For many years now I have been impressed with the wines of Aridus. The winery is family-owned and is located in southeastern Arizona. Founded in 2012 the winery refurbished a 28,000 square foot apple warehouse which had been built in 1982. It is one of the largest winery facilities in the state. They have a 40 acre site for their estate vineyard along Turkey Creek in Pearce, AZ which they have owned since 2009. At 5,200 feet in elevation, the site has warm days and cool nights. A range of varieties have been planted there including Viognier and Tempranillo.
I love the new 2021 Aridus Cabernet Franc (OB, 91) which is marvelously smooth and herbal and delicious stuff to enjoy now. Learn more about these exciting wines at https://www.ariduswineco.com and here are the new releases by Aridus.
2023 Aridus Malvasia Bianca- The 2023 Aridus Malvasia Bianca comes off a touch sweet with ripe peaches and lychee flavors alongside decent tension. Drink 2025-2030- 88
2023 Aridus Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc delivers a smooth mouthfeel with sweetened pear and nectarine flavors. Drink 2025-2030- 88
2021 Aridus Tempranillo- Juicy and ripe, the 2021 Aridus Tempranillo offers toffee, black plum and black cherry flavors alongside refined texture and tannin structure. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2021 Aridus Cabernet Franc- This is beautifully balanced Cabernet Franc that is a joy to consume right now. Smooth on the mouth, this shows tobacco leaf and green herbs that combine with medium bodied dark fruits and chocolate notes. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2022 Aridus Malbec- The 2022 Aridus Malbec offers chocolate and dried herbs on the nose alongside blackberry compote. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90
2022 Aridus Graciano- The 2022 Graciano delivers loads of black plum and dark cherry notes alongside chocolate fudge and Arabica bean. Gorgeous to enjoy now, sip this over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2031- 92