2018 Cuda Ridge Petit Verdot – A Delicious and Award Winning Wine
The Winery and Background
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 winery and Tasting Room is located at 2400 Arroyo Road in Livermore, California. Cuda Ridge Wines current production is approximately 2100 cases. Cuda Ridge Wines produces 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 will produce non-Bordeaux style wines which are designated under their Black label, these wines include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Each of varietals 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 “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is 100% Petit Verdot with 94% being sourced from the Smith Ranch and 6% being Estate. On the eyes this is not your see through, translucent sipping wine. It is as dark as a cavern and could be used in redacting any proprietary military or legal document!! It possesses a medium heavy viscosity when swirling in the glass. On the nose, the first scent awakens one that something special is about to happen with black fruits along with lilac and violets slap you upside the head with a bouquet of wonder and enticing charm. Present also are aromas of vanilla, spice and cedar. Once on the palate, plum, blackberry and blueberry dance wildly in your mouth. The fruit is counterbalanced by dried herbs, mostly violets. The finish is dry and full bodied with noted edgy tannins. It was aged 19 months in 100% American oak barrels with 43% new and 57% once used. The wine went for $40/bottle. This wine came in at 14.8% alcohol and is only available now as a library wine. The vintage being offered today is the 2019 and offered at $41/bottle. Similar oak treatment and just a little less alcohol level.
This 2018 wine has won the following awards:
*Best of Class & Double Gold – 2021 TVC Uncorked Wine Competition
*Gold Medal – 2021 Orange County Wine Fair Wine Competition and 94 points
*Gold Medal – 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
*Wine Enthusiasts – Awarded 94 points
The Food and Wine Pairing
No food and wine pairing this evening, just enjoyed the wine by itself. That is how good it was!! This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasting during 2023. The list comes out yearly around mid-December.
Sláinte,
Michael