2018 Willy

Willy is one of the first blends we ever dreamed up at Chateau Tumbleweed (way back in 2012!) and it has always been one of our favorites. Around that time, we started looking at Grenache as the “Pinot Noir” of Arizona. Both grapes are lighter bodied, lower in tannin, have a velvety texture and they both have pure red fruit with a touch of spice. Grenache can just handle the AZ heat and monsoon rains a little better. This blend is an homage to the Pinot Noirs of Oregon and is an extraordinary canvas to exhibit the elegance, beauty and restraint of AZ wines. It’s also a great example of our approach to blending. By harmonizing the elegant red fruit, spice and silky femininity of AZ Grenache with the more powerful characters of Syrah and Tempranillo we think we came up with something that isn’t cooler than Oregon Pinot, but maybe as cool? Only 10 barrels produced.