ARIDUS Cabernet Franc

Retail $50. Ridiculously Light Bottle (488g; 1lb 1.2oz). Under cork. You could probably count the number of wines I have tried from Arizona on one hand and if you exclude the wines from Aridus, well, I would not need a hand at all. This, however, *is* the first Cab Franc and it is pretty fantastic. I expected a bunch of fruit, not much acidity, and well, not much more. A funny thing happened: good fruit, a bit of earth, an …

Arizona wines : Bright purple color. I like the mix of deep but tangy fruit (black cherries, dark plums, currants) with savory vibes and tones (pepper, black licorice, roasted red pepper, some dried violet, clay). The palate is saucy but vibrant with chewy tannins and medium acidity, and plenty of tangy, juicy fruit in terms of plum, blackberry, and figs. The tones of pine resin, black pepper, sliced bell pepper, violets, clove, and all sorts of earth add complexity. Finishes …