Month: May 2024
Cuda Ridge Wines – Take a Look Under the Hood!
Background
Perhaps an odd title but you have to understand how Larry Dino came up with the name for the winery. Larry and Margie Dino the proprietors with Larry being the winemaker, were discussing what to name their newly formed winery. Larry was in the process of restoring a 1970 Barracuda (or ‘Cuda) and one of his friends mentioned his Cuda and the ridge that was off in the distance. Voila the name was formed. Now for taking a look under the hood on Cuda Ridge.
Picture from Cuda Ridge Wines website
Cuda Ridge has been on the fast track in making excellent and award winning wines. Here is a partial listing of his recent flagged awards:
5th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
2021 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold and Best of Class by the Professional Judges.
SF Chronicle Wine Competition
2021 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon – Gold Medal
2021 Little Dog Vineyard Carménère – Gold Medal
2020 Estate Petit Verdot – Double Gold
Wine Enthusiast
2021 Casa De Vinas Carménère – 90 pts
2021 Little Dog Vineyard Carménère – 91 pts
2021 Insel Vineyard Carménère – 90 pts
Others
2019 Mélange d’ Amis (Cab Franc Blend) – Best of Show, Double Gold Medal at the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition
2019 Mélange d’ Amis (Cab Franc Blend) – Gold Medal – 2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition; Gold Medal; Gold Medal 2021 Orange County Fair
Beyond the above mentioned awards, Cuda Ridge Wines has consistently rated 90+ points on various wines and many Gold Medals.
The Winery
The winery was formed in 2007 in Livermore at 2400 Arroyo Drive, Livermore, California. The vision for Cuda Ridge Wines has been from the onset to produce premium wines that are small lot and hand-crafted Bordeaux-style wines. Cuda Ridge’s current production is 2400 cases. Cuda Ridge Wines produces the following Bordeaux varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. He also has a non-Bordeaux style lineup wines which include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon, and an S&M blend. I have tasted many of his wines over the years but until recently never sat down and went through a complete tasting and I was so pleased with the experience.
A short time ago, we had guests in from out of town and the five of us ventured to Cuda Ridge Wines. They had only tasted his Cabernet Franc & Mélange d’ Amis once before. There in a side private room, Larry proceeded to offer us 26 wines available, a few with different vintages. From memory we tasted around 10 wines: Sauvignon Blanc, BDX Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère (two different vineyards), Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Malbec Reserve and Mélange d’ Amis. Tasting their Cabernet Franc lineup is their signature varietal and always a perennial 90+ pt and Gold Medal winner! Larry conducted the tasting with enthusiastic fanfare and plenty of animation as shown in the picture below:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
During the course of almost two hours, extensive note taking was done by the guests and many questions asked and subsequently answered by Larry:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While lots of discussion on winemaking, varietals, viticulture, etc., transpired, everyone did participate with vigor in the tastings!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Leaving the tasting room, we purchased some three cases of wine. While usually conservative in my purchasing, I left with many of my favorites from the day: 2020 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Carménère Insel Vineyard and 2019 Mélange D’ Amis. The others purchased some of the same and many different ones like Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. In total we left with 3 cases of wine as it was that delicious!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
All the wines I purchased will make my annual list of Best Wines tasted in the year that comes out each December. More detail stories will be forth coming on each wine during the year.
Sláinte,
Michael
Francs N’ Franks – Cabernet Franc-A-Palooza May 4th, 2024
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The third event held at the Cabernet Franc-A-Palooza was called “Francs ‘N Franks” so designated for a food pairing tasting six different sausages and wines. The event organizers enlisted the help of the Livermore Butcher Shop who prepared six unique homemade sausages to be paired with six Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event opened with Steven Mirassou kicking off this one of a kind but tasty endeavor. He outlined the different regions that would be coming forward to speak about their wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Each winemaker/owner got up and spoke about their wine pairing with the various sausages as well as the owner of the Livermore Butcher Shop.
First pairing was the 2021 Six Eighty Cellars Cabernet Franc Carbonic from the Finger Lakes, New York. Paired with “Cheddar Bob” and one of my three favorite sausages of the day.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second pairing was with the 2021 Paradise Springs Cabernet Franc from Shenandoah Valley and Loudoun County in Virginia. This was paired with the “Merguez Lamb” sausage. Unfortunately no photo.
Next up was the third pairing 2021 Steven Kent Winery Cabernet Franc from Livermore, California. This was paired with the “VooDoo” chicken based sausage. Steven’s award winning wine shone during this pairing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The fourth pairing was the 2021 Lang & Reed North Coast Cabernet Franc. This was paired with the pork based “Smoked Bratwurst” and was a very good pairing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The fifth pairing was the 2021 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc from Livermore, California. This was paired with “Rockin’ Moroccan” sausage. Another good food (chicken base) and wine pairing. Rhonda Wood owner and winemaker talking about her award winning wine, pictured below.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
The last pairing was from Absolution Cellars presented by Dirk Neumann, owner and winemaker, from Alisos Canyon AVA in Santa Barbara, California. It was paired with “Fire Roasted Sicilian” pork based sausage with a “little elevated heat”. This was in my opinion the standout sausage of the wine and food pairing.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Also served to accompany the sausages were three delicious mustards should you wish to enhance the tasting experience. Just a little amount of each provided a totally different flavor to the sausages.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
As we departed the lovely grounds of The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa after a very rainy day, the skies broke and we were treated to a beautiful sunset over the vineyard.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
So ended the day with a vast knowledge of sausages and tasted some exquisite Cabernet Franc wines. Will definitely be visiting the aforementioned wineries and the Livermore Butcher Shop soon!
Sláinte,
Michael
Cabernet Franc–A-Palooza 2024
Attended three out of four events this last weekend in Livermore, California at the Cabernet Franc–A-Palooza hosted by the Momentous Hospitality Team. The first event that I attended was the “University of Cabernet Franc” an exploration of Cabernet Franc wines from around the globe moderated by Kristy Wenz. The classroom style event including panelists Steven Mirassou, Kirk Wiles, Jorden William and Jorge Tinoco. Each provided an insight into the style, nuances, winemaking styles of an area and possible food pairings.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The eight wines that were in the lineup for this event were:
Buttonwood Grove – Finger Lakes, NY
Cody Kresta – Michigan
Luna Hart – Santa Barbara, CA
Steven Kent – Livermore, CA
Paradise Springs Winery – Virginia
Quady North – Oregon
Must Be Wine – Parnay, Loire Valley, France
Gallica Winery – Oakville, CA
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Kristy Wenz as an energetic and engaging moderator, coordinated and set the tone for the esteem panel to discuss the various wines.
Below is Gretchen Voelcker from Luna Hart Winery discussing the wines and winery.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Up next on the agenda was Jorden Williams from Quady North Winery where she is the Marketing Manager and certified Sommelier.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Also speaking was Kirk Wiles, CEO of Paradise Springs Winery with locations in Virginia and Santa Barbara. His presentation was unique with a discussion about the seasons on the East coast and West coast for growing Cabernet Franc. Additionally he discussed the Cabernet Franc characteristics and differences between the two geographic vineyards and final resulting wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Steven Mirassou assembled a lively and engaging group of folks to participate in the “University Session”.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Stories on the two other events will be forthcoming shortly.
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Ehret Family Winery “Knights Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Being the “least expensive” Cabernet Sauvignon in the Ehret Family Winery lineup, it still delivered like one of their premier wines! First on the eyes a dark luscious coloring almost black and with heavy viscosity. On the nose one of the more expressive and startling aromas with dark cherries exploding in the senses. On the palate a symphony of flavors broke out in merriment with red raspberry and black fruits. On the finish, soft and velvety tannins provide a smooth and gentle conclusion to each sip. This wine can easily be enjoyed with various foods or even as a standalone drink.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The grapes are handpicked from their estate Bavarian Lion Vineyards. 300 cases were produced and the 2019 vintage is listed at $75/bottle but no price is shown on the 2020 vintage. This show having an alcohol level of 15.5%.
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 this evening with braised beef short ribs cooked in a slow cooker all day. First browned on the skillet for a few minutes and then placed in the slow cooker. Ingredients included olive oil, onions, mushrooms, garlic, red cooking wine, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and bay leaves. Accompanied with a risotto of mushroom sautéed first in garlic and peas and a wilted spinach salad with freshly cooked bacon and slivered purple onions. The food and wine pairing was excellent with the flavorful 2020 Ehret Family Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Winery
The Ehret Family Winery owners are Pierre and Susan Ehret with their three children Alex, Christian and Isabella. They established the vineyard and started producing grapes in 1996 at the Bavarian Lion Vineyards. It is one of the largest estates in Knights Valley consisting of 1800 acres of both hillside and valley floor terrain. Currently 500 acres are planted in vineyards allowing the balance to provide an ecosystem for plants and birdlife to dwell. From 1996 they sold their fruit to some of the more well-known wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. In 2005, they selected the highest quality grapes and started their family brand, Ehret Family Winery. Today they produce various Cabernet Sauvignon’s, Red Blends, Zinfandel, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Their tasting room is located in Healdsburg at 422 Healdsburg Ave and appointments are required.
Map courtesy from Vintroux https://vineyardandwinerysales.com/
Knights Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County between Alexander Valley and over the Napa Valley border next to Calistoga
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Iron Hub “Old Vine” Zinfandel
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Went to Iron Hub a couple of weeks back to purchase their “Clockspring Vineyard” Zinfandel and Chardonnay. While there did a side by side tasting of their “Old Vine” and “Clockspring” Zinfandel’s. While I had already made a proclamation that Clockspring made my Best Wines tasted in the year, was not expecting their “Old Vine” to be much of a match. Was I wrong! I came home with several bottles of “Old Vine” much to my liking. The wine on eyes was similar to “Clockspring” but a shade or two darker and more mysterious. On the nose intense dark cherries and blackberries. On the palate, ripe juicy plums and soft pipe tobacco. On the finish the dominant flavor was vanilla counterbalanced by clove and vanilla notes. Layers and layers of spice and unexpected joy provide a lingering finish.
The “Old Vine” vintage includes 10% Barbera, 4% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache and 1% Syrah. It is listed at $38/bottle and comes in at 15.9% alcohol. It is aged 15 months in oak barrels. The grapes come from the nearby Oakmont Vineyard where the vines are 80 years of age.
So without a doubt the second Zinfandel from Iron Hub makes my annual Best Wines tasted during the year! This also means it is now a “stocked commodity” in the cellar.
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 this evening with a filet mignon kabob marinated in a Chaka sauce and seared on the 1450 degree BBQ (thus the charred finished) but still cooked to medium rare. Slices of green & red bell peppers, purple onions and mushrooms on the skewers. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad. The wine and food was opulent in that the wine swallowed the “charness” and yet delved into the tender meat. Had never tried Zinfandel with steak kabobs and this will definitely will be a standard going forward.
The Winery
Picture by Iron Hub Winery
The winery was founded by Tom Jones from Lava Cap Winery fame in the Apple Hill area near Placerville. Tom completed his masters degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis, and for almost 30 years developed award-winning wines. Tom and his wife Beth’s new endeavor began in 2014 with the purchase of the 33 acre property that had been known as Amador Foothill Winery. Having control of the grapes from vineyard to bottle was key in his quest for quality control with 17 acres planted in vines.
The name of the winery came about from Tom’s mountain sojourns in the area. On an adventure he discovered an antique, hand-forged wagon wheel hub in a remote area. Thus this small winery on Steiner Road drew a parallel with his goal of making small lot artisan wines similar to the craftsmanship of the “iron hub” he found on a walk. The beautiful new tasting room was opened in December 2017.
Spencer, their son, following in his father’s footsteps by also graduating from UC Davis with a master’s degree from the Department of Viticulture and Enology, is the winery’s Assistant winemaker. Today, they form a dynamic father-son winemaking team. Tom and Spencer enjoy and demand a hands-on approach to every aspect of the winemaking process, from tending the grapes in the estate vineyards to carefully crafting both red and white wines. They recently added 10 acres managing the Spanish Creek site they are leasing. Having now 27 acres of “estate property” to manage is keeping them very busy. Tom has stated that “Our estate affords me creative control from the vine to the bottle”
Sláinte,
Michael
Results of the Sierra Foothills Wine Competition Held April 26th, 2024
Congratulations to these Calaveras Wineries!
While not having judged all these wines as the judging was done by various tables, here are the noteworthy Calaveras wineries only that won Silver, Gold or Double Gold awards. Worth checking each of these out.
Chardonnay:
Ironstone Vineyards 2021 GG “Reserve”
Hovey Winery 2022 G
Milliaire Winery 2022 S
School Street Wines 2022 S
Vermentino:
Tanner Vineyards 2022 G
Pinot Grigio:
School Street Wines 2023 G – also Best of Show “White” & “Calaveras”
Milliaire Winery 2022 S
Sauvignon Blanc:
Newsome Harlow 2023 G
Jazz Cellars 2022 S
Rose – (Varietal)
Jazz Cellars “Grenache” 2022 S
Barbera:
Gossamer Cellars 2019 G
School Street Wines 2018 S
Mineral Wines 2020 S
Stevenot Winery 2020 S “Estate”
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Mineral Wines 2019 S
Ironstone Vineyard 2021 S “Reserve”
Milliaire Winery 2021 S “ Calaveras”
Val du Vino Winery 2021 S
Cabernet Franc:
Mineral Winery 2020 G
Val du Vino 2021 S
Malbec:
Milliaire Winery 2021 G
Mineral Wine 2020 S
Jazz Cellars 2022 S
Merlot:
Hatcher Winery 2019 G
Black Sheep Winery 2021 S
Petite Sirah:
Milliaire Winery 2021 S
Ironstone Vineyards 2021 S “Limited”
Syrah:
Milliaire Winery 2021 S
Newsome Harlow Winery 2021 S
Meritage:
Ironstone Vineyards 2021 G
Mineral Wines 2019 S
Alicante Bouschet:
Gossamer Cellars 2020 S
Tempranillo:
Val du Vino 2021 S
Zinfandel:
Black Sheep Winery 2021 GG “ Calaveras”
Also won “Zin Challenge” & “Best of Calaveras”
Milliaire Winery 2021 S “Old Vine”
Newsome Harlow Winery 2021 S
School Street Wines 2017 S
Hatcher Winery 2018 S “Estate”
Black Sheep Winery 2021 S “Amador”
Milliaire Winery 2021 S “Ghiradelli”
Milliaire Winery 2020 S “Rous”
Milliaire Winery 2021 S “Clockspring”
Other Red Varietals:
Milliaire Winery – Touriga 2020 G
Black Sheep Winery “Shiraz” 2020 S
Black Sheep Winery “Cinsault” 2020 S
Gossamer Cellars “Trincadeira” 2019 S
Rhone Style Blends:
Val du Vino Winery “3 Cousins” 2021 G
Other Red Blends:
Ironstone Vineyards “Red” 2021 GG
Hovey Winery “Founders Blend” 2019 G
Val du Vino Winery “Red Dragon” 2021 S
Gossamer Cellars “Rascal” 2019 S
Vintage Port:
Milliaire Winery “Zinfandel” 2021 S
Port – Ruby
Hatcher 2018 S
Sláinte,
Michael
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