I used to think that wine tasting meant a pricey trip and a lot of sniffing, swirling and pretentious talk about tannins. That was until Arizona winemakers began to descend upon Old Town Scottsdale, opening fun, laid back tasting rooms where I could #drinklocal with my friends at a reasonable price and continue my quest for the very best red.
Call me indecisive, or call my palate (newly) developed, but I can’t choose just one. Red wine fans, take notes and plan a tasting tour to check out my three favorite local reds – you’ll thank me later.
ARIDUS WINE COMPANY’S 2015 MERLOT
As soon as this wine is poured into the glass, red fruit with a little bit of rose hit the nose, making it hard to let it breathe for a minute (as I’m told by experts that you should). The plum and fig flavors are just the right amount of sweet and make me think of a slice of homemade pie in the countryside, particularly once the vanilla-caramel goodness finishes off the sip. Need further proof this wine is great? It was just named a winner in the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
CARLSON CREEK VINEYARD’S 2013 RULE OF THREE
Oh, how I love a good blend. This GSM* fusion has a medium garnet color and is nothing short of a gem, not just because of its delicate mix of fruit and woodsy flavors and scents that keep you coming back for more, but because of the story within the name (*Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre). There are two brothers and one sister in the Carlson family, whose mother said that whenever there was just two of them together, it was smooth sailing. But add in a third, and things are about to get wild, hence, the Rule of Three. I taste red berries and blueberries mixed with walnut and a hint of sandalwood. But you must go see for yourself… and make your own tasting notes.
LDV WINERY’S 2012 SIGNATURE PETITE SIRAH
Like a little spice to your glass of red? Look no further than LDV’s “The Signature,” made from 100 percent Petite Sirah grapes and packing a full-bodied, unfiltered punch. It’s known as “liquid midnight” to the LDV crew for its deep color, dark fruit, and smoky and spicy flavors straight out of the oak barrels. Grab a bottle and pair it with steak or chocolate at home, or let it cap off your day in the tasting room at happy hour. Either way, it won’t disappoint.
