SPIRITS OF THE GAME
By AZGOLF Insider Staff
> A star is born
The story goes that Arizona’s Deep Sky Vineyard proprietors Phil and Kim Asmundson traveled to Argentina in 2009 and noticed stunning similarities between Southern Arizona’s wine producing region and Uco Valley south of famed Mendoza in the southern hemisphere: 33 degrees north and south latitudes, hot days-cool nights, similar soil, high desert climate, and deep wells fed by towering mountains (Andes and Chiricahuas). That was it. Honey, we’re starting a winery! And that they did, to great fanfare, as the duo won within the “best reds” category for their 2015 Eclipse at the 2018 Arizona Wine Growers Association annual tasting. More recent incarnations include the 2016 Big Bang Red comprised of Elgin-grown Malbec and Rhone varieties like Mouvedre and Syrah. Chew on Big Bang with a burger.
>
$30 • DeepSkyVineyard.com
Believe it or not – it’s Scotch
Though not as mythical as “Lost Dutchman” gold or a fabled “Jackalope,” it may be hard to believe that world-class scotch derives from the desert — especially considering true Scotch is only made in Scotland. But for connoisseurs, Scotchdale-brand blended scotch is the real deal, due in part to masterminds Travis Ranville and John McDonnell who partnered with Angus Dundee of Scotland (ITAL) to create a private label variety for desert dwellers. The Highland-Speyside blend spends eight years in charred American oak Bourbon barrels, which imparts hints of honey, chocolate, coffee, wood and caramel. Your foursome won’t believe their tastebuds.
$50 • Scotchdale.net
< Sierra-sourced vodka
Snowmelt from the High Sierras, that have fed historic aquifers on the eastern slope in Nevada for centuries, may just be the ideal water source for aptly named Source One Vodka from craft producer Bentley Heritage. In fact, BH proprietors of Christopher and Camille Bently use the same water to nourish grains for their premium vodka, which is grown and produced at their sprawling ranch in Minden, Nevada. The oats bring some sweetness, while the wheat adds nutty-cereal characteristics to this clean, crisp, full-bodied vodka. Chill and sip on Source One neat, and imagine the sun setting over Lake Tahoe – from the Nevada side.
$36 • BentlyHeritage.com
< A great white from the Shark
While the trend of wines produced by professional golfers has waned some the past few years, Greg Norman’s portfolio of California, New Zealand and Australian red and white wines keeps circling. In fact, the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee’s 2019 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc may just be the ideal pour this summer with its tropical aromas of passionfruit and guava as well as grapefruit and fresh cut grass notes. The punchy palate reveals vibrant flavors of lemon-lime citrus, guava, pineapple and pink grapefruit. An incredibly aromatic wine with an inviting, soft texture and zippy acidity that perfectly pairs with salads, or grilled fish or shrimp tacos.
$14 • GregNormanEstatesWine.com 12 | AZ GOLF Insider | SPRING-SUMMER 2020
Where to buy These selections and others are available at fine wine and spirits retailers like Total Wine & More, BevMo and AJ’s Fine Foods Valley-wide. www.azgolf.org
