Why Can’t We Not Be Sober
If you’re not familiar, Mr. Keenan is a rare sort of artist. After turning down a commission to West Point in favor of a direction that led him to co-found the rock group TOOL (among other things) Keenan’s pretty much secured his place as a future Hall of Famer. Which is why it’s so… well, weird to hear his name in connection with the Stronghold Winery. Like, aren’t rock stars supposed to be making cheap vodkas with no taste? Aren’t they supposed to offer crazy bottles that look like body parts? How is this Stronghold Wines Mandala 4 Pack Sampler a simple-yet-elegant mix of generous reds and whites?
It could be that partner Eric Glomski keeps him in check, but more likely it’s that Keenan approaches this project the way he’s approached everything else: as an artist. The two bottles of 2010 Mandala White carry flavors you might never associate with the mind behind AEnema: ripe peach, nectarine, apricot, and tangerine. Sounds more like Around The World In A Day, doesn’t it? And yet, you’ll be surprised how well this wine goes with fresh oysters, or maybe creamy cheese and dried fruit.
Don’t think he’s neglecting the dark side, though. The shadowy 2010 Mandala Red is just as good as the brighter white. You’ll first confront voluptuous aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, spice, and they’ll all lead into strong red plums and pomegranate. Underneath are hidden secrets that resolve into black pepper, anise, vanilla and violets. Yes, violets. Who knew, right? But don’t you fret, because this fantastic red goes nicely with barbecued Italian sausage and roasted bell peppers.
If you’ve made it this far with Keenan’s bands, there’s a good chance you’ll trust his decisions. Give his wine a shot, huh? Because a true artist never stays still, and always produces something of worth. We’re thinking these four bottles should qualify.
Features
2010 Mandala White
- Grapes 87% Viognier, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Orange Muscat
- Grape sources Edna Valley
- Alcohol 13%
- Ageing Neutral French Oak and Stainless
- Cases 1000
- Bottled 8.22.2011
- Winemaker Eric Glomski
A rich and generous wine, with ripe peach, nectarine, apricot and tangerine flavors that are woven together on a full, lush body with mineral details and juicy acidity. Impressively long finish. Pair this wine with oysters on the half shell and creamy cheeses with dried fruits.
2010 Mandala Red
- Grapes 39% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, 25% Petite Syrah, 5% Counoise, 4% Grenache, 2% Viognier
- Grape Sources: Napa, Paso Robles
- Alcohol 13.9%
- Ageing 12 months 50% 2 year French and Neutral Oak
- Cases 2900
- Bottled 8.22.2011
- Winemaker Eric Glomski
On the nose, voluptuous aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and spice emanate from the glass, all of them expanding and deepening when you take a sip. Red plums and pomegranate join the dark fruits with flawless synergy. Then more layers are revealed: tingly black pepper, anise, vanilla and violets. All that fruitiness and perfume is balanced with good acidity, supple tannins and a bit of earth. Pair this wine with barbecue Italian sausage with roasted bell peppers.
Specs
2010 Mandala White2010 Mandala Red
Specs
2010 Mandala White2010 Mandala Red
Vendor Details
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
- Founded:
- 2007
- Owners:
- Eric Glomski and Maynard James Keenan
- Location:
- Cottonwood, AZ
Sales Stats
- Speed to First Woot:
- 5m 18.000s
Purchaser Experience
Purchaser Seniority
Quantity Breakdown
Percentage of Sales Per Hour
12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
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