2018 RIVINO Winery Estate Cabernet Franc – Best of Class Winner
The Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2018 RIVINO Winery Estate Cabernet Franc entered their first vintage in the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition last March. They received the Best of Class and a Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. An excellent accomplishment for their first vintage against some twenty major wineries in the Group 2 category of Cabernet Franc wines from $31 to $50.
The Winery
Photo from RIVINO website
The winery is located at 4001 Rivino Ranch Road in Ukiah, California in Mendocino County. Jason McConnell is the owner and winemaker. In 2008 the winery became a reality with the purchase of 250 acre parcel called RIVINO Ranch. The name RIVINO is a combination of the words RIVER and VINO or as they state “Where the river becomes wine”. From the picture of the vineyards above you can see the Russian River meandering along one portion of the property.
Photo from RIVINO website
In the far distance, the tree lined Russian River lines the vineyard. Approximately 200 acres are currently planted in vines. Currently seven varietals are planted on the Estate. Those varietals are: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Those varietals and blends are produced as well as two estate sparkling wines (hand riddled) and two Port-style wines. The picture on the label is a watercolor by Cameron Bird depicting their view of the Russian River from the property.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their goal is to produce artisan crafted and boutique wines in small lots to be enjoyed. Being all estate allows them complete control over their entire harvest and production. They also sell grapes from the vineyards to other producers.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First time tasting this wine but having won the competition, my expectation was very high! When I first pour the wine into the glass it was a lighter shade of red/crimson than expected with a semi-transparent edge. But that disappointment in the coloration, quickly vanished upon the first sip of this marvelous wine. On the palate this morphed into a real intense and flavorful drink. Bold and hearty would only begin to describe this wine! Bright raspberry fruit counter balanced with black pepper and typical pyrazines (green bell pepper accent) were spot on! The herbaceous qualities of the wine added uncharted complexity and structure to the wine. The finish provided a nice finish with gripping tannins and an earthiness of rouged terrain and minerality. Only 135 cases were produced and they are currently sold out. The price was $38 and 100% Cabernet Franc and was 15.2% alcohol. The next vintage is 2019 and will be released early fall. Barrel treatment is roughly 50% new French oak and aged 2 ½ to 3 years in the barrel.
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 with a beautiful fresh garden salad with fried onions, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, purple onions and Romaine lettuce. Topped with feta cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The entrée was a seasoned rib eye steak seared at 1200 degrees and served medium rare. Accompanied by long and short grain rice for a fabulous meal. The 2018 RIVINO Cabernet Franc with its boldness, provided an excellent companion for this meal. I will list it on my Best Wines Tasted in 2023, which only 5-6% make the annual list for the year around mid-December.
Sláinte,
Michael