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ver the past decade, Arizona winemaking has transformed into a respected, multi-million dollar industry. Reports of the White House sipping on Arizona wines, coupled with news that multiple James Beard House Dinners have featured local brands, only amplify–and expedite–its popularity nationwide. So, as Arizona winemakers work toward planting as many as 1,300 acres over the next year, it begs the question: Which local wines are the hottest? We take a look at some of the higher-end wines now available.
border of France and Italy, this varietal is so coveted that the winery limits customers to just three bottles each. This wine was the first where the winemaker used submerged cap fermentation on a few of the components– and was a success on so many levels that the 2013 and 2014 releases will be wholly developed using the process. $65/bottle. Blend: Mainly Sangiovese with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and just a dash of Barbera.
Callaghan Vineyard–Caitlin’s 2009
Aged nearly two years in 100% new French and Polish oak, this powerful wine offers an earthy texture and spicy black fruit. Though some note it will reach its full potential in about five years, it is already a crown jewel of Callaghan’s award-winning bottles. $50/ bottle. Blend: 60% Petit Verdot, 40% Merlot, and both Cabernets.
Pillsbury Wine Company—2012 Guns & Kisses
This intense co-ferment from Sam Pillsbury’s Estate high-altitude grown vines is its finest ever. The winemaker hung the fruit four weeks longer than usual, hand-harvested and fermented it with native yeasts, then aged it 12 months in neutral oak. The result? Explosive intensity. $55/bottle. Blend: 94.5% Shiraz, 2.5% Symphony, 3% Grenache.
Alcantar –2012 Confluence
The flavor is as deep and rich as the color–not to mention well balanced to even the most discerning palates. $40/bottle. Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot.
Page Springs Cellars–2012 ECIPS
With this special blend, the brain trust at Page Springs began by setting aside the spiciest Arizona-grown wines from each of the batches in the cellar and setting out to create a blend made famous in Southern France. And its odd name? An acronym given by wine club members, short for “Enjoy ’Cause It’s Practically Sex.” Enough said. $32/bottle. Blend: 28% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre, 22% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah, 7% Counoise, 7% Tannat.
Javalina Leap–2012 Legacy Zinfandel
Old World-style wine from seven-year-old vines. The taste is fruit-forward and jammy, and clearly meant to be paired with meats, with hints of chocolate and a touch of pepper left on the tongue. $55/bottle. Blend: No blend here—100% estate Zinfandel grapes.
Lawrence Dunham–2011 Signature Petite Syrah
ARIZONA WINE WINNERS
Here, the best of the best BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Caduceus–2012 Nagaul Del Marzo Named after the winemaker’s great grandfather, who was himself a winemaker near the
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Thi is named “Signature” due to Dunham’s belief that Petit Syrah is meant to be the signature grape of the Chiricahua Mountains where it grows. And he might be onto something–this was among the wines honored by the Arizona Republic and Arizona Wine Growers Association as a “Wine of Distinction.” $40/bottle. Blend: 100% Petite Syrah aged in American oak.
Arizona Stronghold–2010 Lozen
An award-winning wine a dozen times over that almost wasn’t. In 2010, the winery suffered both frost and heat damage, which ripened the grapes ahead of schedule. The result was a lower alcohol level, but an exponentially darker, richer final product. $40/bottle. Blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 14% Malbec
| JANUARY 2015
12/18/14 7:35 PM