Winery: Caduceus Cellars

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: Paciencia

Wine Category: Nebbiolo based blend

Grape blend: 80% Nebbiolo 20% Sangiovese

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Verde Valley

State or country: Arizona

Price: $45.00

ABV: 13.1%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  91 points

Review date: June 27, 2019

About the Winemaker: Caduceus Cellars based in Jerome Arizona has it all. It sits in a beautiful and historic community, on beautiful mountain, in an area blessed with volcanic soil and surrounded by a vibrant farming community. Winemaker Maynard James Keenan is hitting a groove in the quality and consistency of his craft at a time when his Jerome tasting room is celebrating its 10th birthday. He is making some beautiful wines. The other regional wineries should not be overlooked either, Arizona is great place to spend a weekend wine tasting and Caduceus Cellars is a must stop along the way.

Color:  Firebrick red

Nose:  Raisin and dried cherry

Taste: Dried Cherry, dried fig, black pepper, and a hint of eucalyptus, Finish: black tea leaf

Assessment: Wine Maker Maynard James Keenan has discussed his Italian heritage as well as his family’s Wine making history in multiple interviews. That history is highlighted in this bottle of wine. His choice of grapes are both Italian varietals (Nebbiolo and Sangiovese), and his execution of the Italian old world style is impressive. “Paciencia” is light to medium bodied with a complex and refined character. The tannins are up front, and the acidity plays a nice supporting role. The color is similar to that of a Brunello only short perhaps a hint of Orange hue. Decant and drink the 2009 vintage now.

Caduceus Cellars 2009 Paciencia is a fantastic example of an old world Italian wine done in the new world. It is a very good wine. 91 points Buy here.

Pairing recommendation: Mild cheeses, crushed tomatoes over rigatoni, grilled ribeye, dark chocolate.