With colder weather around the corner, one of the largest vineyards in Arizona, Carlson Creek Vineyard, will be releasing two red wines ideal for chilly winter evenings spent fireside, their 2013 Exception and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2013 Exception ($150/Magnum) is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that will be available for sale beginning on Friday, September 22. This unique red – only the second blend in the Carlson family’s portfolio of wines and their only Magnum – has scents of blueberry jam, toasted oak, vanilla and dried rose petals with notes of smoked cherry wood, lavender, wild blackberry and dark plum.
“While we pride ourselves on single varietals, with our Rule of Three being our once only blend, we made an exception with this wine when our sister Katherine got married in 2013,” said co-owner and winemaker Robert Carlson III. “This wine is dedicated to her and her husband Nick, so naturally it is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which were both harvested on their wedding day.”
For the release of their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($45/bottle), the Carlson family will be hosting a release party at their Scottsdale tasting room on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. (open to the public), which will include a complimentary first glass of the new vintage, paired with light bites, live music and conversation with co-owner and winemaker Robert Carlson III.
A velvety, full-bodied red, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of cherry, cassis, ripe blackberry and wet stone with a slight hint of vanilla and eucalyptus. While still young, it can be enjoyed now or cellared to enjoy in the years to come. Ideal pairings include steak, braised beef short ribs and other heavier proteins, as well as mushroom flatbread, fried tofu, roasted vegetables and blue cheese.
For more information or to purchase the 2013 Exception ($150/Magnum) or 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($45/bottle) once they become available, visit either tasting room (Scottsdale: 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 or Willcox: 115 Railview Ave., Willcox, AZ 85643) or purchase online at CarlsonCreek.com. For ongoing updates and news from Carlson Creek Vineyard, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
