Arizona’s Dos Cabezas Red wins best Red overall against top-shelf international producers; Arizona wines also earn wins in other categories
Phoenix – February 14, 2024: An expert panel of judges put Arizona wines to the test against a selection of international producers in a curated tasting, ranking each of the 24 wines in three categories of white wines, and three categories of red wines.
“Arizona wines have earned their place on the international stage – challenging the belief that some ‘traditional’ wine regions have the lock on great wines. Today we proved that great wines can come from lesser-known regions when you have thoughtful producers,” said T. Scott Stephens, Managing Partner of Beckett’s Table, who hosted the event along with Katherine Stephens at Beckett’s Table Restaurant in Phoenix.
Dos Cabezas Red, with grapes from Willcox, and Los Milics ‘Mos’s’ Red from Cochise County, tied in Full Bodied and Rich Red category, with Dos Cabezas winning Best Overall Red. Laramita Cellars, also from Willcox, won Best Light Bodied Red with their Sangiovese. Dm. de Noíré’s Cabernet Franc from Chinon in the Loire Valley took first in the Medium Bodied Red category.
“Events like this are important steps in increasing awareness of the burgeoning vineyard and winery community in Arizona, and demonstrate that our wines deserve respect – even among the more established wine regions of the world,” said Kent Callaghan, President of the Arizona Wine Growers Association. “Our grape growers and winemakers are committed to producing exceptional wines that stand up to strong domestic and international competition.”
Comte LaFond, from Sancerre France won Best Light Bodied White, and Best Overall White. Ökonomierat Rebholz from Pfalz Germany placed first in the Aromatic & Medium Bodied White, and Dm. Clos de Rocs from Pouilly-Loché France placed first for Full Bodied and Rich White.
Wines were tasted in two flights of white and red, and each flight had three categories. Each category paired two Arizona wines against two international selections. Top-ranked wines from each category advanced to a final flight to determine Best White and Best Red overall.
Judges for the event were:
- Tim Hanni, Master of Wine, Author
- Mark Tarbell, Tarbell’s Restaurant, Tarbell’s Tavern, Tarbell’s Wine Store
- Lori Hassler, Certified Specialist of Wine, owner Farrish House Restaurant
- Michelle Jacobs, General Manager and Director of Operations Gertrude’s at Desert Botanical Gardens
- Raini Keyser, Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET2, General Manager Vinum55
- Gary Spadafore, Certified Wine Educator, WSET3, Certified Specialist of Spirits, Wine Educator
Wines and judges were selected by Scott and Katherine Stephens. Chris Nielson served as Proctor.
