New Wines from Merkin Vineyards: Tool's Frontman Maynard Keenan Making Wine in Arizona!

For today, we get a combination of two of my favorite things: wine and music. What more can you ask for? Let me wax a little personal for a moment. I discovered the band Tool shortly after their 3rd album Anemia in 1996 and my life has changed for the better. I think. If you told me back in my early college years as I was sitting around amazed at this album; that one day the lead singer of this band would be making wine; I would own a wine store and he would come not once, but twice to the store; I would shake my head and ask, what's next, Donald Trump will be president?  But the story is true.

A short word about Tool completely useless for the purpose of this newsletter. Feel free to skip to the next paragraph.  Tool is easily one of the greatest bands of the last 30 years and Maynard James Keenan is one of the hardest working, most creative on the planet. If you are currently bored of your current taste in music and want something new, start with the first two songs of Tool's album Anemia and then get back to me for more.

Now: Tool frontman Maynard Keenan started making wine in the mid 2000s. He is one of the first and only "celebrities" to not only own a winery but to actually be the head winemaker. With two kids, three bands I have no idea how he finds the time. Now I know what you're thinking: Jeremy, are these wines any good? I get it you like Tool and therefore you must like this wines. And I like Kiss and Bruce Springsteen, so should they make wine?  

Folks, I stand by these wines. They are fascinating examples of what wine can do outside of California with interesting grapes not seen all over the place. Trust me and trust yourself.  

"This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment, remember, we are eternal, all this pain is an illusion"
 

2016 Merkin Vineyards Shinola
Newsletter Price: $26.99
Differs in every vintage with the 2016 being different parts Syrah, Petit Sirah and Cabernet. Deep spice notes remind one of a cross between northern and southern Rhone varietals. Medium to full bodied with tangy tannins that are deeper and longer then one normally sees in this price range. On the scrumptious side of wine. Immense tangy and chocolate flavors that are natural yet possessive.    Chenin Blanc, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay and Malvasia. Perfumed without being vomitty, there is a lot of floral and somewhat maritime essences here with further green apple, lemongrass and non-oak induced vanilla. Serious yet playful with firm acid that allows all exotic elements to come through.