vinNEBRASKA Foundation board president Mark Gudgel proudly unveiled the 2022 vintage of his Gudgel Ranch cabernet sauvignon on Dec. 9 at V. Mertz. Gudgel was on-hand to help uncork the wine for a panel of blind tasters and friends who popped by to say congratulations and sample the product.
“It’s thought-provoking,” Gudgel said of his Napa-style cabernet. “Anyone can enjoy it, but it’s complex. I want people to taste this and think ‘I want a thick Nebraska steak with this,’”
The drink was well-received by those in attendance at the private event.
“It’s a wine that’s easy-drinking and lends itself to pairing with food easily. It’s balanced on tannins,” said John Benton, chef at Ruhlman’s Steakhouse and a friend of Gudgel.
This was the first Gudgel Ranch wine opening since 2018, and the modest Gudgel was excited that his product (limited to one barrel, or 300 bottles) was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Gudgel is an author, professor, and an unlikely oenophile, as noted in this article from the May 2024 edition of Omaha Magazine: https://www.omahamagazine.com/fooddrink/the-unlikely-oenophile-omaha-wine-expert-mark-gudgel/
