Wood Family Vneyards
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Stainless-Steel Sauvignon Blanc and Alaskan Halibut
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 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 and lively. 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. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit. At the finish, a puckering and enjoyable finish of lemon zest. A complete and hearty Sauvignon Blanc from Livermore!! Only 240 cases were produced, and the wine was released in early March 2024, with 13.6% alcohol.
The current vintage is 2025 listed at $34/bottle and is 14% alcohol.
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 Alaskan Halibut. Used a different spice with jalapeño and garlic and was disappointed. While tasting the seasoning from the jar, it was tangy and spicy, but when cooked the flavors dissipated. Will go back to my standard rub going forward. Served with mango and pineapple salsa. Accompanied by Tai Pei chicken with fried rice and vegetables with a Thai Chili Mango chopped salad that included broccoli, crumbled cauliflower, green cabbage, sunflower seeds, radicchio, Brussel sprouts and dried mango. This with a zesty Thai sweet chili vinaigrette with just enough spiciness and with the extra salsa added it to the salad. A slice of fresh sour dough also was served.
The wine with its just slightly muted New Zealand spiciness complimented the dish. Additionally, the temperature of the wine served cool, helped mitigate the “heat” of the spices with fish and salad.
A delicious meal with the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. As previously mentioned in another story, this wine made my Best Wines tasted in 2024. It will again make my list for 2026
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 Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com