Merkin "Chupacabra" Arizona Red Blend 2022

Vin Chicago: 90 Points

(2/2024) Redefining the easy-drinking domestic red is this single-vineyard wine from an unprecedented location for Vin Chicago: Arizona! We've been visiting the Grand Canyon State wine country for over a decade and have seen massive improvement. Do you think Arizona is too warm for wine? The Buhl Memorial Vineyard, at a lofty 4300-foot elevation, is perched higher than any European vineyard! From a cool growing season, a native-yeast ferment only reached a fresh 12.5% ABV - the wine is super-aromatic and easy to drink with zero heaviness. A singular profile for a GSM blend, its evocative nose is mega-floral, full of rose water, fresh raspberry, dried cranberries, rooibos tea, cinnamon, walnut, lychee and apricot. Fascinating and utterly drinkable!