Aridus, Arizona (United States) Syrah 2016

 Well-made Syrah from winemaker Lisa Strid, who has embraced the high desert’s possibilities and not tried to force a wine into being something it isn’t meant to be.  There’s an intriguing crushed asphalt note on the nose that joins black fruit, pepper and brown spice.  All the elements play nicely on the palate, and the finish leaves a dusty mineral impression.  If this is an early example of what’s possible in the region, you can expect to hear more from there soon!