Aridus, Arizona Malbec 2022 ($60)

Score another win for the folks at Aridus, this time with a meaty, peppery Malbec. If the color purple has an aroma, I would imagine it to match this wine. Not sweet, but brightly berried and almost punchy, with subtle undertones of tobacco, pepper and brown spice that accentuate the fruit. The palate is dry and peppery, with the fruit riding just under the meaty character. This will continue to improve as the oak folds in further. Watch out Mendoza — Arizona is on your tail.
93 Rich Cook