wood-family-vineyards
Christmas Cheer Dinner Party and a Few Selected Wines!
photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Held our annual Christmas party with neighborhood friends joining. We provided appetizers and main dish with each couple bringing a wide range and assortment of delicious foods. Each couple also brought a bottle of wine, and I had pulled a few in advance to enjoy.
Château de Bligny Grand Reserve Brut Champagne
photo ©Michael Kelly
Château de Bligny is a historic estate in the Aube region of Champagne, France, famous as the only grower-producer château in the Champagne appellation, producing its own unique Champagnes from its vineyards. Established in the 15th century with later additions, it boasts a rich winemaking heritage, including still wines and sparkling varieties (Blanc de Blancs, Rosé) from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, known for their freshness, fruitiness, and minerality. In a recent lecture on Champagne, the speaker mentioned it is much more difficult to produce a non-vintage Champagne as opposed to a vintage one. This Brut Grand Reserve has been our go to Champagne for years now! The price is very reasonably set at around $40-48/bottle. This wine routinely makes my annual list of Best Wines Tasted in the year for the under $50/bottle category. Here is a link to previous story on the wine: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/04/25/chateau-de-bligny-grand-reserve-brut-champagne/
2009 Viader (Proprietary Blend)
photo ©Michael Kelly
Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc (my idea of a solid blend), it makes the apex of a Napa Valley Bordeaux. Smooth, dry and complex in tannins, and as stated in their notes “balancing acidity and an incredible array of flavors, including blackberry, black currant, cherry, chocolate, dried herb, smoky oak and spice amounting to an important and hard to define quality of sophistication.
The current vintage is the 2021 with ratings ranging from 95 to 98 points. It is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Cabernet Franc and goes for $195/bottle at the winery. Any year I open a bottle of this wine, it makes my list of Best Wines Tasted in the over $51/bottle. Here is link to a previous story written on Viader: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/09/24/viader-vineyards-winery-walk-in-my-steps-but-leave-your-own-footprint/
2008 O’Shaughnessy Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
photo ©Michael Kelly
Having had a bottle of this wine in November of 2025, I decided to bring another bottle out this evening. First on the eyes striking combination of inky purple and dark crimson coloring. Viscosity was medium-heavy. Once the cork was popped it took a while for the flavors to “open up” and express their pedigree after so many years of hibernation. Once opened, fresh blackberries and smooth blueberries filled the olfactory senses. On the palate, the dark fruits combined to make a robust compote of pure fruit. Full bodied possessing strong enjoyable tannins without any pointiness. The finish concluded being opulent and richly rewarding.
Parker also mentioned it will age 25+ years! Rated 98 points by Robert Parker and has been aging in the cellar for 14 years! Searching on the internet average price today appears to be $149/bottle. Today’s current vintage at the winery is their 2021 and is allocated at $160/bottle. This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted Listing for 2025 (list comes out December for each year).
Here is link to the O’Shaughnessy story recently written: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/11/24/2008-oshaughnessy-estate-winery-mount-veeder-cabernet-sauvignon-a-special-wine/
Notice the corks on both the Viader and O’Shaughnessy wines! They are pristine and sealed snuggly and sealed for years, due to being stored correctly. BTW, those two wines were open seven hours before the meal, filtered twice and decanted twice before serving.
photo ©Michael Kelly
We enjoy many other wines this evening from locations beyond France and Napa Valley such as Livermore Valley, Lodi, Paso Robles and Calaveras County.
Sláinte and Merry Christmas,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://champagnechateaudebligny.com/en/homepage
https://oshaughnessywinery.com/
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com
https://www.younginglewood.com
Uncorked! A Celebration of Livermore Grapes and Wines at Murrieta’s Well
Photo from LVWA
This is the culmination of the Uncorked Wine Competition held April 22, 2025. At the competition thirteen individuals comprised of professional judges and writers, assembled to judge wines produced solely from Livermore vineyards. The judges came from the East Coast, Central USA, Texas, Washington and California.
Photo from LVWA
This was Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association (LVWA) inaugural competition taking over for Tri Valley Wine Conservancy. Bringing in judges from around the USA was to garner a broader expertise in evaluating each wine to determine the Best of the Best and also those winning awards and medals at the event.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Outstanding awards were given to Las Positas Vineyards for 2024 Estate Albariño for Best White and to Wente Family Vineyards for their 2021 Limited Release Cabernet Franc for Best Red. Personally having tasted both at the event, they were both excellent , well deserving of their awards.
Additionally, all the Best of Class winners were pouring their wines:
Almost Famous Wine Company-2022 Dog Day Chardonnay
Concannon Vineyard-2020 Nina’s Cuvee
Concannon Vineyard-2021 Reserve Stampmaker’s GSM
Cuda Ridge Wines-2022 Reserve Mélange d’ Amis
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Del Valle Winery-2021 Cabernet Franc
Garre Vineyard & Winery-2021 Sangiovese
Las Positas Vineyards-2021 Estate Tempranillo
McGrail Vineyards & Winery-2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Murrieta’s Well-2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Wood Family Vineyards-2022 Malbec
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards-2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Also, each of the above wineries brought additional wines to be shared with guests. In addition to the wineries mentioned above, the following also provided their award-winning wines.
3 Steves Winery
Arroyo Cellars
Cellar 13 Winery
Charles R Winery
Darcie Kent Estate Winery
Fenestra Winery
Page Mill Winery
Rosa Fierro Cellars
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Sakura Winery
The Steven Kent Winery
The Uncorked tasting was set up on the grounds of Murrieta’s Well with tables and umbrellas as the day was a bit warm. Each of the wineries kept the wines in coolers to keep the wines at the proper serving temperature.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Just before the tasting event there was another event called The Varietal Seminar upstairs at Murrieta’s Well in the Barrel Room with Karl Wente of Wente Family Vineyards, Mark Clarin of McGrail Vineyards & Winery, Rhonda Wood of Wood Family Vineyards & Winery and Steven Mirassou of The Steven Kent Winery. I did not make the event but heard it was enlightening and provided some insights into the Livermore Valley wine history.
There was a live band playing in the shade of the winery building that filled the area but was not too loud to have engaging conversations.
Inside Murrieta’s Well cellar there was additional seating at a much cooler temperature with a dessert table. Wait staff were constantly strolling both inside and outside, presenting tasty morsels of exotic treats such as shrimp, vegetable ceviche, hamburger sliders, unique deviled eggs and many more items.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Even some of the winemakers were enjoying the cooler inside temperature like Rhonda Wood of Wood Family Vineyards.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was an event not to be missed in the future as LVWA went all out to provide the Best Winning Wines of Livermore as well as a venue with great music and exquisite food. Brandi Lombardi and staff are to be complimented. Two of the staff personnel (L to R) were Patty Powers (events) and Jenny O’Leary (marketing) who served as greeters and registered guests with engaging smiles.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Disneyland may have the motto “the happiest place on earth”, but LVWA and the Uncorked event may have surpassed and taken the title as everyone had smiles and laughs all throughout the event.
While attending wine events all over California for many years, this was in the top five and will not be missed in the future!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwines.com
https://www.cellar13winery.com
https://darciekentvineyards.com/
https://www.fenestrawinery.com
https://www.laspositasvineyards.com
https://www.pagemillwinery.com/
https://www.rosafierrocellars.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
see also an Instagram Reel at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FVWPkf888MF5kgVzxwDTmsn71PoVG7Q5UMu9W6yoMj6x9U1pkfReeg42ZibrpMxgl&id=100064262820169&mibextid=Nif5oz
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache – With Cornish Game Hens
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, a mesmerizing radiant purple hue that was semi-translucent. On the nose, aromas of bright Bing cherries and exotic tropical spicy notes wafted into the senses. On the palate, is where this “lightly colored” wine packs a world-class punch. Besides the cherries, strawberries coated in powdered sugar, wake up the mouth. Secondary flavors of cinnamon and vanilla rounded out the tasting experience. On the finish, a surprisingly welcomed number of tannins resided on the back of the throat with a hint of herbal sage. A complete and fulfilling Grenache was presented sip after sip. 167 cases were produced. It was aged 18 months in neutral French barrels.
Today’s vintage is 2023 and is even a bit spicier and the current price is $37.
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
Having roasted Cornish game hens for dinner at a friend’s house for dinner. Not a typical wine pairing, at least for me. Options included Pinot Noir, Rhone varieties, Chardonnay and even Rosé wines. Went with the Grenache based on memory. The Cornish hens were roasted and delicious. Accompanied by roasted potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and a fresh garden salad. The Cornish game hens were moist and tender with the Grenache providing definition but without overpowering the meat. A wonderful food and wine pairing.
The Winery and Background
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
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article.
We also enjoyed a few other wines with dinner that were all solid.
Photo by Peter Singh
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay & Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
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 wine encapsulated the mouth with a spring 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 2024 at $36/bottle and comes in at 14.6% alcohol.
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 recipe for Mexican street corn chicken chili. It sounded like a great recipe with rain forecasted for this evening. As you can see from the picture in the nook, it turned out to be a clear and mild day. That did not dampen the taste of the food.
The recipe called for boneless chicken breasts, yellow onion, diced jalapeno, chicken bone broth, sour cream, shredded Monterey jack cheese, minced garlic, dried Oregano, chili powder, sweet yellow corn, chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice, cornstarch, cotija cheese, bacon crumbles, avocado, diced pancetta, olive oil and tortilla strips.
There were a few options on a wine selection but with the cheese and chicken ingredients selected the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay. It turned out to be perfectly matched food and wine pairing with the Chardonnay, bringing a refreshing and calming effect on the meal. Interestingly, the Chardonnay contrast accentuated some of the spiciness in the dish.
Sláinte,
Michael
Cheese, Wine, More Cheese and More Wines – A Fabulous Event
| Never was the saying by Andre Simon more evident than at a 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”. I attended the Wood Family Vineyards wine & cheese pairings yesterday in Livermore. They featured four cheeses and six wines during the event. At the door each participant was greeted with a glass of Pink Pearl, a Rosé of Grenache. Then off to the winery where various stations of cheese and the featured wines were being offered. |
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| All the pairings were very good with some unique cheeses, but the first one was spectacular and my favorite, being the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc paired with Cottonwood River Cheese. A two-year-old raw cow milk Cheddar from Jason Weibe in Kansas. A Fun nutty and sharp Cheddar boasting notes of browned pineapple with a long finish with a crunchy quality! |
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| Next up was the 2023 Grenache paired with Smoking Goat cheese. This was a pasteurized goat’s milk cheese from Spain that is softly smoked. Pure cream with a nice salt line and a smooth smokey note that compliments and does not overpower. We also had a long and delightful chat with the owner and winemaker, Rhonda Wood while sipping on the wine. |
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| This was followed by the 2022 Merlot paired with Ewenique cheese. This is a pasteurized sheep’s milk Gouda style cheese made by Central Coast Creamery in Paso Robles, Ca. Texture that turns to a soft brown buttered cream, with touches of crystals and fun. |
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| The last paring was the 2022 “Woody’s” Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Brabander cheese. This is a pasteurized goats milk Gouda from L’Amuse in Holland. Thick Cream on the pallet, with a fudgy consistency. Notes of Citrus and salt that accent the cream of the cheese the soft goats milk pops, but extremely approachable and smooth. Additionally, one of their Zinfandel’s was also tasted. A fun afternoon tasting some cheeses not normally available locally but are from the Cheese Parlor in Livermore. For each of the in-depth wine descriptions you can read at the following links: 2024 Wood Family Sauvignon Blanc https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/02/07/2024-wood-family-vineyards-sauvignon-blanc-stainless-steel-lively-zesty-and-bright/ 2023 Wood Family Grenache https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/01/31/2023-wood-family-vineyards-grenache-a-spicy-wine-with-pizza/ 2022 Wood Family Merlot https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/01/26/2022-wood-family-vineyards-one-oak-vineyard-merlot/ 2022 Wood Family “Woody’s” Cabernet Sauvignon https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/12/27/2022-wood-family-vineyards-woodys-cabernet-sauvignon-and-chateaubriand-steak/ Wood Family Vineyards has the tag line “It’s all good at the Wood’s” I think it could easily be “If it has required driving miles, you will leave with smiles”! From the hospitality folks to all the people attending smiles galore! |
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| 250 folks attended the four-hour event and not a single unhappy face was spotted!! A testament to the food, wines and staff. |
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2024 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stainless Steel – Lively, Zesty and Bright!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards does makes two different Sauvignon Blanc wines. One is finished in wood barrels and the other is their stainless-steel version. This stainless-steel fermented version is like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued”, yet zesty, bright and lively. It is like a roller coaster ride with a sudden dip or turn! On the eyes there is a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity. 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 activity. Layers of discerning flavors unfold to the imbiber. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit to soften the enjoyment. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable lemon zest is present. This year the lees were stirred daily for the 6-7 weeks which helped in producing a more mouth filling feel. Only 259 cases were produced, and the wine will be released in mid-February 2025 and will be priced at $34/bottle with 13.6% alcohol.
This wine made my annual Best Wines tasted in 2024 and will again 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
I normally pair Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish and seafood dishes. However, this evening a very thick cut pork chop was the designated meal. A very thick cut was ordered at the market (almost 2”) and brined with water, salt, brown sugar, thyme, garlic and peppercorns for eight hours. The brining keeps the pork chop extremely moist and tender.
Accompanied by mashed potatoes infused with blue cheese, fresh chives and butter. Also a fresh garden salad with pepitas provided for a scrumptious meal. The food pairing was spot on with the crisp, tart and citrusy flavors complementing the richness of the meat. The acidity also cut through the fat on the pork chop.
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
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache – A Spicy Wine with Pizza
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I had previously written about Wood Family Vineyards 2021 Grenache, and this 2023 just took on a completely new level of deliciousness. Willaim Cowper’s poem from 1785 called “The Task” stated “variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all flavor”. So, it is with the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache giving spice and flavor in abundance.
First on the eyes, a mesmerizing radiant purple hue that was semi-translucent almost iridescent appearance. On the nose, aromas of bright Bing cherries and exotic tropical spicy notes of cinnamon and bay leaf wafted into the senses. On the palate, is where this “lightly colored” wine packs a world-class punch so don’t be fooled! Besides the cherries, strawberries coated in powder sugar waking up the mouth, secondary flavors of cinnamon and vanilla rounded out the tasting experience. On the finish, a surprisingly welcomed amount of tannins resided on the back of the throat with a hint of herbal sage coupled with a smoky flavor. A complete and fulfilling Grenache was presented sip after sip. Seven barrels were produced, and it will be released mid-February. Previous vintage was aged 18 months in neutral French barrels but do not have the specifics for this year. This came in with 14.8% alcohol.
This wine will most likely make the Annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025 upon a second tasting soon.
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
This week was insanely busy and had no time last evening to prepare a “full on food pairing” to go with the wine. We decided to do a rather unusual pairing for us and bake two very different frozen pizzas to go with the wine! We had never had either of these pizzas before. It then became a pizza “bake off”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first pizza was a Porta Uncured Pepperoni pizza from Canada. It had pomodoro sauce, mozzarella and uncured smoky pepperoni. The Roman style pinsa (hand stretched) pizza dough originates from how flatbread was baked many centuries ago in Italy. The flavor of the uncured sausage was amazing. The dough did not seem to rise even with additional baking. While the sauce was good, it needed almost twice as much for our tastes. Garnished with fresh basil.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second pizza was a Rao’s Meat Trio Pizza. It consisted of sausage, uncured pepperoni, uncured bacon and Rao’s homemade pizza sauce. Advertised as using vine-ripened Italian grown tomatoes and whole milk mozzarella cheese. Also garnished with fresh basil. The taste was very good with the abundant sauce and the three meats. The uncured peperoni were better on the Porta pizza, but overall, the Rao’s won in the “bake off”.
The wine was perfectly suited for both the pizzas in adding the fruit to the uncured pepperoni saltiness and able to stand up to the sauce.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards of tasting room
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/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “One Oak Vineyard” Merlot
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
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 slowing 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!!
This 2022 Merlot is one fierce wine and not a weak or wimpy Merlot. The color in the glass is your first clue this is a different Merlot. The color is dark purple/maroon and intriguing with a medium heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, chocolate covered berries, ripe plum 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 an explosive mouthful of Bing cherries, plums, jagged and yet silky tannins with subtle earthy tones of bramble and minerality. The finish has a textual feel, and a complex layered structure continues to enhance the wine drinker. The words chewy and masculine almost come to mind in describing this beautiful wine. While having so many brawny characteristics, it still presents at the finish as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today, with or without food. Alcohol is 14.8 % with 8 barrels being produced. The wine is 100% Merlot and aged 18 months in French oak barrels. This wine will be released mid-February 2025. Price has not been released.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is not required to have this wine in the bathtub, but perhaps worth exploring? This wine will be tasted again soon as I believe it will make the Best Wines Tasted list for 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
Pulled this wine to have with a new dish this evening called stuffed pepper casserole. A great wintertime comfort food consisting of chopped yellow onions, diced orange bell pepper, ground beef, tomato paste, kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped vine-ripened tomatoes, long-grain white rice and chopped parsley. The bell pepper and ground beef were first cooked in a skillet before other ingredients being added and then baked. Shredded combination of Colby and jack cheese were added and baked on top for a few minutes. Accompanied by sauteed zucchini, summer squash and mushrooms and garlic French bread.
The fruit and tannins from the Merlot wine wrapped each morsel of the beef and spices of the casserole (bell pepper) to make a tangy and delicious meal.
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 2022 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
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “Big Wood” Zinfandel
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Rhonda Wood’s previous vintage inspired me to reconnect with Zinfandel. Now her 2022 is even more enticing! 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
Picture from Wood Family Vineyard, Rhonda and Harrison Wood
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article. Check out their website at the bottom of this article.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine will be released on February 1st, 2025. A beautiful expression of Zinfandel that is somewhere between an “Amador bomb” and a reserved varietal from Dry Creek area in Sonoma. First on the eyes a medium dark purple and magenta coloring yet semi-translucent on the rim with a medium body. On the nose, luscious blackberry, anise and pepper. On the palate this Zinfandel possesses an abundance of fruit, semi-sweet, but more like preserves of blackberry, plums and boysenberry. Mouth-filling with rich discernable textures provides layers of enjoyment. On the finish the spices leap merrily in the mouth with cinnamon and nutmeg with a tinge of roasted dark coffee and dark chocolate. The tannins are initially present in the mouth but as the wine opens, they dissipate into the background as round and warmly embracing.
The “Big Wood” Zinfandel is higher in alcohol than the 2021 as the 2022 being 16.7% and is a bold and full body wine. This wine is 95% Zinfandel grapes from three Livermore vineyards with 5% Petite Sirah. The high natural acidity pairs well with red sauce dishes, mushrooms, pork, lamb and various cheeses. This was aged 18 months in 23.6% new American oak barrels and 1.4% new Hungarian oak barrels. The balance of barrel treatment being neutral or once used. 870 cases were produced and will be listed released 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
Pulled this wine tonight to go with Bratwurst sausages of smoked gouda and jalapeño peppers. Accompanied by sliced roasted small potatoes, steamed broccoli and a fresh garden salad. The food and wine pairing were wonderful together as the bold and fruity flavor of the wine contrasted nicely with the heat of the jalapeno peppers and welcomed the smoky gouda.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We have paired the Bratwurst sausages with other wine varietals in the past, but this may be our favorite going forward!
Sláinte,
Michael
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