Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's Cuvee, 2003

From the bottle, Ann's Cuvee is made from grapes harvested in Cochise County, Arizona (US). By percentage breakdown it is 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Gris, and 33% Malvasia. This is a red wine drinker's white wine, with plenty of character and a hefty 14.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased on a recent wine trip to the high deserts of Elgin, AZ

What did I pair it with: Salmon

Appearance: Light golden in color, with the long legs you'd expect with 14.5% alcohol

Smell: Pears and wisps of smoke

Taste: Smoked fruit in a bottle, this is an unusual one (in a good way). It starts with that hint of smoke from the nose, easing into the fruitier pears/mangos that I would expect from a Callaghan white, ending in a quick citrus finish.

Price: $19
Quality rating: 85/100
Value rating: 45.13/60

Takeaway: Arizona wines are getting better. This wine was actually better for us in the tasting room than it was at dinner, but that is bound to happen from time to time. A value rating of 45.13 is less than I would expect from a near $20 wine (48 or so would be closer), but I'll be sure to taste the 04's when they come out, as I'm sure the quality trend will keep on rising.