Wine Reviews: American Wines for the Fourth of July.

Posted by Isaac Baker | Posted in Wine Reviews | Posted on 07-03-2021

Happy Fourth of July to all the American readers out there. As has grown to be my custom, I take this time to highlight some recent American wines that came across the sample pile. And I have a fun, diverse group today.

I’ve long been a fan (and something of an evangelist) for Arizona wines. I can’t help myself, I love it out there, and there are some really cool people making really fun wines. Aridus, based in one of my favorite areas of Cochise County, is a good intro into AZ wines, and are more widely available than most.

Arizona

2019 ARIDUS Sauvignon Blanc – USA, Arizona, Willcox
SRP: $28
Light yellow color. Aromas of white peaches, guava and lime, with honeysuckle, clover, minty, onion grass tones. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity, generous texture, with flavors of white peaches, pineapple and lime. Notes of yellow and white flowers, fresh and fun with tones of sea salt, mint, cucumber slices. Summery and lots of fun. (87 points IJB)

2017 Aridus Syrah – USA, Arizona, Willcox
SRP: $37
Medium purple color. The nose shows plums, black currants, lots of anise, pepper, campfire, with notes of red pepper flakes and dried violet petals. Full but fresh. Chewy tannins, medium acidity, with tart blackberry, blueberry and saucy plums. Graphite and clay tones mix with pepper, bacon fat and glazed mushroom. There’s a lot going on here and it’s balanced well. Nice stuff, great intro to Arizona Syrah for the price. (89 points IJB)

2018 ARIDUS Graciano – USA, Arizona, Willcox
SRP: $37
Vibrant ruby color. Aromas of smoky plums, cherries and currants, with notes of creosote, warm clay, tobacco and violets. Full and chewy on the palate with deep plums, cherries and red currant jam. Medium-low acid, but enough for balance. Notes of menthol, pepper, scorched earth, clay and earth. Yummy stuff, Graciano does good things in Arizona. (88 points IJB)