2015 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Cuda Ridge Wines

Intense black currant, pronounced eucalyptus, tight blackberry. Fresh dark cherry, green tobacco, wild bilberry. Chai tea and vanilla powder, dill sprig and muddled mint. Lean black fruit led by acai and tart plum starts the attack with the help of blooming violet and blue hydrangeas, but is immediately overtaken by roasted bell pepper and jalapeño flesh. Crushed gravel and coarse sand lie in waiting deep within the mineral core of this classically-styled wine. This 2015 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Cuda Ridge Wines is authentic, characterful, and transparent.

While geographically not far from Napa Valley, Livermore Valley is putting out Bordeaux style wines that are significantly different from those of their neighbors to the north. Rather than the heavily volcanic soil of Napa, the earth in Livermore is brimming with rocks and gravel left over from rivers that once passed through this region. This well draining soil, with the help of careful vineyard management, seems to lend itself to producing leaner and more old-world styled wines. This bottling, crafted by Cuda Ridge Wines using 88% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, provides a beautiful example of Livermore Valley terroir. The fruit here is present yet restrained and sits back meekly as its story is told through pyrazines and mineral earth. Subtle oak complements balance in this medium bodied wine, while still powerful tannin and acidity could use more bottle age to integrate. Anyone who leans towards classic over concentration should take note of Livermore Valley.