Caduceus: Arizona Winery, California Grapes, Tuscan Blend.
After hearing about it for some time, and even blogging about it a few months ago, I finally had the chance to try some of Maynard James Keenan’s Cadaceus wine.
As I type this, I’m listening to Tool’s Ænima album, and am reminded of the crafted, complex production that one can expect when listening to a Tool record. Tool of course is one of the bands that Keenan fronts, and after tasting his 2005 Nagual de la Naga, I can say that similar production techniques are applied to the wine, as the results are equally crafted and complex.
They also have a Paso Robles Shiraz blend “Primer Paso” and a big Cabernet “Nagual Del Sensei” which are now on my list of wines to try.
As I poured the wine from the heavy bottle into the decanter, I noted the nice dark garnet color of the wine. I gave it a sniff and caught some red vines and cherry cherry on the nose. I was intrigued, but gave it some time in the decanter. I swirled my glass and brought it up to my nose and caught a hint of cedar and maybe even a little coffee on the nose intermixed with the red vines and cherry. Once it hit my tongue, the dark cherry and raspberry flavors hit me, laced with oak and a hint of leather. The tannins and acidity are nicely layered, and I thought again about the similarities between Maynard’s wine and his music. This would drink equally well with a garlic/rosemary pork roast or a plate of pasta and red sauce.
I poured another glass of Nagual de la Naga and cued up A Perfect Circle’s “Judith” in my Itunes. Wine+Music=Bliss.
Greetings Eric and Maynard.I work with Pres A Vi a global cuisine and wine bar located at the Letterman building in the Presidio S.F.Not having had the oportunty to taste any of your wines am interested .Would like a rep to send promo to us or that is our current wine director,Raif Gabel.We recently got our one star michelin rating and rating as one of top three winelists in San Francisco.I admire Maynards ambition and passion for diving in to the buisness of crafting wine.I to am a musician artist and of course lover of the many variatals and styles of great wines.Would love to feature a Caduceus wine in our by the bottle program or even by the glass depending on price point.Nostrovia! Brian