comes in at 14% alcohol with only 242 cases produced. It was just released on June 28th, 2025. With the nuances being different than his 2022 mix (why would anyone tweak a great wine), however with the Malbec and Carmenere, the wine provides layers and layers of mystery and intrigue even outpacing 2022!
This wine just made my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 for the quality and value in the category up to $51.
**2023 Cabernet Franc**
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Again having won Double Gold Medals at the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition for his 2022, I was more than curious to try his 2023. How could he improve it? Previous story on his 2022 can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/06/10/2022-cuda-ridge-wines-cabernet-franc-a-gestalt-experience/
Here again, Larry took something excellent and made it extraordinary!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine consists of 93% White Cat Vineyard Cabernet Franc, 5% Thatcher Bay Vineyard Merlot and 2% Estate Petit Verdot. The wine was aged 18 months in French Oak with 43% being new, 33% once used and 24% neutral. It comes in at 14.4% alcohol with 536 cases produce. The list price is $46/bottle and was just released June 28th, 2025.
This wine, for me, not only had all the key characteristics of a well-made Cabernet Franc, as a whole, it even was larger than the components of the varietal. Yes it had fruit, modicum of pyrazines (herbaceous bell pepper notes), tannins, complexity and an alluring finish and additionally hit the palate with a bullseye! First on the eyes, a dark and alluring maroon, purple coloring and medium heavy viscosity in the glass. On the nose, aromas of black cherries and violets waft into the senses. On the palate the symphony of flavors comes bursting forth like different parts of the orchestra. Raspberries and cherries are the dominant flavors with secondary flavors of vanilla pipe tobacco, earthiness all in a well-structured and layered enjoyment of savory and appealing flavors. On the finish the juicy fruit is counter-balanced with acidity and defined grippy and pronounced tannins on the roof of the mouth and back teeth. Truly a remarkable wine and surely destined for more awards! Upon first smell and then a sip, it made my annual list for Best Wines Tasted in 2025.
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
So we get to the question of the day: which wine to choose with dinner? Having the butcher prepare a special large center cut filet mignon and then adding a dry rub we were set to sear and BBQ the meat to medium rare.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the same time a red wine reduction sauce was having the final touches made to it consisting of shallots, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, beef broth, red wine, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh Rosemary sprigs, minced fresh parsley, Kosher salt, black ground pepper and brown sugar. Accompanying the meal were sauteed Brussel Sprouts with bacon and halved roasted seasoned small red potatoes. The meal was fit for a King!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Now which wine went best with the meal? Both wines provided a great wine pairing, the Cabernet Franc with its raspberry fruit counterbalancing the sauce and tannins, engaging the meat. The Merlot provides layers of dark cherry and dark plum fruit to contrast with the red wine sauce. Both were extremely enjoyable but tipping the scale by a notch was the Cabernet Franc being more captivating. I would like to hear your thoughts on which you would choose.
The Winery
Larry holding up his 2022 Merlot featured in Wine Enthusiast 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. 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, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 Cuda Ridge Wines Sauvignon Blanc with Sashimi and Nigiri
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
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. 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, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is where one should not judge a book by its cover! While on the eyes a pale almost clear coloring thinking this is nothing more than “glorified water” or light Sauvignon Blanc. The truth is just the opposite. Bright and crisp aromas of peach and white grapefruit greet the olfactory senses. Then when on the palate, this wine becomes larger than life with grapefruit being the pronounced flavor. Secondary flavors lime and lemon grass let their presence be known. The finish was extremely and enjoyably long, especially for Sauvignon Blanc.
This wine made my Best Wines tasted during the year 2024 (comes out each December) and will again in 2025. It is a great summertime wine on the patio and being only 12% alcohol is great for social occasions. It is listed for $30/bottle and the surprising punch of power and flavors was astonishing. This wine has won awards at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Alameda County Fair.
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 sashimi and a couple of Nigiri rolls from Shiro Ninja restaurant in Angels Camp, California. Our eldest grandson was visiting for the evening, who like his grandfather, loves fresh sushi and sashimi. Brought it home and plated the sashimi of Sake (salmon), Hamachi (yellowtail) and Maguro (ahi tuna) along with a Nigiri of Sake and Unagi (eel).
With a modicum of both wasabi and ginger, the wine was excellent with the meal with its acidity, liveliness and flavors.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2022 JMC Cellars LVVC Blend
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.
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 is listed in the above picture.
This year’s release event was held at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on May 22, 2025.
The Winery
Photo from JMC Cellars website
This is the first review I have done on JMC Cellars and just met her at the LVVC event in May. The first thing you notice when talking with Jessica Carroll, winemaker and proprietor, is her exuberance talking about her wines. Her background is differently one described by Robert Frost as perhaps the road to winemaking “being the one less traveled”. She graduated from the University of Portland with a degree and worked in Civil Engineering as a Transportation Engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She quickly became smitten with the wine bug and wine industry. In 2014 she began completing her Enology Certificate from Las Positas College in Livermore and began working full time at a local winery. She opened the JMC Cellars in 2023 and hasn’t looked back! The tasting room is in the eastern portion of Livermore at 6800 Greenville Road.
Photo from JMC Cellars website
In reviewing her lineup of wines, for such a small new winery producing around 1,000 cases of wine, she has catapulted quickly into making a robust list of wines. Currently her two white wines include Riesling (dry) and Sauvignon Blanc. Her red wines are extensive with Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, GSM, Malbec, Merlot, Peloursin, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel. She also has some proprietary wines and a Rosé. That is surely a record for only operating for less than two years. She also has won many awards, including Gold & Silver medals from the SF Chronicle Competition and others.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
JMC Cellars makes mostly wines using Livermore grapes but does source from other areas in California. For example her Pinot Noir comes from the Monterey area.
I have plans to meet with Jessica mid-July to do a tasting of many of her wines and surely several of those will be written about. Stay tuned.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The JMC Cellars blend is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 14% Grenache, 13% Cabernet Franc and 9% 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.
It was discernable to pick up on the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec with distinguishable tannins and flavors especially on the palate. The Grenache and Mourvèdre were a bit hidden but did provide a counter punch to the tannins with smoothing out the finish with their lighter touch and spices.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A very enjoyable drinking wine with both boldness with Bordeaux varieties and subtle nuances from the Rhone varieties to be discovered with each sip.
The 2022 LVVC from JMC Cellars currently goes for $45/bottle. It came in at 14.4% alcohol and was aged in French new oak barrels, being one or two years old, for 24 months. Jessica mentioned she uses a variety of toast methods from medium to heavy. Production for the 2022 was 50 cases. This is a wine that can 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 a seasoned, seared and BBQ’ed filet mignon and served medium rare. Accompanied by baked beans with Bourbon, brown sugar, Tobacco and ketchup.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A fresh Southwest salad with roasted chicken, roasted corn, two different cheeses and topped with corn tortilla chips.
The wine with its variety of Bordeaux grapes worked wonderfully with steak, surrounding each bite with dark fruit and strong tannins. The Grenache and Mourvèdre providing spiciness and a soft landing on the finish subduing the tannins. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 Cuda Ridge Wines Sauvignon Blanc – Bright and Crisp Refreshment
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Originally purchased a few bottles of this wine as I felt it was a great representation of Sauvignon Blanc from Livermore Valley. It has been almost one year since my last tasting of this wine and review and it has only improved!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a soft golden touch of color with a light viscosity. On the nose when cold, grapefruit is the dominant aroma that enters the olfactory senses. On the palate, this is where the wine shows it “classiness” with a peach flavoring with the white grapefruit. Bright and rich with fresh acidity this wine is to be appreciated. Secondary flavors of lime and lemon provide a lip-smacking entrance with their flavors. On the finish, any tartness is caressed by its very full mouth feel quality, peach influence and minerality.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
When the wine warmed up a bit the grapefruit dominance subsided and the lemon and lime influence increased.
This wine had made my Best Wines tasted during the year for 2024 (comes out each December) and will again for 2025. It will be a summertime winner on the patio and being only 12% alcohol is great for social occasions. Aged in stainless steel and is listed for $30/bottle with a surprising punch of power and flavors that was astonishing. This wine has won awards at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Alameda County Fair.
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 an assortment of sashimi from Shiro Ninja restaurant in Angels Camp. A combination of Maguro (tuna), Hamachi (yellowfin) and Sake (salmon). Served with wasabi and ginger. This is only the second time enjoying the fish from Shiro Ninja and very happy with the freshness of their offering.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The food and wine pairing was excellent with the richness, delicate flavors and texture of the fish, complimented by the acidity and brightness in the wine.
The Winery
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. Cuda Ridge Wines current production is approximately 2100 cases. They produce the following varietals: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and most recently their addition of Carménère.
Photo from a recent event of Margie and Larry Dino ©Michael Kelly
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 varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Petite Sirah – Nothing Small About This Wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Petite Sirah, as an educational note, is not a “smaller” version of Syrah as it is a wholly different varietal. The background on Petite Sirah is that it is the offspring of Syrah and Peloursin (a scarce and almost extinct grape) from northern Italy/Switzerland area. The varietal name is Durif and was first introduced in 1880. Petite Sirah possesses one of the highest levels of antioxidants. In the State Agricultural report for California, Petite Sirah represented only 2.3% in the 2024 harvest.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo by Don Lahey, The International Wine of the Month Club
Petite Sirah has a big bold structure accompanied by high tannins. Dark fruits abound in the glass akin to Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon but even more tannic profile! There might be a warning label on a bottle if you are not familiar with the varietal. This wine was opened a few hours before the meal and the first thing one notices is the dark and inky coloring in the glass.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Once in the glass, aromas of dominant blackberry compote and bramble waft into the senses. Once the first sip hits the palate, a tug-a-war begins with bold tannins facing off against the berry fruit. Secondary flavors of black pepper and subtle notes of vanilla (most likely from the barrels) smooth out the landing in the mouth. The finish provides scrumptious blueberries and dry earthen minerality that is long lasting.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine come in at 13.9% alcohol and will be released mid-June with an expected price of $40/bottle. The is 100% Petite Sirah from the Casa de Vinas vineyard. Only 107 cases were produced. Aged in 12.5% new Hungarian oak and 12.5% new American oak with the balance being neutral for 18 months.
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
Prepared this evening’s meal with a new recipe this evening called Pork Tenderloin Tacos. The wine was selected due to its full body with high tannins that did produce a little bitterness and with the rich pork created a perfect balance. The pork tenderloin was cut up in strips and marinated in olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano and kosher salt for 9 hours. Then cooked in a skillet on the stove and served with prepared flour tortillas, lime wedges and street corn salsa.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The salsa ingredients included roasted corn kernels, minced Jalapeño pepper with seeds, diced red onion, minced garlic, fresh squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin and kosher salt. With all the spices in the meal and smokiness, the Petite Sirah was an elegant match as boldness of the wine and the meal. Accompanied by refried beans and a fresh garden salad with multi-colored tortilla strips.
The Winery
Photo of Rhonda Wood (Winemaker) and Harrison Wood (VP)
Rhonda Wood, winemaker at Wood Family Vineyards, makes some exceptional wines from Livermore, California. The background on the winery can be found in another story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/11/06/2018-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of Livermore’s known name wineries but have been regarded for twenty-five years as one of the top-quality wine producers.
From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property, they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2022 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon “Especial”
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Livermore Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in California. Its geographic proximity to the San Francisco Bay provides breezes with the marine layer cooling effect to the Valley from the warm summer months. The west to east valley is unique in California allowing the cool air or fog to engulf the entire valley floor. The wines from this region can be age-worthy and are typically complex, balanced and excellent with various foods. A small tidbit of information is that Livermore Valley was the first wine to win a gold medal at the Paris Exposition in 1889 and not Napa Valley! The roots of Livermore Valley go back to the 1760’s when Spanish missionaries planted grapevines. Robert Livermore is credited with planting the first commercial vineyards in the 1840s. Fully 80% of California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can be traced back to Wente Winery and Concannon Vineyard. There is much more to know about Livermore Valley and suggest a quick tutorial at: https://www.lvwine.org/history.php
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Cabernet Sauvignon is unique due to its thick skins, high tannins and with aging potential. This provides wines that are full-bodied, dense, rich and full of complexity. Dark fruits abound with spices, pepper and typically tobacco notes along with oak characteristics. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the DNA parents of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In the final 2024 California Grape Crush report Cabernet Sauvignon was the highest volume grape produced with 15.4% of the overall red grape harvest. There are 17 districts in the state and Livermore is District 6 which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties. Livermore accounted for 7% of the 2024 harvest for Cabernet Sauvignon in California. In 2024 the number of tons harvested statewide was down considerably.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2022 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon “Especial” meaning for the Wood Family, is selecting only their favorite barrels for aging. It has been a solid wine in the lineup at Wood Family. First on the eyes an inky and lush purple coloring with medium-heavy viscosity with clarity and brightness. On the nose when first opening it, the aromas of violets and cherries rose up in a stately manner into the senses. On the palate dark fruits of dark cherries, blackberries and black pepper/cloves, counterbalanced with vanilla pipe tobacco and soft oak notes. The finish rolls out tannins that are present with silkiness at first being a bit timid and then rise up with a jagged edginess of deliciousness.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was aged 30 months in 60% new French oak barrels. The grapes came from both the Thompson Ranch Clone 337 and from Smith Ranch being Clone 8 in Livermore. The wine is 14% alcohol and is smooth and refreshing. Most Cabernet Sauvignon wines usually need a meal to partner up with, but this was an extremely smooth wine to simply sip. It will be released in mid-June and the price is $60/bottle with only 95 cases 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
Paired this evening with a seasoned and seared ribeye steak served medium rare. Accompanied by a fresh homemade creamy potato salad. The salad in addition to the potatoes, was made with mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, sea salt, black pepper, chopped celery stalks, chopped onions and hard-boiled eggs. Served with sprinkled paprika. The wine with its bold flavors and appropriate tannins surround each morsel of steak perfectly. An excellent food and wine pairing.
The Winery
Photo of Rhonda Wood (Winemaker) and Harrison Wood (VP) photo from Wood Family website
Rhonda Wood, winemaker at Wood Family Vineyards, makes some exceptional wines from Livermore, California. The background on the winery can be found in another story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/11/06/2018-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of Livermore’s known name wineries but have been regarded for twenty-five years as one of the top-quality wine producers.
From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property, they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Petit Verdot – A Calming Wine for Birria Tacos
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Petit Verdot is best known as a blending wine for Bordeaux style wines. It was used consistently in Bordeaux as it was a late ripening grape varietal and it struggled to reach full maturity. Historically, when used in moderation (1-2%) for blending, Petit Verdot produced wines that were overly tannic and caused the vineyards to decline. More recently however Petit Verdot has had a resurgence due to plantings in warmer climates like California, Australia and Spain. The warmer climates allowing the fruit to fully ripen and provide a distinct character for the varietal. Providing a very drinkable wine full of body, tannins and structure.
Photo from wikipedia
Petit Verdot’s literal translation is “little green one”. This is because it is a late ripening grape from the Bordeaux region in France. It is a commonly used grape in blending, usually in small amounts to add color, tannin, structure and herbaceous notes of violet and sage.
The Wine – “Wine if bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, this wine is a lavish and royal purple in coloring, unique and contrasting from other varieties. In the glass, it has a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of violets and lavender along with plum and blackberry rise up to beckon your first sip. Once on the palate the essence of dark fruits, strong tannins and firm acidity greet the imbiber. Blueberry notes soften the impact of the tannins with a silky smoothness and flavor. On the finish, black pepper and spices and dried herbal notes and rustic smoky tastes linger. After the finish, you are struck with its full body, structural characteristics and tannins.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Aging in oak barrels tends to soften the wine with a slight vanilla taste. This wine was aged 18 months in barrel with 33% being new French oak and the balance neutral. The wine is made with 100% Petite Sirah, 94% from One Oak Vineyard and 6% from Smith Ranch Vineyard. The wine come in at 14.8% alcohol and only 64 cases were produced. The anticipated price upon release mid-June is expected at $42/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
The slow cooker Birria Tacos were cooked 8 ½ hours in a slow cooker. Besides the chuck roast, ingredients included chopped yellow onion, garlic cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, chipotle in adobo, crushed fire roasted tomatoes, beef broth, white vinegar, kosher salt, bay leaves, shredded Oaxaca cheese and chopped fresh cilantro. Plated with white rice cooked with cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice and green onions. Dipping sauce was on the side. This recipe was much easier than our previous one especially having to find all the fresh ingredients (see previous story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2023/08/05/2020-jessies-grove-winery-fancy-quest-old-vine-zinfandel-and-birria-tacos-and-sauce/ .
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The recipe was excellent, and the wine refreshingly calming. A very good food and wine pairing.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
Rhonda Wood, winemaker at Wood Family Vineyards, makes some exceptional wines from Livermore, California. The background on the winery can be found in another story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/11/06/2018-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of Livermore’s known name wineries but have been regarded for years as one of the top-quality wine producers.
From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property, they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly