One of the largest vineyards in Arizona, Carlson Creek Vineyard, took advantage of similar growing conditions in its part of Arizona to those in Argentina and Chile and planted Malbec. The result, being unveiled this week, is a full-bodied 2015 Malbec ($40/bottle) with a long finish and firm tannins, highlighted by notes of black fruit, plums and blackberries with a hint of light smoke, sweet tobacco and black pepper.
“Our vineyard in Willcox has a higher elevation and similar latitude and soil composition to that of Argentina and Chile so it was a natural choice for us to plant these vines and we couldn’t be happier with the resulting wine,” said co-owner and winemaker Robert Carlson III. “With a very limited number of 100 cases produced, we expect to sell out quickly.”
At 4200 feet in elevation amongst the newly designated Willcox AVA, the Carlson family’s 280-acre vineyard also features well-draining alluvial soil, making the perfect growing conditions for this grape, as well as the seven other varietals they have planted currently (including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon).