These are super wines. Say what you want about Arizona wines… you need to stop rolling your eyes until you’ve tried these. They are not the TOOL versions everyone equates with wines from the region. Not even close. They are actually GOOD. Not burnt, not sacrificed to the over-ripe gods, not selling out to the *bigger-is-better* dolts. Perfect Grenache nuance: light and thin and pinot-esque throughout. Completely transparent amber-ruby in the glass, a fabulous nose of dusty peed-on leather, curry-comb and moist wool blankets.

Tasting it pounds more Grenache aplomb into your mouth: meaty and dense while hovering on planes high above the concentrated masses. Complexity abounds: the bruised berry mingling with spicy briar and sharp but easy tannin. Chilly of reception but dedicated to geeky enjoyment, I DARE you to find better examples from Arizona. Ridiculous hi-elevation, way down below Tuscon closer to Mexico, not bowing to the Cottonwood gods. YEARS to go.

2019 CALLAGHAN VINEYARDS ‘Waverley’s’ GR/PM 85/15 Elgin Arizona 13.7

www.callaghanvineyards.com/