_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.

The requirements for 2023 were that that between 30-40% had to be Cabernet Sauvignon and the winemakers could use anything they wished with no one varietal being more than 25%.

The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson

_Photo_{©Michael Kelly}

2023 Wood Family Vineyards blend is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 4% 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.

In previous vintages, it was very easy to taste and disseminate each varietal, but this year was a bit more difficult. The Cabernet Sauvignon was easy enough to root out with its tannins and fruits, but the Merlot put a blanket on it to keep it in check. The Grenache was light and its berry driven fruit was tucked away behind the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah provided body and dark fruits of blackberries and blueberries. The Mourvèdre with its thicker skins added both a boldness and chewy mouthfeel to the finish.

A very enjoyable drinking wine with both boldness and subtle nuances to be discovered in each sip.

The 2023 LVVC from Wood Family currently goes for $45/bottle. It came in at 14.9% alcohol and was aged in 25% new French oak barrels, 3% new Hungarian oak and the balance neutral for 26 months. A wine to be consumed stand alone or with very selective meals. Only 192 cases were produced. It will be released on August 22^nd and 23^rd at their Third Quarter Club 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

California Wines & Wineries

Message History

Delivery option(s)