2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc – A Gestalt Experience!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
The German word Gestalt, initially usedin psychology and now in modern German, emphasizes that the whole of anything is greater than the sum of its parts. It can also mean the way a thing has been “put together”, completed or as a whole. Yet there is no exact equivalent in the English language. One of the Gestalt principles is usually formulated around closure or completeness.
With this in mind, we have all had a wine at some point that was perfectly “complete” and greater than its parts when presented and tasted. This is how best I can describe the 2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc, as it is definitely “greater than its parts and was a complete experience”.
To learn more on Gestalt psychology and principles click on this link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestalt_psychology
The Winery
Cuda Ridge pouring at the Cabernet Franc wine event in April, 2024. Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery was formed in 2007 in Livermore at 2400 Arroyo Drive, Livermore, California. Larry Dino as the winemaker and his wife Margie as chief wine taster. 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 of wines which include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon, and a blend called S&M. 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.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the beginning of the article, I mentioned its “completeness” or Gestalt. This wine, for me, not only had all the key characteristics of a well-made Cabernet Franc, as a whole, it even was larger than the components of the varietal. Yes it had fruit, pyrazines (herbaceous bell pepper notes), tannins, complexity and an alluring finish and additionally hit the palate with a bullseye! First on the eyes, a dark and alluring maroon, purple coloring and medium heavy viscosity in the glass. On the nose, aromas of black cherries and violets waft into the senses. On the palate the symphony of flavors comes bursting forth like different parts of the orchestra. Blackberry, raspberries and cherries are the dominant flavors with secondary flavors of vanilla pipe tobacco, earthiness all in a well-structured and layered enjoyment of savory and appealing flavors. On the finish the juicy fruit is counter-balanced with acidity and defined pronounced tannins on the roof of the mouth and back teeth. This wine is akin to a high end Swiss Army knife, with tools/instruments to appease any need. Truly a remarkable wine.
The 2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc comes from two sections of the White Cat Vineyard, one being 30 year old vines and the other being 11 year old vines. They are combined to enhance the flavor profile with each having unique nuances. The wine is 92% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine will be released the end of June at $45/bottle. It was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak: 45% being new, 30% being once used and 25% being neutral barrels. The wine came in at 14.7% alcohol.
In April 2024, Cuda Ridge Wines 2021 won Double Gold and Best of Category ($31 to $50) from the Professional Judges. Expect his 2022 to rival or exceed his 2021 accolades!
This wine made my list of Best Wines tasted in 2024 immediately! That yearly list comes out mid-December.
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
Picked the 2022 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc to enjoy this evening with a marinated and BBQ’ed tri-tip steak. Marinated for 24 hours in a Chaka sauce and quickly seared and then served medium rare. Accompanied by halved roasted Brussel sprouts drizzled with a Balsamic vinegar reduction. Also accompanied by a fresh garden salad. The Cabernet Franc was perfectly matched with its bold flavors and strong tannins to easily glide through the meat. The herbaceousness of the Brussel sprouts coupled with the wine played beautifully off one another. Absolutely one of the more enjoyable meals of 2024 paired with an exceptional wine.
Sláinte,
Michael
June 10, 2024 at 9:35 pm
Thank you Michael for the wonderful review. I am glad that you are as excited about this wine as we are!