Carlson Creek – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Wilcox, Arizona
ABV: 13.9%
Tasting Notes:
The 2019 cabernet from Carlson Creek is as punchy in flavor as any of it’s high-quality peers. With that said, this is one of the least fruity expressions of a cabernet we’ve tried recently. The wine opens up with a typical dryness and fades into a wood-forward afternote. We recommend a thorough decanting of this wine to get it’s full flavor expression. If preparing with a meal, remember to pour the wine into the decanter 30 minutes before you plan to enjoy.
Recommend Pairing:
We advise that you pair this local cabernet with a diverse cheese board. Slice chunks of Irish cheddar, Port Salute, Genoa Salami, and plate some Queen Creek Olive Mill olives alongside dried fruit and nuts. The less fruity, slightly tannic flavor profile of this wine cuts through the richness of cheeses like Port Salute and plays nice with other sweeter ingredients. Top a cracker with some creamy cheese, spicy fig jam, and a Marcona almond for the perfect post-sip bite.
From Founder Robert Carlson:
This Cabernet is a blend of our new and old blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that features both American and French oak. I think that combination has made it one of the more complex Cabernets we have ever made and shows a unique expression of our Arizona terroir.
Written by Luke Irvin
Photography by Luke Irvin