2023 Cuda Ridge Wines Sauvignon Blanc – Flavors Galore!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is one of my favorite pictures of Larry at a recent tasting this year. Lots of captions can be used to describe his motion. For this story I will forego the story about the big fish that got away and state Larry was describing the spectrum and enormity of his Sauvignon Blanc
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 if 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 “glorified water” or light Sauvignon Blanc. 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 lime and lemon grass let their presence be known. The finish was extremely and enjoyably long, especially for a Sauvignon Blanc.
Having only had two tastings of this wine previously, this wine just made my Best Wines tasted during the year for 2024 (comes out each December). It will be a summertime 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. This wine has won awards at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Alameda County Fair.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
The wine was chosen to go with this wild caught Petrale Sole. It was a baked recipe with some additional spices added. The basic Mediterranean recipe called for lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, sliced shallots, garlic, capers, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, sliced Italian stuffed olives and sliced green onions. Served with fresh Rosemary and lemon slices. I added parsley, thyme and a little Ken’s Northern Italian Lite dressing with basil and Romano cheese. Accompanied by quartered, seasoned and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and an artichoke.
The fish with the scrumptious wine, made a wonderful food and wine pairing meal !
Sláinte,
Michael