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.