Recently I’ve been learning about the Caduceus Winery that is co owned by Maynard James Keenan. The Winery is located in Arizona which in the wine industry is not only unusual, it’s all but unheard of. Maynard, who you would most likely know as the lead singer of Tool, is also the singer of A Perfect Circle and more recently Puscifer. After doing a google search for his wines, I happened upon a wine tasting in LA that he was going to be attending. I showed Bill and we decided to rally, we purchased what ended up being the last 3 tickets available.
This past Thursday Phia, Bill and I drove up to K&L Wines in Hollywood not really sure of what to expect. First of all K&L is incredibly well stocked with an impressive assortment of wines form around the world as well as high end liquor (that we couldn’t afford). When we got there, we realized that it was going to be a super casual and intimate event, with probably about 20 people max in attendance, and sure enough as promised there was Maynard.
My impressions of him where that he seemed a gracious if a little reluctant host. Gracious in the sense that he was more than happy to speak with anyone about Caduceus and wines in general. He also was super cool about signing bottles of wine and even allowed me to snap a quick pic with him. Reluctant in the sense that you could certainly read a level of uncomfortableness with this type of thing in general. In fact I think Bill even asked him at one point, “Do you hate this stuff?” (stuff being, meet and greets in LA), to which he responded, “Yes”. That much, however I expected.
As for my own personal interaction with him, I kept our conversations completely to the topic of wines as that’s really what the night was about. Maynard is extremely soft spoken to the point where it was almost hard to hear him over the ambient noise. I tried not to look or act too much like a “fan” but I’m sure it came across on some levels. Thankfully Phia’s wine tutelage over the years made it possible for me to hold a conversation and at least sound like I sort of know what I am talking about.
Maynard described what it was about Arizona that made him interested in growing there and that he really felt that the area just lacked the infrastructure and just needed that first step. Baby steps really. The land that Caduceus has chosen is diverse, on sloping hillsides with cool nights, sunny days, monsoons and even snow in the winter months. It’s not exactly what you envision when you think Arizona hence when you hear “Arizona Wine” you might simply laugh. He went in depth as to the type of grapes they were growing, it seems as though they’ve put a lot of time and effort into making the right selections. He’s extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the project and based on that I’d say it will most likely be a success, particularly as a boutique wine.
The four wines that we tasted were all excellent, in particular I liked the Nagual de la Naga probably the best, it’s a blend of Cab and Sangiovese. At this point because the land is still producing the wines that will ultimately be “Caduceus”, we were drinking what are called Template wines. Basically they have created blends with California Wines that will in theory, most closely match the flavor profiles that the Arizona grapes will eventually achieve. As we speak true AZ grapes are in barrel, aging hopefully to perfection. As wine making is truly more art then science, perhaps it takes an artist of Maynard’s caliber to have the vision to create great wine from an unexpected place? Only time will tell.
To view all the pics from this event click Here
the Caduceus Winery site
Because I could never explain it nearly as well as he does, I leave you with an excerpt from the Caduceus site in which Mayard explains his decision to grown in Arizona, despite the conventional wisdom. I think it’s poignant and convincing, see what you think…
“Northern Arizona is truly a remarkable place. I scratched my head for years wondering why no one had attempted to grow grapes in what appears to be the perfect climate. Harsh, yet mystical. A survivor’s paradise. I theorized a series of hurdles left over from the days of prohibition. Perhaps that minor hiccup in our nations history stunted the development of our palate and thus veiled the potential of this region. It would take a deeper understanding for the grace, the magic, the alchemy that is wine for someone to recognize this new frontier as a gold mine for a gifted wine making pioneer. Surely Max Shubert would have grinned and shook his head in bewilderment to see the red rocks of Sedona devoid of one single solitary vineyard. A crime. It only took me a few years of starring across my porch at Mingus Mountain while drinking a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape for the spell to take effect. And when it did, I decided then and there to plant a vineyard. Most of those I shared this vision with just sort of nodded and secretly hoped I would stay on my meds. But the few who truly recognize that look in my eye decided to ask the right question. They asked what kind of wine I intended to make. This question has a simple answer. My art and music has been described as “thick, dense, rich, complex, engaging, emotional, and spiritual“ by those who are fans. And an “Acquired taste” for those who are not. Arizona is “thick, dense, rich, complex, engaging, emotional, and spiritual, “ as well as being an “acquired taste.” We are a match made in heaven and surely these qualities will be reflected in the wine that Arizona will present to us. My job now is to LISTEN, as if a medium, to every detail no matter how subtle and present her story unaltered. Wish me luck. ”
-Maynard James Keenan
awesome article. I’ve been reading allot lately about maynard and his wine. i just bought a bottle of chupacabra (i’m cheap i’ll try the expensive ones later) did you happen to get a taste of that kind and if so is it good?
We were able to taste the 4 wines that they were currently producing, from the cheap to the expensive. I though they were all really wonderful. Keep in mind of course that the wines we were drinking were from California grapes. They were however hand selected to closely match the flavors the AZ wines “should” produce. Maynard is extremely passionate and I am certain that it’s not just lip service. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of person that shy’s away from a challenge or an overly difficult task, which I am certain wine making is. As Maynard states above his art is complex and emotional, not unlike wine at all. So I think the craft truly speaks to the artist in him.
By the way Kyle, I hear that the actual Arizona grapes are being bottled now, so if you are anyone else that reads this, get a chance to taste it, but all means please share you experiences with me. I’d be very interested to hear how it is. Thanks!
I attended the December 15th signing in Scottsdale. Found Maynard to be understandably shy, can’t imagine living my personal life under a microscrope, as he does. I spoke to him briefly, expressing an appreciation of his art having enhanced my life experience on several levels. He was very gracious and said a polite “thank you” while looking me in the eye. The wines purchased are very good…the “Chupacabra” prompted a little research, with a very interesting learning experience attached. All in all, it was well worth the trip from Austin, TX solely to attend this event.