Cuda Ridge 2017 Continues To Be Impressive
Pulled this out of the cellar the other night and the wine continues to be astonishing!! Cabernet Franc is part of Larry Dino’s (winemaker/owner) Bordeaux Collection. He has two other “wine labels” called the Black Label and Reserve Collection. His Bordeaux Collection as imagined has besides Cabernet Franc, the other key varietals of Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and most recently added Carmenere.
This 2017 Cabernet Franc showed some “old world characteristics” as well as unique Livermore Valley traits. The coloring of this wine was so dark and alluring with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, blueberry, cherry and a hint of plum and floral notes abounded. On the palate, the naturally higher acidity was milder for a Cabernet Franc as well as the tannins subdued as expected. In the mouth, the blueberries and dark cherry were prominent along with a modicum of your typical bell pepper, black pepper and sage qualities. Soft leather, a dry rockiness and sweet pipe tobacco lingered to make the finish long lasting and inquisitive.
Specifically his Cabernet Franc over the years has won the following awards and distinctions:
- 2018 Double Gold, 2021 TVC Uncorked Wine Competition, Gold Medal 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2017 Wine Enthusiast 91 points; Silver Medal at 2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2016 Wine Enthusiast 90 points: Silver Medal at 2019 SF Chronicle Wine Competition and Silver Medal at TVC Uncorked
- 2014 Best Livermore Cabernet Franc; Silver Medal 2017 SF Chronicle Wine Competition and 90 point from Wine Enthusiast
- And many more awards going back to 2008 including more Silver Medals, high ratings from Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal from SF Chronicle Wine Competition
Keep up the great winemaking Larry your Cabernet Franc is absolutely superb!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://cudaridgewines.com/
California Wines & Wineries 