Wine Review: Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards

Any Tool fans in the house? How about A Perfect Circle? Or Puscifer? Yes, no... Maybe? Alright, well if you're reading this post I think it is safe to assume you are a fan of great wine. If the latter is true, I highly recommend you keep reading. You may or may not already know of the amazing wines coming out of New Mexico and Arizona. Caduceus Cellars, located in the Verde Valley (Arizona), has been producing engaging, award winning wines since 2004. It is owned by musician turned wine maker Maynard James Keenan. His wines are true survivors with an alternative hard rock edge, enduring Arizona's harsh yet mystical climate. The juice inside the bottles is a direct reflection of his musical talents, best described as "dense, rich, complex, emotional, and spiritual".

The wines from Caduceus Cellars are incredibly hard to find. I'm not sure how he did it, but Mitch was able to get his hands on an extremely limited supply. And by extremely limited, I mean less than a case of each. They're tucked away under lock and key in the store's cellar with other rare gems not often seen by the light of day. Most of the staff (including myself) was unaware of their arrival, until yesterday. This is when Mitch decided he wanted to spotlight these unbelievable wines. Usually, we would not announce the arrival of such limited stock. However, Mitch is feeling gracious and eager to share these exceptional, rare wines with you. This is a truly unique offer, you cannot find these bottles anywhere.

2011 Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Nagual de la Naga
"Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards 2011 Nagual de la Naga is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Sangiovese from Bonita Springs Vineyard, Graham County, AZ. It is a ruby hued Arizona expression of a Super-Tuscan style blend. Notes of cedar, blackberry, black cherry and spice with a long finish." ~(Winery Notes)
Ancona's Price: $49.99 - Limit one per customer.

 2012 Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Dos Ladrones
"Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards 2012 Dos Ladrones is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Malvasia Bianca from Bonita Springs Vineyard, Graham County, Arizona. It has beautiful floral notes with crisp white fruit, pear, honeysuckle, gooseberry, and vanilla flavors. Think dreamy spring nights, chalked hopscotch next to a blooming bed of tulips." ~(Winery Notes)
Ancona's Price: $49.99 - Limit one per customer.

2011 Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra
"Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards 2011 Chupacabra is a blend of 42% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and 8% Viognier sourced from California vineyards. The mind wanders: roasted beets, caramel corn, moca covered pomegranates, firm plums, black raspberries. Focused course tannins round out a medium finish." ~(Winery Notes)
Ancona's Price: $32.99 - Limit one per customer.

2012 Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Blanca
"Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards 2012 Chupacabra Blanca is a blend of 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Gewürztraminer, 20% Riesling, 14% Chardonnay, 11% Chenin Blanc, and 3% Malvasia Bianca from Luna Rossa Vineyard, Luna County New Mexico. Reminiscent of grapefruit, honey dew melon, and pears on the picnic table in the yard; grass freshly cut, sprinkler running." ~(Winery Notes)
Ancona's Price: $24.99 - Limit one per customer.

2012 Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Shinola Bianca
"Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards 2012 Shinola Bianca is a blend of 76% Malvasia Bianca and 24% Moscato from Luna Rossa Vineyard, Luna County New Mexico. An overflowing cornucopia of fruit with a touch of herbs and spice." ~(Winery Notes)
Ancona's Price: $24.99 - Limit one per customer.