2022 Cuda Ridge Malbec Reserve – A Movie, NFL Playoffs, BBQ Carne Asada & Cowboy Coffee
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
With a title like this some explanation is necessary! On Friday while watching a good movie on Netflix called “About My Father” we discussed Saturday’s dinner. With the NFL playoffs on, we did not want to miss watching them (turned out both were spectacular games). Again, with the weather being a bit cold, but not raining, I suggested we BBQ between the first and second game. My wife came up with the Carne Asada idea which I immediately endorsed. The Cowboy coffee will be explained in the wine description section below.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Malbec has always been a favorite wine. While having had Cuda Ridge Wines regular Malbec which is excellent, don’t remember tasting Cuda Ridge Wines Reserve Malbec. Startling, mesmerizing and shocking just touch the surface of my reaction to the exalted quality of the wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine, when poured into the glass possessed a royal purple coloring that was radiant. With a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of black fruits and earthiness wafted into the senses begging to be tasted. Once on the palate, this sublime wine bursts forth with blackberries, plum as the main fruits. Followed with exotic spices of anise, cloves and a touch of cinnamon. Finally on the finish, black pepper, smokiness and dry earthiness provide a long-lasting and enjoyable conclusion. Now the Cowboy coffee comment, not in taste, but that roasted smell around a campfire on the Mendoza plains. A flashback to being smokey and rugged, yet this wine vacillating having a pedigree of silky and cragginess with its tannins.
This is 100% Malbec coming from the White Cat Vineyard in Livermore. The wine is aged in Pennsylvanian American oak, with 50% being once used and 50% neutral. The wine comes in at 14.7% alcohol and is sold at $60/bottle. Only 47 cases were produced and half are already gone!
This wine most definitely will make my annual list of Best Wines tasted in 2026.
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
Dinner with this wine was a special Carne Asada. The flank steak was tenderized and marinated 12 hours with the following ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, fresh chopped cilantro leaves, minced jalapeñopeppers, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, Kosher salt, ground black pepper. Flatiron peppers, their Dark & Smokey blend, was then added to steak and seared on the BBQ with an infrared ceramic burner at 1500 degrees for about 8minutes a side.Served with minced cilantro, fresh extra marinade sauce and a modicum of fresh squeezed lime juice. Accompanying the meal were roasted jalapeno pepper, corn and baked potato wedges. The wedge potatoes were prepared with olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper and finely grated fresh parmesan cheese.
The Carne Asada was flavorful and just a little spicy. The Malbec with its fruit surrounded the spicy meat with each succulent bite. Perhaps one of the best food and wine pairings.
This Malbec blend with its fruit surrounded the spicy meat and cooled it off to be absolutely a wonderful pairing with the Cabernet Sauvignon component matched beautifully with the meat protein.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry Dino, owner and winemaker at Cuda Ridge Wines, now has all six modern Bordeaux varietals available at the tasting room.
One of the solid and simple marketing ideas that Larry devised is his coloring scheme: White label for his Reserve wines, Black label for his non-Bordeaux wines and purple label for his Bordeaux varietals.
The list of awards for all his other wines is extensive and would direct you to his website to view the dozens and dozens of noteworthy awards.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2022 Maritana Vineyards “La Rivière” Chardonnay – Always Delivers and Is Praiseworthy
The Wine 2022 Maritana Chardonnay “La Rivière” – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The specific goals for all his wines are to have beautiful floral aromas, stabilized and permanent bright coloring to the eye. Lofty and elegant goals to be sure but he is implementing creative and imaginative techniques to achieve his desired outcome. He definitely hit his mark with this Chardonnay. I knew from previous tastings this wine was going to be outstanding. “La Rivière” means “the River” referring to Russian River AVA where the vineyards are located.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, the clarity and brightness were ethereal straw, golden yellow and a heavy viscosity (not normally found in Chardonnay). On the nose, predominate aromas of almonds and pears. On the palate is where this wine is exceptional full mouth-filling essence with light lemon and fresh brioche. A slightly sweet finish with flavors of caramel, counterbalanced with a modicum of minerality. What the net effect provides is an elegant layered and slightly creamy Chardonnay. This spectrum of quality is generally found in wines costing closer to $100 and up. The most recent price I remember was $42/bottle and comes in at 13.5% alcohol level.
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
Pulled this wine from the cellar to enjoy this evening with fresh Petrale sole. Prepared on a skillet with fresh parsley, lemons, lemon juice, Italian seasoning and capers. Cooked in butter and white wine. Accompanied by small halved roasted potatoes. The food and wine pairing was spot on as the delicate fish and the wine with minerality, lemon and brioche was complementary.
This wine has been an on-going favorite and continues to be a great wine. This vintage will again make my annual Best Wines tasted for 2026.
The Winery
I originally interviewed Donald Patz in his living room back in 2018. He was just starting out his venture with Maritana Vineyards, a project for developing and producing the highest quality of grapes for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here Donald is implementing his strategy to develop a more balanced and “elegant and perfumed version to show through” with choices of grapes with selected aged barrels. On his Pinot Noir, he has secured three vineyards in the Russian River AVA. For this varietal he is using approximately 60% new oak barrels. The wines for Maritana Vineyards will be his Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017, “Le Russe”; the Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2017 “La Rivière”; Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2017 “Dutton Ranch/Hansen Hill Vineyard” and his Russian River Chardonnay 2017 “Dutton Ranch/Shop Block 1967”. The last using vines planted in 1967 and using 50-year-old vines in his Chardonnay production!
Fast forward some seven years and today with four decades of experience and intricate knowledge of the vineyards, he has three specific labels. They are:
MARITANA VINEYARDS – Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
SECRET DOOR WINERY – Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
TERMINIM – Mendocino County Marsanne/Roussanne and Syrah
Recently all his wines received scores in mid-90’s (seven with 95 points), which shows his dedication and artisan effort with his craft.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2020 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc and The Winery is Relocated to Idaho!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Brett Keller and his wife Andrea own Mineral Wines formerly located in Murphys, California. Brett started out in Hospitality Management but eventually went back to school earning his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2003. When Brett and Andrea moved back to Angels Camp (Calaveras County), Brett took over management of Andrea’s family 4-acre Cherokee Creek Vineyard. Initially this property grew exclusively Merlot, but subsequently Brett grafted three acres of vineyard to Roussanne, Viognier and Petite Sirah. These are the main stay and define Mineral Wines. In addition, they produce Zinfandel, Malbec, and various Meritage blends, Tempranillo, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in the Sierra foothills.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
More recently Brett and family moved to Eagle, Idaho. There he is amid setting up his new winery location, still being called Mineral Wines. He has established himself with local folks assisting in yearly crushes. While still having some varieties of grapes from the Sierra foothills, he has begun making Idaho based wines, specifically Malbec and Syrah. In 2022 he made a Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blend all from the Snake River Valley. The most recent vintage is his 2023 Syrah and a Merlot from a local vineyard just outside of Eagle, Idaho. On their 10-acre estate in Eagle, they have completed their plans for the winery and are currently heading for permitting it to start in early Spring.
In a conversation with Brett one very interesting fact is that Idaho was declared the leading consuming state is the US by per capita by VinePair (https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-wine-america-2020/)
When they open their doors, Mineral Wines will hit the road at full speed with over 30 Gold and Double Medals to win the hearts and palates of those in Eagle Foothills AVA on the edge of Treasure Valley in Idaho.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2020 Mineral Wine Cabernet Franc is a deep crimson color on the eyes and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of violets, black fruits and black cherry abound. On the palate, blackberry, cigar tobacco, balanced with a subtle vanilla spice presents a very drinkable Cabernet Franc. The finish has the typical pyrazine (green bell pepper) but it is in the background providing a smooth finish. The tannins are tame and enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was their last release as the vineyard where they were getting the grapes was ripped out.
Note on the label the Fluorite ‘Alien Eye’ with Aquamarine ‘lashes’ – Erongo Mountain, Namibia.
The current release of 2020 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc, along with the limited release 20217 and 2019 vintages can be viewed at www.mineralwines.com and are available by calling Brett directly at 209-743-4100.
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
Pulled this wine from the cellar to pair with a wonderful “wintertime” comfort food this evening. It was Jalapeno Meat Loaf, perfect for a damp and rainy evening. Ingredients included panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey and chili powder. A slight change this evening was the addition of a modicum of Flatiron Pepper Company’s Hatch Valley Green pepper combination spice. It included Hatch Valley Green for bright chili flavor, Jalapeno for classic flavor and moderate heat and Habanero as an extra kicker! This provided the right amount of spice, flavor and heat to complete the meat loaf. Accompanied by a baked Russet potato and roasted Brussel sprouts drizzled with Balsamic.
The food and wine pairing was spectacular with the combination of spice in the meal and the fruit in the wine.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2022 ITER Cellars Sauvignon Blanc – A Journey to New Beginnings
Photo from ITER Cellars
Background
While traveling during the holiday season visiting family, our daughter and son-in-law have a family tradition of Chinese food on Christmas Eve. While I brought some wines for Christmas dinner to be served with prime rib, I did not bring a good wine to pair with Chinese food. So off we drove to a local wine store chain and picked up this bottle for dinner. This wine was recommended by of the managers who assisted me. I had never heard of ITER Cellars but decided to go with his recommendation.
The Winery
The name Iter from the Latin primarily means “journey, road, path or passage”. This description is on the back of the bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As previously mentioned, this wine was recommended to me without knowing any background on the winery. As it turns out, it is a family run business with the owners being Stefano Migotto and Valentina Guolo. Fior di Sole (flower of the sun) is an operated wine company located in the heart of Napa Valley, producing an array of wines from Napa and throughout California.
The company is committed to minimizing their impact on the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Their bottling line facility is CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). I will be exploring what other aspects of their operations are CCOF as this is a noteworthy achievement.
This is a very large-scale operation with forty-one brands under the Fior di Sole ownership. Wine labels for example include Four Stars, Anthony Rami Family Winery, Ancient Gate Cellars, Harris Parker, Long Barn, etc. Their warehouse for finish goods has a capacity of 1.1 million cases! Their operation includes in-house filtration, quality control and laboratory services. Picking up a quick bottle of wine has lead to uncovering a vast enterprise. Look forward to understanding and perhaps tasting some of their other wines. Iter does appear to be a long path to be discovered.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo from ITER Cellars
A clean and glistening light golden color in the glass. On the nose, lemon grass and grapefruit aromas are dominant. On the palate a combination of citrus primarily of lemon and bountiful herbaceous flavors. It is crisp and clean providing a lovely finish with a hint of minerality. Their winemaker states that their Sauvignon Blanc “tastes like it feels to walk through a meadow on a dewy spring morning”.
The wine goes for a modest $13/bottle on retail shelves and is a remarkable bargain!
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
One of the more difficult meals to pair a wine with is Chinese as generally so many different assortments of dishes are ordered to please a group. Tonight was no exception with pork fried rice, chicken fried rice, pot stickers, lemon chicken, honey walnut prawns, orange chicken, beef broccoli, Mongolian beef, and chow Mein. I am sure a few others escaped my memory!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I have generally gone with Sauvignon Blanc as it tends to go with many Chinese dishes. As you can see a lot of delicious dishes were ordered for the 17 people attending Christmas Eve dinner (not all foods are shown)!
Sláinte,
Michael
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Estate Dry Riesling – A New Wine for me!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
While traveling during the holiday season visiting family, my wife prepared a meal of Pad Thai for the family. While in California my favorite and go to wine for this dish is Smith-Madrone Riesling from Spring Mountain. However, I did not find one in Arizona, so I picked up this bottle at a local wine store chain and was very impressed.
The Winery
Photo from Dr Heidemanns-Bergweiler Winery
The Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Estate has approximately 30 acres of Riesling vineyards in the steeply sloped Middle-Mosel area. More than 75% of their vineyards are marked as “Steillage” (German for steep slope or incline). The vineyard soils are mostly Devon slate residual soils with varying parts of topsoil and mineral stone. The slate gives the wines a delicate and cool minerality which is typical for a Moselle Riesling. The combination of cool climate, slate and Riesling makes their wines unique.
They currently produce Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, Ice-wine, Sparkling and a variety of Rieslings ranging from dry to sweet. Most of their wines scored in the low to mid-90’s from Wine Enthusiast and others, all being noted for complexity and depth.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This dry Riesling from Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler has a refreshing and intense aromas of Jasimine that exudes significant power. The taste is marked by a distinctive acidity. It is dry and possesses mango and guava flavors with a tinge of citrus, notably lime. Medium viscosity packing a lively punch. The finish provides earthy stoniness and slate-like hints.
Generally found around $20/bottle.
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
Duck, Pork, Bacon, Chicken, Shrimp, and Crab are suggested foods for Riesling. Chose this wine to pair with one of my favorite dishes, Chicken Pad Thai. The Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling was purchased for this meal due to spiciness of the Chicken Pad Thai or at least the way we prepare it! Last evening went with a much more flavorful and spicier recipe. The ingredients were fresh whole wheat noodles, virgin olive oil, minced garlic, cooked chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, peanuts and lime juice. The Pad Thai sauce included fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Momofuku Chili Crunch and creamy peanut butter! The Riesling being very dry was spot on for this meal.
Limes were plated to squeeze the juice over the top of the dish as well as ground peanuts, cilantro and green onion slices. Accompanying the meal was a fresh garden salad. The meal was packed with a punch of flavor and warmth! The 2024 Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler pinched hit perfectly for the meal. The wine was refreshing and quenched the palate.
The 2024 Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling just made the Best Wines tasted in 2026 (mid-Dec 2025 to mid-Dec 2026) in the under $50/category. I would like to taste their single vineyard Riesling’s in the future.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Wood Family Vineyards Syrah – A Masterpiece
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Some of the most recent awards are as follows, but not all are listed.
2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold
2021 Malbec – Double Gold
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon “Clone 30” – Double Gold
2021 El Loco Rojo Red Blend – Double Gold
2021 Captain Red Blend – Double Gold
2022 Chardonnay – Gold
Their 2019 was awarded 95 points & won Double Gold at the Orange County Wine Fair. 2022 is surely destined to win awards also.
For a complete listing see their website listed below.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is destined to be one of the Wood Family Vineyards quick sellers. First on the eyes, a deep almost “blackish” color but with a rim of mesmerizing magenta/purple hue and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, dark berries and violets are the predominant aromas that waft into your senses. But on the palate are robust, dense and lively blackberry and blueberry flavors, along with red plums engulfing the mouth with the fruit and black pepper. Tertiary flavors of clove and cherry cola are present. On the finish, velvety texture and very subtle tannins caress the back of the mouth to provide a long-lasting enjoyable tasting. Listed at $38/bottle and only 60 cases produced. The wine was aged 18 months in a mixture of French and Hungarian oak with 30% being new oak, 20% Hungarian and 10% French. 100% Syrah varietal from the Clark vineyard in East Livermore.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in the year for 2026.
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 slow cooker Birria Tacos were cooked 8 ½ hours. Besides chuck roast, ingredients included chopped yellow onion, garlic cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, Hatch Valley green peppers, cinnamon, chipotle in adobo, crushed fire roasted tomatoes, beef broth, white vinegar, kosher salt, bay leaves, shredded Oaxaca cheese and chopped fresh cilantro. Dipping sauce was on the side. This recipe was much easier than previous ones especially having to find all the fresh ingredients (see previous story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2023/08/05/2020-jessies-grove-winery-fancy-quest-old-vine-zinfandel-and-birria-tacos-and-sauce/ .
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Starfield Vineyards Miner’s Inch Blend – A Surprisingly Great Find
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Starfield Vineyards sent out a bottle of their 2023 Miner’s Inch for an upcoming Zoom call with Tom and Rob Stinton, owners and winemaker for Starfield Vineyards. This was held on the winter solstice concluding the shortest sunlight day to the longest, with daylight expanding ending in the summer solstice. It was a metaphor for planning and renewal for the coming year.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I was intrigued by the 2023 Miner’s Inch (named for a local mine in the Sierra foothills from the Gold Rush days) as it was either a “hodgepodge of varieties left over or creative genius”! The wine consisted of 30% Grenache, 17% Aglianico, 14% Tempranillo, 14% Petite Sirah, 9% Mourvedre, 9% Cinsault, 4% Roussanne all from El Dorado AVA. As I have previously expressed, I am not a big fan of “blends” yet have experienced some delish ones, this seems from reading the mix, a bit “far out”. Turns out it was wonderfully delicious.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes an iridescent red/maroon coloring that was beyond eye catching! I held a white paper towel behind it that only showed a portion of the color. Spice and floral notes on the nose combined with their Sierra Spice scents. On the palate is where this wine exploded with flavors coming primarily from Grenache, Aglianico, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah each being distinctly noted with each sip. Black and red berries, savory spices, smokiness, black pepper swirled happily in the mouth. The finish provided a bright acidity with checked tannins with a hint of a semi-sweet conclusion.
Only 208 cases produced and is sold for $38/bottle. SRP $38. They aged the wine for 18 months using 23% new French oak barrels and the balance being neutral barrels. This wine will make my annual list of Best Wines tasted for 2026 (Dec 16th, 2025, to Dec 15th, 2026). The conclusion is simply creative genius!
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
With such an all-inclusive blend, it was a bit of a shot in the dark which food to pair with the wine. Went with our chicken Pad Thai with a more spice than normal. The ingredients were fresh Udon noodles, virgin olive oil, minced garlic, cooked chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, peanuts and lime juice. The Pad Thai sauce included fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, siracha and creamy peanut butter!
Limes were plated to squeeze the juice over the top of the dish as well as ground peanuts and green onion slices. Accompanying the meal was a fresh garden salad. The meal was packed with a punch of flavor and warmth! The 2023 Miner’s Inch was a godsend. The wine was refreshing and quenched the palate from the heat of the meal. Every flavor in the dish found a partner in the wine blend!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The other note on the finish was the “Sierra Spice” which Starfield Vineyards describes as being its sense of place amongst the trees on the property of “Ponderosa Pine, Cedar, Douglas Fir and combined with the mountain air of resin, bark and needles” from the trees. They sent me a test tube to inhale the aromatics.
The Winery
Photo from Starfield Vineyards
The winery was founded in 2012 by Tom and Rob Sinton with plantings of 31 acres on the hillsides east of Placerville, California in El Dorado County. They are located at 2759 Jacquier Road.
Map courtesy of https://uscountymaps.com/el-dorado-county-map-california/
The names of the wines, especially their new labels starting with the 2023 vintages, highlight the history of the region from the Gold Rush with wine names as Miner’s Inch and Rising Hope. These two are for a nearby mine.
The winery produces 17 varieties of wines comprising of mostly Rhone varieties (66%) and Italian (30%) and a few Spanish varieties. The vineyards have been farmed using sustainable and fish-friendly farming since their inception.
The winery name, Starfield, refers to “Star Fields”, sites where in their words “fruit develops the optimal balance of aroma, flavor and texture”. They also consider what they refer to as Sierra Spice, the aroma and taste characteristics that come from the western facing forests surrounding the vineyards. The local trees are Ponderosa Pines, Cedars and Douglas Firs and their oils provide earthy and woodsy forest aromatics from their oils.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Annual List of Best Wines Tasted In 2025
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2025 continued to be a busy year tasting, judging and evaluating wines. Typically, most years I taste or enjoy between 1400 to 1800 wines. This list roughly represents 7% of those wines tasted to be outstanding. I have broken it out by price point, those $50 and under and those $51 and up—-something for everyone! They are listed by varietal to make it easier to search for a specific wine. The picks come from almost all the California AVA’s and sub-AVA’s, Colorado and New Mexico. 2025 was a year in which many wines in the cellar hit their maturity so you will notice a higher percentage of older wines. I believe whole heartily and stand by these picks. There were many other very good and solid wines, but these “stood out” from the crowd with my highest ratings. Most of these wines have been written up and you can do a search for the story on the right-hand side on a PC or laptop on my website (htttps://californiawinesandwineries.com)
| $50 and Less | |||
| Vintage | Winery | Area | Wine |
| 2023 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | “The Runway” (Bordeaux blend) |
| 2023 | Starfield Vineyards | El Dorado | Aglianico |
| 2021 | Cellar 13 | Livermore | Albarino |
| 2022 | J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery | Paso Robles | Blend “Cuvee St E” |
| 2022 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Bourbon Barrel Red Blend |
| 2021 | Dracaena Wines | Paso Robles | Cabernet Fran (Reserve) |
| 2021 | Ancient Peaks | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc |
| 2022 | Creekside Cellars | Evergreen, CO | Cabernet Franc |
| 2023 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Dracaena Wines | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Dracaena Wines | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Mitchell Katz Winery | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Vivac Winery | New Mexico | Cabernet Franc |
| 2018 | Ancient Peaks | Paso Robles | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2019 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 30) |
| 2020 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Carmenere (Insel) |
| 2023 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Carmenere (Little Dog Vineyard) |
| 2021 | Iron Hub | Amador County | Chardonnay |
| 2021 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Spring Mtn | Chardonnay |
| 2023 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Chardonnay |
| 2022 | Hindsight Wines | Calistoga | Chardonnay, Monterey |
| 2024 | Frog’s Tooth | Calveras | Grenache Blanc |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Malbec |
| 2022 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Merlot |
| 2023 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Merlot |
| 2018 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Merlot “One Oak” |
| 2020 | Gossamer Cellas | Calaveras | Negroamora |
| 2021 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Petit Verdot |
| 2023 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Petit Verdot |
| 2018 | Vina Moda | Calaveras | Phoenix (Primitivo + Blend) |
| 2023 | Girasole | Mendocino County | Pinot Blanc |
| 2022 | Balverne | Windsor | Pinot Noir |
| 2023 | Soquel Vineyards | Soquel | Pinot Noir (Beauregard Ranch) |
| 2023 | Soquel Vineyards | Soquel | Pinot Noir (Estate) |
| 2019 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Spring Mtn | Riesling |
| 2021 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Spring Mtn | Riesling |
| 2018 | Lavender Ridge Vineyard | Calaveras | Roussanne |
| 2022 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | S & M (Sangiovese & Malbec) |
| 2023 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2020 | Hindsight Wines | Calistoga | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2023 | Hindsight Wines | Calistoga | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2022 | Porch Wines | Coombsville | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2019 | Trident Winery | Yountville | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2023 | Silver Trident Winery | Yountville | Sauvignon Blanc “Symphony No. 9” |
| 2024 | Culmination | Livermore | Sauvignon Blanc (Barrel Fermented) |
| 2023 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Syrah |
| 2022 | Jazz Cellars | Calaveras | Syrah (Airola Road Vineyard) |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Zinfandel “Big Wood” |
| 2021 | Iron Hub Winery | Amador County | Zinfandel “Old Vine” |
| 2020 | Spangler Vineyards | Oregon | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Spangler Vineyards | Oregon | Carmenere |
| $51 and More | |||
| Vintage | Winery | Area | Wine |
| 2012 | Lineage | Livermore | Bordeaux Blend |
| 2018 | Blue Rock Winery | Cloverdale | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Cellar 13 | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2014 | Crocker & Starr | St Helena | Cabernet Franc |
| 2015 | Crocker & Starr | St Helena | Cabernet Franc |
| 2023 | Culmination | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2013 | Deerfield Ranch Winery | Kenwood | Cabernet Franc |
| 2018 | Diamond Mountain | Diamond Mtn | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | L’Autre Cote | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2018 | L’Autre Cote | Livermore | Cabernet Franc |
| 2016 | Oakville East | Oakville | Cabernet Franc |
| 2018 | Palazzo Wine | Napa Valley | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Palazzo Wine | Napa Valley | Cabernet Franc |
| 2022 | Selin Cellars | Sonoma County | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | Shadybrook Estate Winery | Coombsville | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Titus Vineyards | St Helena | Cabernet Franc |
| 2012 | Trespass Vineyard | St Helena | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Vinoce | Mt Veeder | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Yates Family Vineyard | Mt Veeder | Cabernet Franc |
| 2015 | Young Inglewood Vineyards | St Helena | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Ledson Winery | Kenwood | Cabernet Franc “Moon Mtn” |
| 2022 | Hope Family Wines | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc, Cellar Select |
| 2022 | J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc, Home Ranch |
| 2022 | LXV Wines | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc, Meso |
| 2021 | Donati Family Winery | Paso Robles | Cabernet Franc, Reserve |
| 2021 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Cabernet Sauvginon, Reserve |
| 2010 | Entre Nous | Oakville | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2013 | Hoopes Vineyard | Yountville | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2014 | Keenan Winery | Spring Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2010 | Larkmead | St Helena | Cabernet Sauvignon, Solari |
| 2013 | Ledson | Dry Creek | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2013 | Meyers Vineyard | Yountville | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2014 | Meyers Vineyards | Yountville | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2008 | O’Shaughnessy Winery | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2010 | O’Shaughnessy Winery | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2011 | Shadybrook Estate Winery | Coombsville | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2009 | Vineyard 29 | St Helena | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2013 | Shadybrook Estate Winery | Coombsville | Cabernet Sauvignon “Rapp Ranch” |
| 2013 | Outpost Wines | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon “True Vineyard” |
| 2014 | Outpost Wines | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon “True Vineyard” |
| 2013 | Beaulieu Vineyards | Rutherford | Cabernet Sauvignon (Georges DeLa Tour) |
| 2008 | O’Shaughnessy Winery | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt Veeder) |
| 2021 | Gracianna Winery | Healdsburg | Cabernet Sauvignon (Stagecoach Vineyard) |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Livermore | Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30 |
| 2009 | O’Shaughnessy Winery | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder |
| 2013 | Robert Craig Winery | Howell Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder |
| 2010 | Robert Mondavi Winery | Oakville | Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve |
| 2018 | Duckhorn | St Helena | Cabernet Sauvingon, Zimaro Vineyard |
| 2019 | Crocker & Starr | St Helena | Casali 12 (blend Malbec & Cab Sauv) |
| 2015 | Crocker & Starr | St Helena | Casili 8 (Malbec +Cab Sauvignon) |
| 2015 | Peter Michael Winery | Knights Valley | Chardonnay (La Carrierre) |
| 2021 | VJB Cellars | Kenwood | Dante (blend) |
| 2021 | Copia Vineyard | Paso Robles | GSM “The Cure” |
| 2021 | Justin Vineyards & Winery | Paso Robles | Isosceles |
| 2020 | Justin Vineyards & Winery | Paso Robles | Isosceles Reserve |
| 2010 | Larkmead | St Helena | LMV Salon (blend) |
| 2022 | Wellington | Glen Ellen | Malbec |
| 2018 | Ledson Winery | Kenwood | Malbec “October Moon” |
| 2021 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Livermore | Melange d’ Amis (Cab Franc +blend) |
| 2020 | Ehret Family Vineyard | Knight’s Valley | Merlot |
| 2018 | VJB Cellars | Kenwood | Montepulciano |
| 2021 | Donati Family Winery | Paso Robles | Petite Sirah |
| 2013 | Fortell Wines | Napa Valley | Pinot Noir |
| 2015 | Gracianna Winery | Healdsburg | Pinot Noir |
| 2009 | Viader Vineyards & Winery | Deer Park | Properitary Blend |
| 2018 | Crocker & Starr | St Helena | Red Blend (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc,+) |
| 2014 | Young Inglewood Vineyards | St Helena | Right Bank Blend (Cab Franc +) |
| 2022 | Ehret Family Vineyard | Knight’s Valley | Zinfandel |
| 2022 | Culmination | Livermore | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2022 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Spring Mtn | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Christmas Cheer Dinner Party and a Few Selected Wines!
photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Held our annual Christmas party with neighborhood friends joining. We provided appetizers and main dish with each couple bringing a wide range and assortment of delicious foods. Each couple also brought a bottle of wine, and I had pulled a few in advance to enjoy.
Château de Bligny Grand Reserve Brut Champagne
photo ©Michael Kelly
Château de Bligny is a historic estate in the Aube region of Champagne, France, famous as the only grower-producer château in the Champagne appellation, producing its own unique Champagnes from its vineyards. Established in the 15th century with later additions, it boasts a rich winemaking heritage, including still wines and sparkling varieties (Blanc de Blancs, Rosé) from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, known for their freshness, fruitiness, and minerality. In a recent lecture on Champagne, the speaker mentioned it is much more difficult to produce a non-vintage Champagne as opposed to a vintage one. This Brut Grand Reserve has been our go to Champagne for years now! The price is very reasonably set at around $40-48/bottle. This wine routinely makes my annual list of Best Wines Tasted in the year for the under $50/bottle category. Here is a link to previous story on the wine: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/04/25/chateau-de-bligny-grand-reserve-brut-champagne/
2009 Viader (Proprietary Blend)
photo ©Michael Kelly
Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc (my idea of a solid blend), it makes the apex of a Napa Valley Bordeaux. Smooth, dry and complex in tannins, and as stated in their notes “balancing acidity and an incredible array of flavors, including blackberry, black currant, cherry, chocolate, dried herb, smoky oak and spice amounting to an important and hard to define quality of sophistication.
The current vintage is the 2021 with ratings ranging from 95 to 98 points. It is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Cabernet Franc and goes for $195/bottle at the winery. Any year I open a bottle of this wine, it makes my list of Best Wines Tasted in the over $51/bottle. Here is link to a previous story written on Viader: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/09/24/viader-vineyards-winery-walk-in-my-steps-but-leave-your-own-footprint/
2008 O’Shaughnessy Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
photo ©Michael Kelly
Having had a bottle of this wine in November of 2025, I decided to bring another bottle out this evening. First on the eyes striking combination of inky purple and dark crimson coloring. Viscosity was medium-heavy. Once the cork was popped it took a while for the flavors to “open up” and express their pedigree after so many years of hibernation. Once opened, fresh blackberries and smooth blueberries filled the olfactory senses. On the palate, the dark fruits combined to make a robust compote of pure fruit. Full bodied possessing strong enjoyable tannins without any pointiness. The finish concluded being opulent and richly rewarding.
Parker also mentioned it will age 25+ years! Rated 98 points by Robert Parker and has been aging in the cellar for 14 years! Searching on the internet average price today appears to be $149/bottle. Today’s current vintage at the winery is their 2021 and is allocated at $160/bottle. This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted Listing for 2025 (list comes out December for each year).
Here is link to the O’Shaughnessy story recently written: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/11/24/2008-oshaughnessy-estate-winery-mount-veeder-cabernet-sauvignon-a-special-wine/
Notice the corks on both the Viader and O’Shaughnessy wines! They are pristine and sealed snuggly and sealed for years, due to being stored correctly. BTW, those two wines were open seven hours before the meal, filtered twice and decanted twice before serving.
photo ©Michael Kelly
We enjoy many other wines this evening from locations beyond France and Napa Valley such as Livermore Valley, Lodi, Paso Robles and Calaveras County.
Sláinte and Merry Christmas,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://champagnechateaudebligny.com/en/homepage
https://oshaughnessywinery.com/
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com
https://www.younginglewood.com
2022 Culmination Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon – Special Treatment For a Special Wine
photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
photo ©Michael Kelly
The word culmination is defined by the “end point or final stage of something you’ve been working toward or something that’s been building up”. Synonyms are apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, summit or zenith. Wood Family Vineyards, having made dozens upon dozens of award-winning wines, decided to launch a second label. The second label is the culmination of intense understanding of the vineyard management, grape harvesting, production techniques, barrel choices and wines their customers desired. Simply stated the culmination of decades of intense knowledge and experience was more than appropriate to call the new label CULMINATION!
photo ©Michael Kelly
So why this new label? Often a second label is the function of selecting grapes from a particular row in the vineyard, special barrels, pricing profiling or aging considerations. From conversations with Harrison Wood VP and Rhonda Wood the winemaker, the second label is much more than augmenting their current production. The CULMINATION label is reserved for completely different selections and techniques producing some of the same varieties they produce at Wood Family Vineyards. Their intention is to introduce an elevated experience beyond their current offering and tasting room enjoyment. The CULMINATION wines will be targeted at wine connoisseurs and those wanting a more intimate experience with possible food pairings. Many new and exciting announcements will be forthcoming over the next few months including a CULMINATION EXPERIENCE.
The five wines in their CULMINATION portfolio are: Cabernet Franc, Proprietary Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, “Hot Lips” Blanc de Blanc and Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon.
This story is about their new label CULMINATION 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 30.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2022 Culmination “Clone 30” Cabernet Sauvignon is a very limited offering of only 92 cases. The grapes were from their estate One Oak Vineyard. The grapes/wine went through a special handling, 76% were fermented in small open top bins and 24% were fermented in new French oak barrels. They took the heads off the barrels to do punch downs. After pressing, the “open top bin” grapes, now juice, was put back in a tank for 48 hours to settle and then placed in oak barrels. The 24% was put back in the previously new French oak barrels and the 76% was placed in new oak barrels for 18 months. They then blended the two separate batches and put them in oak for another 12 months.
The result of this special handling was to produce as Rhonda Wood stated, “bold tannins, smoother integration and mouthfeel plus retained acidity and color”.
photo ©Michael Kelly
When first opened, this wine’s coloring was a dark red and royal purple with medium heavy viscosity. The color was a bit mesmerizing with clarity and distinction. On the nose violets waft into the senses along with enticing dark fruit. Once on the palate, surprisingly, blueberries were the dominant fruit producing an elegant and smooth wine. Tannins were very present, yet not jagged or edgy but more caressing in the mouth. The finish provided a textual feel with layers of enjoyment with a vanilla note concluding each sip.
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
Even on a cold foggy day and evening, the BBQ was fired up for filet mignon steaks this evening. Seasoned with applewood smoked salt, wood fried garlic seasoning, mesquite seasoning and Flatiron BBQ Rub pounded in the steak on both sides. This rub contains chipotle, ancho, habanero, thyme, toasted onion, smoke ghost peppers, roasted garlic and paprika!
photo ©Michael Kelly
Seared on the BBQ at 1500 degrees and served medium rare. Plated with Blue cheese crumbles and accompanied by a small Russet potato and a fresh garden salad with Blue cheese, fresh bacon, onion and cherry tomatoes.
A delicious meal and perfectly matched food and wine pairing!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com