Larry Dino
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
Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Carménère Release and Luncheon Celebration
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Last weekend Cuda Ridge Wines celebrated their Carmenere release with three new wines for 2023. The wines come from three different vineyards in Pleasanton and Livermore. More on the specifics of each vineyard and wines can be found at a previous story: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/09/17/cuda-ridge-wines-2023-casa-de-vinas-carmenere-and-tri-tip-with-argentina-chimichurri-sauce/
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event was a pre-paid tasting of his three 2023 Carménère wines and two of 2022 vintages with a Fusion Asian Taco luncheon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
To start the luncheon off, Larry Dino the owner and winemaker, gave a brief history on Carménère grape from France to Chile and its plight and now resurgence. (note: I took several pictures but somehow always caught Larry with his hands moving and his eyes closed!)
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The tacos were prepared by Anthony Scott catering and were served at the same time along with a side of Kimchi fried rice. The idea was to taste each wine with all three tacos. Starting at the top left of the picture was called the “Somewhat” traditional tri-tip street taco prepared with tender tri-tip seasoned with an espresso and dark chocolate rub, accented with fresh onion and cilantro.
The second one on the top right was the Fusion Asian Beef taco with shredded beef, wild mushrooms infused with ginger and soy, finished with toasted sesame seeds.
And the third being the bottom right in the picture was the Korean BBQ Pork taco with marinated pork in a traditional Korean barbecue style, topped with a vibrant Asian slaw.
The wines were poured just before the guests arrived, waiting for each attendee to taste and enjoy the experience.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the conclusion of the luncheon Larry asked for a show of hands for which wine and taco was their favorite. While all had favorites the winning tacos were evenly split between the Fusion Asian Beef and Korean BBQ Pork.
The consensus was that the spicier 2023 Carménère wine from Casa de Viñas was excellent with a blander taco (the tri-tip) and the 2023 Little Dog Vineyard being softer and smoother was a great companion to the spicier taco’s specifically the Fusion Asian Beef taco.
We left the tasting room buying a couple of 2023 Carménère wines from Casa de Viñas. All three of the released 2023 wines are priced at $50/bottle. Historically his Carménère wines are rated 90 to 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and have received both Gold and Silver medals from SF Chronicle Wine Competitions. His 2023 have yet to be submitted for ratings or competitions.
The 2023 Carménère wines are a great compliment to his extraordinary line up of mostly Bordeaux varieties.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Casa de Viñas Carménère and Tri-tip with Argentina Chimichurri Sauce
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background and Comparison
This is the third wine review of Cuda Ridge Wines Carménère line up from three different vineyards. Constructed below is a simple guide in understanding each of these Carménère wines by Larry Dino, the owner and winemaker of Cuda Ridge Wines. While they have similar traits of Carménère each has its own distinct aroma and flavor profile/characteristics.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
| Cuda Ridge Carménère Wines | |||
| Little Dog Vineyard | Insel Family Vineyard | Casa de Viñas | |
| Alcohol Level | 13.60% | 13.30% | 13.50% |
| Barrel Treatment | 17 months in 50% new French and 50% neutral American oak | 17 months in 50% in new French and 50% in once used American oak | 17 months in 33% new French and 66% once used French oak |
| pH | 4.1 | 3.5 | 3.76 |
| Cases produced | 57 | 48 | 48 |
| Clone identification | Clone 2 | Clone 6 | Clone 3 |
| TA | 0.41 g/100ml | 0.46 g/100ml | 0.48 g/100ml |
| Note: | |||
| 1. pH means the concentration of hydrogen ions. Lower than the mid-point of 7 (scale 0-14) | |||
| contributes to the wine’s acidity, making it crisp and with a slight tartness. | |||
| 2. TA stands for Titratable Acidity, a measurement of total concentration of all acids present. This | |||
| is an indicator of the total amount of acid molecules which affects the wine’s taste, color, | |||
| microbial stability and overall balance. TA contributes to its ability to age and balance | |||
There are also different soil types and trellis systems used from vineyard to vineyard.
The Wine – 2023 Casa de Vinas Carmenere – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a similar magenta/purple coloring to the other that is as intriguing as the previous two Carménère wines. A medium to medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose this Casa de Viñas was extremely bright with floral aromas bursting out of the bottle and with Eucalyptus. In the glass counterbalanced with dusty earth, wet red brick and vanilla aromas. Once in the mouth blackberries and raspberries were dominant with a slight smokiness, earthiness and mushroom quality. On the palate a “milky mouthfeel” provided a subtle balance of acidity and tannins, a conjoined experience. On the finish pyrazines were present and kept in check along with a slight minerality. A very long-lasting and integrated conclusion.
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 seared and BBQ’ed tri-tip steak. The meat was tenderized and marinated for 24 hours in a Chaka sauce. Served with a delicious Argentina Chimichurri sauce drizzled over the meat slices. The sauce consisted of fresh flat-leaf parsley, cloves of garlic, shallot, red wine vinegar, coarse sea salt, dried oregano, red hot pepper flakes, ground black pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. All the ingredients were put together in a blender and allowed to marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Also served was a BBQ’ed Portabella mushroom and sauteed Brussel sprouts with bacon and button mushrooms.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Carménère is a versatile wine with its medium to medium-heavy body and balanced acidity. The chimichurri sauce brought out the herbaceous notes and BBQ-ing showcases its richness and earthiness with the smoky characteristics. This Carménère was the right one with the Argentina chimichurri sauce and meat.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As a comparison, the key quality of the Little Dog Vineyard, it had an unbelievable smooth finish, the Insel Family Vineyard had additive qualities of spices and now Casa de Viñas with even more complexity. Having three options is key for your food choice. For example, just to have a sipping wine or with a non-spicy dish, the Little Dog Vineyard is perfect. Wanting to pair the wine with a medium spicy dish the Insel Family Vineyard is spot on! Casa de Viñas being the one to choose for a spicier meal.
A Brief History of Carménère
The history of the Carménère varietal is as fascinating as it is happenstance! It was once one of the grapes in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. It served a similar purpose as Petit Verdot does today – producing a deep red/purple ink on wines. It was one of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux. Carménère originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the crimson color of the autumn foliage.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
When the Phylloxera plague hit in 1867 destroying most of the vineyards in Europe, many thought the Carménère grape was extinct. It wasn’t until 150 years later that it was discovered that Chile had preserved the Carménère grape thinking it was Merlot (from clippings planted from France). DNA confirmed that it was the missing 6th varietal of Bordeaux.
Carménère Today
Carménère grows mainly in Chile, specifically the Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley and in the Maipo Province. It is also grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and recently several wineries in Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, Napa and Calaveras are producing it, albeit in small quantities. Walla Walla, Washington also has some root stock growing in Carménère. In California only 111 acres are producing Carménère which accounts for .000075% of the red grape harvest. Interestingly while in California the red grape harvest was down 25%, Carménère harvest was up 10%. These numbers are from the USDA Grape Crush Report for 2024, their errata dated August 25, 2025.
The Winery
Go to https://www.CudaRidgeWines.com to read about their incredible wines offered. The list of awards for all his other wines is extensive with dozens and dozens of noteworthy awards.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 Cuda Ridge Wines “Insel Family Vineyard” Carménère
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
This story is part two of three on the three different vineyards that Cuda Ridge Wines makes their Carménère from. The first story was on “Little Dog Vineyard” and this being “Insel Family Vineyard”. Due up next will be the story on Casa de Viñas Vineyards. Will be doing a comparison between the three Carménère wines by Cuda Ridge Wines.
A Brief History of Carménère
The history of the Carménère varietal is as fascinating as it is happenstance! It was once one of the grapes in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. It served a similar purpose as Petit Verdot does today – producing a deep red/purple ink on wines. It was one of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux. Carménère originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the crimson color of the autumn foliage.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
When the Phylloxera plague hit in 1867 destroying most of the vineyards in Europe, many thought the Carménère grape was extinct. It wasn’t until 150 years later that it was discovered that Chile had preserved the Carménère grape thinking it was Merlot (from clippings planted from France). DNA confirmed that it was the missing 6th varietal of Bordeaux.
Carménère Today
Carménère grows mainly in Chile, specifically the Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley and in the Maipo Province. It is also grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and recently several wineries in Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, Napa and Calaveras are producing it, albeit in small quantities. Walla Walla, Washington also has some root stock growing in Carménère. In California only 111 acres are producing Carménère which accounts for .000075% of the red grape harvest. Interestingly while in California the red grape harvest was down 25%, Carménère harvest was up 10%. These numbers are from the USDA Grape Crush Report for 2024, their errata dated August 25, 2025.
Uniqueness of Carménère
Photo from Pat Spangler from Spangler Vineyards/Oregon of Carménère Vineyard
As a varietal, it has the deep ruby coloring and aromas of red fruits. Tannins are softer and milder than Cabernet Sauvignon, thus its use in blending to soften a strong Cabernet. The use is like the use of Merlot in formulating an enjoyable blend. Chile produces a 100% Carménère which has a cherry and fruity flavor but has traces of smoke and earthy notes with the inky coloration.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2023 Cuda Ridge Carménère Insel Family Vineyard wine comes from Pleasanton on the western portion of Livermore Valley AVA. The vineyard is flat with sandy loam and loam soil. It is 100% Insel Family Vineyard Carménère. On the eyes, a medium-heavy viscosity wine with a unique inviting deep purple/maroon coloration. On the nose, ripe Bing cherries greeted the senses. The palate is where this wine excelled. First the bright cherry taste was intense and concentrated. Ripe juicy plums and dark fruits then came forth with a hint of soft, dry and wet earthen tones (minerality and forest floor) with black tea and leather in the background. The earthen notes are generally found in Chilean Carménère but not found too often in California. The finish was long lasting with mocha and pepper finishing off the enjoyment with a hint of Eucalyptus and Cedar counterbalanced with vanilla.
The Insel Family Vineyards Carménère compared to the Little Dog Vineyard possesses a bit more tannins and acidity which should be considered in the food pairings. It still was enjoyable with caressing tannins on the palate.
The wine is aged in new French oak barrels (50%) and once used American oak (50%) for 17 months. The wine comes in at 13.3% alcohol and is sold at $50/bottle. Only 48 cases were made so this will go fast. It will be released on September 27th and 28th at a release party at Cuda Ridge Wines.
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 specifically chosen to pair with the meal of Pork Tenderloin Tacos. Ingredients for the marinade included olive oil, fresh squeezed lime juice, honey, minced garlic cloves, cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt and flour tortillas. The pork tenderloin was cut up into small strips and added to the marinade for 8 hours in the refrigerator. The pork tenderloin was cooked in an iron skillet on the stove top with about one half the marinade. On a separate burner, the Street Corn Avocado Salsa was prepared. It included grilled corn, Serrano peppers, diced red onion, minced garlic, fresh squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin and kosher salt. The tacos combined the three (shells, meat and street corn) and topped off with additional chopped cilantro to be served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We purposely cut back on the chili powder and Serrano peppers so as not to overpower the wine. This was critical as the tacos and wine were paired wonderfully and I was glad to have less heat in the dish. An interesting note is that we had plenty of pork left over and the next night we used it in a pork taco salad, and it tasted even better!
A very good pairing and if more peppers and spices were to be used you might consider a Merlot wine.
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. The Carménère is the first locally produced wine varietal in the Livermore AVA.
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. Obviously Carménère falls in his purple label.
His Carménère will surely garner many awards in the upcoming wine competitions. Truly a good price point given the uniqueness and scarcity of Carménère plantings in California and the only current Livermore grown Carménère being offered. Besides the Insel Family Vineyard Carménère he offers two other vineyards designated Carménère wines: Little Dog Vineyard and Casa de Viñas. All three Carménère wines will be released to the public on September 27th and 28th at the winery.
His awards for these delicious wines are as follows:
2020 Carménère Insel– Silver Medal, 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Competition
2020 Carménère Little Dog Vineyard – Wine Enthusiast, 92 points
2019 Carménère – Gold Medal, 2021 Orange County Fair
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
2023 Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Merlot and 2023 Cabernet Franc – Doubling Down on Dinner, and Which Wine Would You Choose?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Larry Dino, owner and winemaker at Cuda Ridge, was beyond excited at getting the news that his 2022 Merlot got mentioned as being one of the thirteen favorite Merlots from around the world. To be mentioned in an article featuring Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Washington and some running up to $1,000 a bottle is some accomplishment and recognition. Story can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/07/23/cuda-ridge-wines-2022-merlot-mentioned-in-wine-enthusiast-as-one-to-be-sought-after/
Photo from Cuda Ridge Wines
While visiting two weeks ago, Larry provided me a bottle of his 2023 Merlot to contrast with his award winning 2022. He also provided a 2023 Cabernet Franc to compare to his award winning 2022 at the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition winning Double Gold from both the Professional and People’s Choice Judges.
My wife and I were discussing meals the other night and decided on a special cut of filet mignon with a red wine reduction sauce. We wanted to use either the Cabernet Franc or the Merlot. Finally decided on trying the meal with both wines and below is the story. Which would you choose to go with this meal?
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
**The 2023 Merlot**
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a deep purple and magenta color with a medium-heavy viscosity. This is no ordinary Merlot upon first glance! Even this would have made Miles from the movie “Sideways” take pause and notice! Once the cork was popped, the strong aromas of plums and blackberries rushed into the senses hinting as what was to come! This mystery dark wine with beautiful aromas once in your mouth only begins to tell the story of this varietal by Cuda Ridge Wines. The dark plum flavor along with blackberries co-mingled happily like the song Happy by Pharrell Williams on the palate. On the palate, one is struck with the boldness, jammy (not sweet but texturally) and a modicum of grippy tannins on the wine. On the finish black pepper counterbalanced by a note of vanilla in the background, provide an enduring conclusion to each sip.
The wine comes from the eastern portion of Livermore with the majority (88%) being Thatcher Bay vineyards where the cooling afternoon winds provide an overall warm climate. Larry adds 8% Insel Carmenere, 2% White Cat Vineyard Malbec and 2% White Cat Vineyard Cabernet Franc to make this elegant wine. Barrel treatment was 50% new French oak and 30% once used French oak barrels with the balance neutral barrels. The wine was in barrels for 19 months. Now the newsflash – it is listed at $42/bottle and comes in at 14% alcohol with only 242 cases produced. It was just released on June 28th, 2025. With the nuances being different than his 2022 mix (why would anyone tweak a great wine), however with the Malbec and Carmenere, the wine provides layers and layers of mystery and intrigue even outpacing 2022!
This wine just made my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 for the quality and value in the category up to $51.
**2023 Cabernet Franc**
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Again having won Double Gold Medals at the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition for his 2022, I was more than curious to try his 2023. How could he improve it? Previous story on his 2022 can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/06/10/2022-cuda-ridge-wines-cabernet-franc-a-gestalt-experience/
Here again, Larry took something excellent and made it extraordinary!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine consists of 93% White Cat Vineyard Cabernet Franc, 5% Thatcher Bay Vineyard Merlot and 2% Estate Petit Verdot. The wine was aged 18 months in French Oak with 43% being new, 33% once used and 24% neutral. It comes in at 14.4% alcohol with 536 cases produce. The list price is $46/bottle and was just released June 28th, 2025.
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, modicum of 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. 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 grippy and pronounced tannins on the roof of the mouth and back teeth. Truly a remarkable wine and surely destined for more awards! Upon first smell and then a sip, it made my annual list for Best Wines Tasted in 2025.
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
So we get to the question of the day: which wine to choose with dinner? Having the butcher prepare a special large center cut filet mignon and then adding a dry rub we were set to sear and BBQ the meat to medium rare.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the same time a red wine reduction sauce was having the final touches made to it consisting of shallots, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, beef broth, red wine, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh Rosemary sprigs, minced fresh parsley, Kosher salt, black ground pepper and brown sugar. Accompanying the meal were sauteed Brussel Sprouts with bacon and halved roasted seasoned small red potatoes. The meal was fit for a King!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Now which wine went best with the meal? Both wines provided a great wine pairing, the Cabernet Franc with its raspberry fruit counterbalancing the sauce and tannins, engaging the meat. The Merlot provides layers of dark cherry and dark plum fruit to contrast with the red wine sauce. Both were extremely enjoyable but tipping the scale by a notch was the Cabernet Franc being more captivating. I would like to hear your thoughts on which you would choose.
The Winery
Larry holding up his 2022 Merlot featured in Wine Enthusiast 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, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Cuda Ridge Wines 2022 Merlot Mentioned in Wine Enthusiast as One to Be Sought After
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Larry Dino, owner and winemaker at Cuda Ridge, was beyond excited at getting the news that his 2022 Merlot got mentioned as being one of the thirteen favorite Merlots from around the world. To be mentioned in an article featuring Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Washington and some running up to $1,000 a bottle is some accomplishment and recognition.
Photo from Cuda Ridge Wines
A week ago, I was able to sit down and enjoy this wine with him as it was featured during CabFranc Fest and obviously along with his Cabernet Franc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of 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
Paul Giamatti, the actor in the iconic movie “Sideways” playing the role as Miles and his disdain of Merlot almost killed this wondrous grape varietal in California. Even after two decades with Paul’s comments, Merlot is slowly recovering from his disparaging comments on the varietal. His classic comments ranging from “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving” to “I am NOT drinking any ####### Merlot!” only begins to frame the movie. A great book that just came out called “Sideways Uncorked” by Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt recaps the Merlot saga as well as the rise of Pinot Noir. Many did not understand the significance of the end of the movie with Miles saving a bottle of Chateau Cheval Blanc, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that he was saving for a special occasion! He ended the movie confirming his love of Merlot!!
First on the eyes a deep purple and magenta color with a medium-heavy viscosity. This is no ordinary Merlot upon first glance! Even this would have made Miles take pause and notice! Once the cork was popped, the strong aromas of plums and blackberries rushed into the senses hinting as what was to come! This mystery dark wine with beautiful aromas once in your mouth only begins to tell the story of this varietal by Cuda Ridge Wines. The dark plum flavor along with blackberries co-mingled happily like an Irish jig on the palate. On the palate, one is struck with the boldness, jammy (not sweet but texturally) and a chewy quality of the wine. On the finish black pepper counterbalanced by a note of vanilla with subtle tannins in the background, provide an enduring conclusion to each sip.
The wine comes from the eastern portion of Livermore with the majority (90%) being Thatcher Bay vineyards where the cooling afternoon winds provide an overall warm climate. Larry adds 7% Smith Ranch vineyard Petit Verdot and 3% White Cat vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon to make this elegant wine. Barrel treatment is 90% French oak with 44% being new and 10% American oak barrels. The wine is in barrels for 19 months. Now the newsflash – it is listed at $40/bottle and comes in at 14% alcohol with only 220 cases produced.
This wine just made my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 for the quality and value in the category up to $51.
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
As the temperature had cooled off and the barbeque was at the ready, we decided to have a special BBQ burger this evening. Special in that finely diced purple onion, jalapeno peppers and our normal spices were mixed with the hamburger meat hours before going into the hamburger press. This allowed the uncooked meat to soak in all the flavors in advance. Once pressed, another portion of spices were applied to the meat. Accompanied by a grilled portabella mushroom and freshly made macaroni salad using small shells, peas, chopped purple onion, cut sharp cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeño peppers, chopped smoked applewood bacon and thousand island dressing. The hamburgers were cooked to medium rare and served on sesame seed bun with ketchup, mustard, purple onion slice and Kosher dill pickle slices. This was an excellent food and wine pairing with the wine embracing the spiciness of the meal with its fruits and slight vanilla on the finish. Perhaps one of the surprises of the evening, when researching a side dish for the Merlot wine, was a suggestion of mushrooms. Opting for the portabella mushroom with its earthiness and minerality it paired exquisitely with the Merlot. Who knew?
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
“Sideways Uncorked” by Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt
Livermore Valley CabFranc Fest
On Saturday and Sunday July 12th and 13th, the members of the Cab Franc Guild in Livermore held the CabFranc Fest. The wineries that participated were:
Cuda Ridge Wines
Darcie Kent
Fenestra Winery
Las Positas Vineyards
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
Rodrigue Molyneaux
Wood Family Vineyards
And Vasco Row Wineries:
Occasio, Rosa Fierro Cellars, and The Steven Kent Winery
Each winery featured their Cabernet Franc wines and several others. For Cabernet Franc Fest, some held special events comparing and contrasting various vintages or fermentation techniques, barrel/stainless steel or concrete egg treatment, etc. Some of the wineries provided music and had food trucks available for delicious pairings with the Cabernet Franc wines.
The first stop was at Cuda Ridge Wines with Larry & Margie Dino hosting and pouring not only their award winning Cabernet Franc wines but another four or five special wines. Below are the 2022 and 2023 vintages with pizza pairings.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry also provided a taste of his 2022 Merlot which recently was cited by Wine Enthusiast as being one of the 13 most highly rated Merlot wines in the world! The article listed Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, California and Washington.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
After an hour’s visit we were off to the next winery on the list.
First up was Rosa Fierro Cellars where Rosie was pouring both her 2020 and 2021 “Big Daddy” Cabernet Franc wines from White Cat Vineyard. Both wines were delicious and yet different. The 2020 provided more red fruit (raspberries) and the 2021 was extremely smooth with blackberries. Same vineyard and different years!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
With the Acoustic Frequency band playing in the background this was a perfectly “chill wine” to taste even on a warm day. Also who wouldn’t want to taste a winning wine produced by the talented and smiling Rosie?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked over to Steven Kent Winery, basically in the same courtyard with the music, and tasted their award winning Cabernet Franc. Picked up the food pairing two different kinds of tacos by Carnitas Aguirre to enjoy with the Cabernet Franc wines by Steven Kent Winery. Steven and Beth Mirassou were happily pouring and discussing their wines, one being a Blanc and a red Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked back to Wood Family Vineyards where they were showcasing their Cabernet Franc wines and many more. The wines being offered included the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay, 2022 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Culmination Cabernet Franc, 2022 “The Captain” a red blend and 2022 “El Loco Rojo” red blend. Charcuterie boards were also available. Their 2022 Culmination is a wine to be sought after for spectacular aromas and flavor.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While at the Wood Family tasting room, in the back barrel room, their recently added Sensory and Aroma Class was about to begin. It is held for a small intimate group of customers who wish to expand their awareness and knowledge, led by the engaging and fun couple of Rob and Julie Diestler. Some 40+ fruits, vegetables, oils, fragrances, herbs, etc., are sealed in a glass container and each participant gets to smell the aroma. Then the Wood Family wines are poured and they ferret out the aromas that each wine presents. If you have not experienced something like this, it is worth signing up for as you will discover some unique ways in which to describe what you are tasting. They keep the groups small to foster communications amongst themselves and with the instructors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Truly an excellent opportunity to taste exquisite Cabernet Franc wines, taste a few tidbits and talk with the winemakers. Put it on your calendar for next year!!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.rosafierrocellars.com