Tumbleweed Tasting

AZ Wine Co Scottsdale
Tasted Thursday, July 3, 2014 by tomherer with 361 views

Introduction

(s)tumbled upon this tasting on my way to get a bottle of pinot for the hotel room. Met the winemaker and two of his business partners; very sweet, earnest, ambitious people. This is their third vintage, sourcing primarily AZ but some NM fruit. Feels like they're still finding their way with some experimental -- almost reckless -- blending, but do manage to hit the mark, particularly with their Rhone blends. Good passion -- some additional experience and focus should keep them on the map.

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2013 Chateau Tumbleweed Viognier The Descendants 84 Points

    USA, Arizona, Cochise County

    Soft, short, pleasant. Nice Viognier typicity; creamy pear, melon, orange rind. Am told it's 1/3 verdelho, not sure what it brings to the party, perhaps a little acidity?

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  • 2012 Chateau Tumbleweed Wild Will E. Cox 86 Points

    USA, Arizona, Cochise County

    60 Grenache, 20 Syrah, and a couple others. Think I heard Tempranillo? Nothing varietally distinctive here, just a soft, pleasant blend. Stewed plum, black raspberry, faint balsamic, round tannins that push out a respectable finish.

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  • 2012 Chateau Tumbleweed Tempranillo The Bigness Dragoon Vineyard 87 Points

    USA, Arizona, Cochise County

    Not half bad, altho not exactly "big" in terms of what you might expect from the label. Almost entirely Tempranillo, and tight as a drum. Some plum and strawberry, but clamps down immediately after that on drying tannins. Nice graphite and tobacco spine here tho; thinking that this might integrate into a semi-serious red with some age and/or air. At the same time, some secondary medicinal notes don't encourage the risk of laying this down. A worthwhile gamble for an AZ enthusiast?

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  • 2012 Chateau Tumbleweed Red Wine 76 Points

    USA, Arizona, Cochise County

    Entering this TN for the 2012 Lil' Frankie PV/CF 50/50 blend. Will place more appropriately if I can figure out how later. This is rough, rough stuff. Nose is inviting enough but the dominant flavors of aspirin and green pepper ribs almost hurt. Not enough fruit to carry things through the short, acrid finish. SRP is $38.

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