Southwest Wine Center, Clarkdale (Arizona) 2019

 Arizona now boasts more than 120 wineries, and production has significantly increased over the last decade.  So, it is not surprising that the state boasts an enology and viticulture training center to help meet the demands of the rapidly expanding industry.  The Southwest Wine Center, owned and operated by Yavapai College in Clarksdale, serves as an incubator of student talent and provides a tasting room for guests to sample students’ efforts.  Stand-out efforts include the 2019 “Savor," a concentrated blend of Sangiovese (56 percent), Cabernet (35 percent), and Tannat (9 percent).  This savory wine exhibits the smooth, juicy plum fruit of Sangiovese, the structure and earthy, herbal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the depth and firm (yet integrated) tannic structure of Tannat.  It is already drinking beautifully but will offer several more years of sheer pleasure.