Arizona Stronghold Vineyards 2008 Tazi

Tonight’s quick sip hails from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, located in Cornville, Arizona.  Situated on the eastern edge of Sulfur Springs Valley in a small, unincorporated area known as the Kansas Settlement, the vineyard is a partnership between Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski (I highly recommend the documentary, Blood Into Wine, to learn more about Maynard and his Arizona wines). The vineyard site is 80 acres with 70 acres currently under vine.

The 2008 Tazi is a white blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Chardonnay, 19% Riesling and 8% Malvasis Bianca.  Floral and fruity components of peach, melon and citrus on the nose.  On the palate, a medium-bodied, crisp, clean wine with notes of pear, apple, and lemon.  Retailing for $17.99 and aged in a mixture of stainless steel and neutral oak, the Tazi is a delicious example from Arizona.  Cheers!

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To say I’m excited about the upcoming documentary on Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan and vineyard partner Eric Glomski in their mission to bring credibility to Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry is an understatement.  Being a huge fan of local wine and Maynard, I can’t imagine a more perfect pairing (read my review of his 2006 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5drOkkCNT8

Maynard James Keenan is known as the frontman for Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. In the mid-1990’s, on a whim, the reclusive rock star left Los Angeles and moved to an Arizona ghost town (population 300). A wine enthusiast, Keenan began to envision a world class wine region on the Verde Valley’s craggy slopes and with wine mentor Eric Glomski (former David Bruce winemaker and current owner of the award-winning Page Springs Cellars), Keenan began the long road to bringing credibility and notoriety to Caduceus and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards amidst wine industry prejudice and the harsh Arizona terrain. Take a look inside the life of one of rock music’s most mysterious figures.

Blood Into Wine will hold its red carpet World Premiere at the W Scottsdale on Friday, February 19th.  For screening venues and dates near you, check out the official site here.

2006 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra

I normally stick with grapes grown exclusively in the state of the winery being reviewed, but decided to make an exception tonight.  The 2006 Chupacabra from Merkin Vineyards (Page Springs, Arizona, southwest of Sedona) is the creation of Maynard James Keenan, the frontman for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.  Purchased from Whole Foods for $19.99, the red blend is predominantly produced from Paso Robles Syrah and Cabernet.  A rich, full-bodied wine displaying black fruit, tobacco, and smoky notes on the nose.  A balanced effort, with black cherry, currant, spice, and oak in the mouth.  Only a few hundred cases were produced, so if you’re lucky enough to locate, I suggest picking up a bottle or two.  Cheers!

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Arizona Vineyards Destroyed By Fire
One of Arizona’s oldest wineries has burned to the ground, sending ripples through the state’s wine industry that it helped developed.

Arizona’s Wine Industry in Bloom
Home to over 38 federally licensed wineries, the Arizona wine industry is on the upswing, thanks to recent legislation passed and renewed interest from investors.

Maynard James Keenan

Join Arizona Winemaker Eric Glomski and Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer and co-founder of international recording acts TOOL, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, as they sign bottles from their local wineries, Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, and Arizona Stronghold.

Details

June 12, 4:30 – 7:30PM
Whole Foods
8003 Turkey Lake Road
Phillips Crossing
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407.355.7100

For those not familiar with Maynard or Arizona wines, be sure to check out Wine Library TV to watch the 2 part interview with Maynard and Eric as they discuss Arizona wines.  Check back next week for a complete review on the event!

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Personally, I believe it will take a combination of several factors.  First, financial support from local government through research, education, and marketing.  Virginia for example, is doing a great job marketing their industry through state funded programs, universities, and private organizations.  Second, consistency, which comes from a combination of experience, trial and error, and a little luck.  Third, a solid understanding of the terroir and varieties that thrive in their respective states. Fourth and probably the least important, price.  I’ll probably get a lot of flak for that last sentence, but let’s straighten out the facts, the US market is over priced.

At the end of the day though, the most important factor, great wine.  To compete head on, the other 46 states will need to deliver on all fronts…

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