After being in business for five years and with multiple award-winning wines in their portfolio, Willcox-based Carlson Creek Vineyard just recently released their first-ever Merlot varietal.

A 2012 vintage, aged in French and Hungarian oak barrels, this robust Merlot is highlighted by flavors of plum and cracked peppers with a lasting finish; a perfect pairing for ribs and a wine that both serious oenophiles and the newly initiated can enjoy.

In addition to releasing a new varietal, the Arizona vineyard has also undergone a recent expansion, from 120 to 160 acres. This new 40-acre lot of land includes two blocks of Riesling, with plans to add two 10-acre sections of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache during plantings in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

What’s next for Arizona’s premier family-owned vineyard? “We’re currently working with BAR Architects out of Napa, California to design a 10,000-case winery and tasting room in the middle of the property,” said co-owner Bob Carlson. “It’s been a long time coming and we hope to have it open for business in late 2015.”

For more information or to purchase any of the available wines from Carlson Creek Vineyard online, visit CarlsonCreek.com or visit their Where To Buy page for a list of available locations throughout
Arizona.