California Wines & Wineries

2019 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc – Continues to be Impressive!

Posted on May 8, 2023

The Winery

There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines in Livermore, California. A key point is that 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 owner & winemaker 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 the varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.

The Wine

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

The Cabernet Franc is part of Larry Dino’s (winemaker/owner) Bordeaux Collection. This 2019 Cabernet Franc showed some “old world characteristics” as well as unique Livermore Valley traits. The coloring of this wine was 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. On his website it is listed at $41/bottle. It has won a Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and scored 90 points by Wine Enthusiast.

The Food and Wine Pairing

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

Paired with an Italian sausage and a homemade Bolognese meat sauce. Topped off with fresh Parmesan cheese. The wine and food could simply not be more simpatico with each other! The 2019 will make my Best Wines Tasted list for 2023 again for the second year in a row. Nice job Larry!

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://www.cudaridgewines.com/