Aridus carries the Arizona torch with new wine releases
Written by Isaac James Baker
Now, this isn’t a well-travelled area of Arizona, at least not comparatively. But it’s gorgeous. The saguaros of the lower valleys give way to desert brush and rugged mountains – which I saw blanketed in snow when I visited the region one December. The days get plenty of sun and heat during the growing season (obviously), but the high elevation desert air cools down overnight, which helps grapes maintain verve and freshness.
These wines are straightforward in their varietal sense, just the grape and place, no proprietary names, and they deliver expressive examples of their place and grape. I was excited to taste some new releases, and they’re really solid. For Arizona wines, which are generally made in small amounts, these wines do get out there in the market – so keep an eye out.
The Aridus Willcox tasting room.
Wine Reviews:
2023 Aridus Sauvignon Blanc - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $40
Light yellow color. Fresh and tropical with flavors of yellow and white flowers, some lemon verbena tones, hints of chives and green onion, over top of yellow pears and ripe white peaches. The palate has some creamy texture and vibrant acidity, all wrapped up nicely. Flavors of honeydew melon, white peach, bruised yellow pears, the fruit is matched with cool tones of dandelion, white pepper, and lemon peel. Fun, lively, well done. Includes some Malvasia Bianca and Muscat, aged in stainless steel. (89 points)
2023 Aridus Malvasia Bianca - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $40
Light yellow color. Aromas show a tropical burst of peach nectar, pineapple, and guava, blended with dandelion, dried honey, and white flowers. Creamy texture, the palate is pleasantly plump but balanced by lively acidity. There’s a sweet, tropical fruit salad bowl packed in here (green grapes, white peaches, pineapple, guava, and white cherries). I also get hints of clover, honey, and sea salt. It’s rare this grape intrigues me, but this is a really nice iteration, great for Summer and beyond. All Malvasia Bianca aged in stainless steel and the 20 g/l of residual is balanced in really nicely. (90 points)
2021 Aridus Cabernet Franc - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $80
Medium purple. Nose sports a cool mix of spicy, herbal tones like roasted red pepper, black pepper, fresh sliced bell pepper, toss in some coffee grounds, all over top mulled cherries and dark plums. Nice acidity keeps the wine fresh on the palate, with moderate tannins and chewy, ripe fruit (black cherries, plums, raspberries). I get notes of black pepper, roasted chestnut, sage, and chewing tobacco. Dark and spicy but lively and fun as well. All Cab Franc aged 34 months in old oak barrels. (91 points)
2022 Aridus Graciano - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $65
Medium purple color. The nose exudes smoky earth, charcoal, creosote, and black pepper over top of plum sauce, red and black currants, with some espresso and dark chocolate as well. The palate is full and suave, sporting chewy tannins, fleshy texture, and medium/low acidity. Flavors of saucy plums and red and black currant jams mix well with tones of roasted and candied nuts, anise, charcoal, and tobacco. Deep and saucy, spicy, showing balance despite the richness. All Graciano aged 15 months in neutral oak. (91 points)
2022 Aridus Malbec - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $75
Rich purple color. Loving the dark, fruity nose (plums, black currants, black cherries) and the scents of anise, violet petals, potting soil, and graphite. The palate is saucy and deep but sports fresh acidity and a pleasantly plump but balanced frame with dusty tannins. Flavors of plum sauce and black cherries blend with mocha, violets, potting soil, and pencil shavings. Classic Malbec vibes with Arizona sun and desert herbs for accents. Delicious and worth checking out. All Malbec aged 16 months in neutral and second fill oak. (90 points)
2021 Aridus Tempranillo - USA, Arizona, Cochise County | SRP: $70
Light purple color. Saucy and plummy on the nose, with red and black cherries, some currants, and raspberry jam, accented with cedar, tobacco, rhubarb pie, and sage. The palate shows smooth tannins and zesty acidity in a well-balanced manner. Flavors of plums and currant paste show off next to tones of spicy herbs, black pepper, some leather, and tobacco. Spicy, fun, complex – a great AZ take on this grape. All Tempranillo aged 29 months in neutral oak. (91 points)