Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – More Than Meets the Eyes!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines in Livermore, California with Larry Dino as the winemaker and his wife Margie as chief wine taster. 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 also 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 – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is where one should not judge a book by its cover! While on the eyes a pale almost clear coloring thinking this is nothing more than “gloried water”. The truth is just the opposite. Bright and crisp aromas of peach and white grapefruit greet the olfactory senses. Then when on the palate, this wine becomes larger than life with grapefruit being the pronounced flavor. Secondary flavors of peach and just a touch of pineapple hint of their presence. The finish is long especially for a Sauvignon Blanc. Having only had one tasting of this wine previously, this wine just made my Best Wines tasted during the year for 2024. It will be a summer time winner on the patio and being only 12% alcohol is great for social occasions. It is listed for $30/bottle and the surprising punch of power and flavors was astonishing.
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
This wine was chosen to compliment tonight’s dinner of Chilean Sea Bass. Seasoned with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning and then quickly sautéed in butter and olive oil. The fish was rich and flaky and cooked to perfection. Then a clear sauce of fresh lemon juice and butter. Accompanied with fresh lemon slices, brown rice and sautéed broccoli and mushrooms. Each bite with a sip of wine provided a “divine intervention” of a marvelous treat made in heaven with the 2023 Cuda Ridge Sauvignon Blanc!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 
January 14, 2024 at 9:46 pm
I might even by tempted to try this one. I
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