Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Spring Releases

Jerome, Ariz., Apr. 12, 2012 — Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards, one of the Verde Valley’s pre-eminent wine producers, have announced nine new vintages including the award winning artisanal Nagual de la Naga (Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Tempranillo) and Lei Li Nebbiolo Rose’. The bottles are available now via vino.Caduceus.org and at the Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room (158 Main St., Jerome, Ariz).

Several debut blends are included in the Spring releases including Caduceus Cortigiane ONESTE (a 50/50 mix of Barbera and Merlot), Merkin Vineyards’ Chupacabra ROSA (primarily Sangiovese with Montelpulciano and Cabernet Franc) and Merkin Vineyards’ Chupacabra BLANCA (a five-grape blend of New Mexico fruit including Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gerwurtztraminer, Chenin Blanc and Vermentino). A straight Sangiovese Grosso varietal also has been added to the Caduceus roster, the supernatural Kitsune’.

“We’re really beginning to find our way here in the high desert. Minerality, high acid, fruit but not jam, solid but subtle structure, age ability. These are just a few of the common threads we’re seeing show up across the board. Very inspiring to say the least.” explained vintner and Caduceus/Merkin founder Maynard James Keenan. “It’s a beautiful thing to watch these wines develop, evolve, and finally come into their own. Much like songs on an album, they each have their individual and collective story to tell.”

The full list of upcoming releases:

2010 Caduceus Nagual de la Naga (Arizona)
46% Cabernet, 23% Merlot, 23% Sangiovese, 8% Tempranillo

2010 Caduceus Anubis (Arizona)
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 8% Syrah

2010 Caduceus Cortigiane ONESTE (Arizona)
50% Barbera, 50% Merlot

2010 Caduceus Kitsune’ (Arizona)
100% Sangiovese Grosso

2011 Caduceus Lei Li Nebbiolo Rose’ (Arizona)
100% Nebbiolo

2011 Caduceus Dos Ladrones (Arizona)
50% Malvasia Bianca, 50% Chardonnay

2011 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Blanca (New Mexico)
26% Pinot Grigio, 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Gerwurtz, 12.5% Chenin Blanc, 12.5% Vermentino

2011 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Rosa (Arizona)
80% Sangiovese, 12% Montelpulciano, 8% Cabernet Franc

2011 Merkin Vineyards The Diddler (Arizona)
80% Chenin Blanc, 12% Malvasia, 4% Albarino, 4% Chardonnay

About Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards
Caduceus Cellars and the Merkin Vineyards are located in the Verde Valley along the Verde River and border three national forests. The boutique winery, established in 2004, is noted for their painstakingly crafted blends with single varietals recently joining their small-run catalog of wines.

Arizona Stronghold founder and Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards winemaker Maynard James Keenan is also known as the front man of Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Tool. His quest to bring notoriety to Arizona winemaking has been profiled in the award-winning documentary Blood Into Wine. To learn more:

The Wine: vino.caduceus.org
The Journal: www.caduceus.org
Wine Club: www.velvetslippersclub.com
Twitter: @caduceuscellars
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caduceuscellars

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