The event will commence at 5:00 PM and continue until 9:00 PM Friday evening.  Admission will be free at all participating locations, which includes many of the businesses downtown, as well as the Yuma Art Center, the Historic Yuma Theatre and the North End Artists Co-op right next to the Theatre.  Not to mention the Old Town Wine Cellar – you can enjoy some great art along with the usual great wine.  Hope to see you down here!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Sebastiani 2009 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)    $18.99
Light gold in color with a big green apple and limestone aroma, this wine is remarkably rich and deep for being completely un-oaked.  The palate is of medium weight with concentrated white peach and nectarine flavors.  It finishes with a crisp and tangy splash of acidity.
Hahn Winery 2010 SLH Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)    $27.99
Bright red fruit dominates the nose and palate, along with the black fruit flavors characteristic of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs.  A deep ruby in color, Hahn’s SLH Estate Pinot Noir is vibrant and rich, with vivid flavors of black cherries, dried herbs and minerals balanced by a fresh, ‘cool-climate’ acidity.
Pascual Toso 2009 Malbec Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)    $17.99
A finely focused, elegant yet muscular red, with ripe, juicy red raspberry fruit and hints of mocha, mint and spice on the nose.  It’s fresh and bouncy on the palate, with lots of blackberry, blueberry and briar flavors.  The fruit stays fresh and flavorful through the juicy finish.
Marques de Riscal 2005 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain)    $23.99
This opens with the classic cherry, vanilla and tobacco leaf tones that Rioja
reds are famed for. In the mouth, spicy dark cherry and berry fruit flavors
mingle with a touch of vanilla and anise, plus a pleasant note of toast from two years of oak barrel aging.
EOS Estate 2007 Zinfandel (Paso Robles)   $14.99
Ripe blackberry and red raspberry aromas and flavors blend with pleasant spice notes on the nose of this always-reliable Paso Zin.  Vivid flavors of raspberry jam, Bing cherries and exotic spices mingle on a deliciously rich, fruity palate, accented by hints of pepper and dark chocolate.
Wolf Blass 2008 Gold Label Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia)
$25.99
WB’s Gold Label Shiraz opens with intense aromas of rich dark berries and plums, layered with underlying notes of fragrant spice and dark chocolate.  It’s rich and round on the palate, with plenty of bright, fresh berry fruit, finely balanced tannins, and well-integrated oak.
NEW ARRIVALS:

Purple Hands 2009 Oregon Red    $18.99
Deeply colored, this Oregon red blend offers lush black fruit and floral notes on the nose, and a hint of cedar. It’s plush and velvety in the mouth, full of ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors. The abundant fruit is accented by hints of cedar, toasted oak and spice at the finish.
Terre de Trinci 2009 Cajo Rosso del Umbria (Umbria, Italy)    $17.99
The Cajo is an Umbrian blend of Sagrantino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The wine is aged for 18 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle prior to release.  The result is a rich and satisfying red, with a striking mix of floral and blackberry fruit flavors framed with firm, gripping tannins.
Trivento 2010 Torrontés Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)   $9.99
Torrontés makes a deliciously fresh, crisp and aromatic wine, and it’s the signature white of Argentina.  This one is full of the typical lively and juicy tropical, citrus and floral flavors that are the trademark of the varietal.  If this is not the perfect summer white for Yuma, it must be in the top five …
Chateau Tanunda 2008 Noble Baron Shiraz (Barossa Valley,
Australia)    $39.99
Sensuously lush, full and ripe, and packing a boatload of heady flavors, this Barossa Shiraz still manages to exhibit a fresh charm.  Deeply colored, with spicy aromatics introducing ripe, lush plum, currant and cherry flavors that stay focused through a rich, smooth finish, picking up chocolate and fresh herb notes along the way.
Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye (Sonoma, California)    $5.99
Hop Rod Rye is a high gravity IPA brewed with 18% rye malt.  It offers a floral and hop-filled aroma and subtle caramel notes with a pleasantly spicy rye character.  The taste is full and rich, with plenty of sweet, citrus malts and a nicely hoppy bitter tang at the finish.
Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

Just a quick reminder that this Saturday evening, May 12^th, Planned Pethood of Yuma  presents their 4^th Annual Yappy Hour Wine Tasting here at the Old Town Wine Cellar from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.  Planned Pethood is a local non-profit, all-volunteer organization that raises funds to support spay/neuter services for companion cats and dogs here in Yuma, and all proceeds from the event will go towards their ongoing spay/neuter campaign.  Tickets are just $25 per person or $40 per couple, and there will be an assortment of appetizers to enjoy along with a great selection of wines to taste.  You can call Rene Ragsdale at 920-1769 or Kelley Baliukas at 446-2249 to order your tickets (or just show up and I don’t think you’ll be turned away!)  This has always been a fun event here at the Cellar, so don’t miss it!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Kim Crawford 2011 Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough,
New Zealand)    $19.99
Nearly perfect cool-climate growing conditions create intense varietal character that’s unique to Marlborough.  The 2011 Spitfire is a bracingly crisp and clean white, offering intense aromas and vivid flavors of gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus.  A perfect partner with salads or seafood and it makes a wonderful apéritif all by itself.
Bodega Chacra 2009 Pinot Noir Barda (Patagonia, Argentina)   $35.99
Only 800 cases of this Pinot Noir were produced from a handful of vineyard sites in Patagonia’s Rio Negro valley, some of which were planted in the 1930’s.  This cherry-and-lavender-scented Pinot definitely leans toward the Burgundian style, with plenty of kirsch and spice flavors and a superb, elegant finish.
Las Rocas 2008 Garnacha Viñas Viejas (Calatayud, Spain)    $17.99
Conditions are perfect in Spain for the heat-loving Grenache varietal; the result is a wine that offers wonderfully savory flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and peppery spice.  This one was produced from vines that are 80 to 100 years of age.  It’s richly flavored, with mineral notes that reflect the depths the roots have reached in their long journey through the parched
Spanish soils.
Wattle Creek 2007 Kristine’s Cuvee (Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County)    $17.99
This wine displays wonderful “cool climate” attributes of a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend.  Initial aromas of currants, herbs, cracked pepper and spice segue into notes of loamy earth and cedar.  The palate offers a supple and mouthfilling texture, supported by solid tannins.

Bogle Vineyards 2008 Phantom   $18.99
Bogle’s proprietary red blend, the Phantom, is a mix of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel
and Mourvedre grapes sourced from very old vines. The 2008 version offers concentrated red raspberry, dark chocolate and red and black currant flavors framed by cedar and vanilla/cocoa nuances. It’s one big, bold mouthful of fruit…
Man O’ War 2008 Dreadnought Syrah (Waiheke Island, New Zealand)    $29.99
The Dreadnought begins with a wonderful nose of rich blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus fresh pepper notes.  The palate offers abundant dark fruit flavors framed by well-defined tannins and fine acidity, edged by a deliciously savory pepper-and-clove essence.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)
$24.99

This dark ruby-colored Riserva opens with black cherry and violet aromas, plus subtle earth nuances.  Flavors of fresh, ripe black cherries with cinnamon notes are wrapped up with smoothly elegant tannins, through a fresh and fruity yet thoroughly dry finish.
Mas de la Dame 2011 Rosé du Mas (Provence, France)   $16.99
This is a dry, yet surprisingly plush rosé, with a creamy texture and juicy
cherry, peach and melon flavors.  Aromas of rose petals and red currants emerge on the nose, with light spice and pepper tones accenting brightly ripe fruit on the palate. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
Hahn Winery 2010 SLH Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)    $27.99
Bright red fruit dominates the nose and palate, along with the black fruit
flavors characteristic of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs. A deep ruby in
color, Hahn SLH Estate ‘10 Pinot Noir is vibrant and rich, with flavors of
black cherry and blackberry, dried herbs and minerals that are balanced by a
fresh, ‘cool-climate’ acidity.

Fuller’s 1845 Strong Ale (London, England )   $4.99
The 1845 commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the brewery’s beginnings. It’s a great example of traditional English “strong ale,” with a bright, complex nose of biscuity malts, spice and notes of cider vinegar and pear.  In the mouth a mellow mix of English malts and tangy hop flavors mingles nicely.

Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar
http://www.yumawine.com

La Scolca 2009 Gavi (Piedmont, Italy)    $17.99
Gavi comes from a small growing area in northwestern Italy near Genoa, situated on the steep slopes of the Apennines mountains.  Made from 100% Cortese grapes, this has the typical Gavi nose of almonds and citrus fruit, with a fine, fresh, delicate and fully dry palate.  The crisp, refreshing acidity of Gavi pairs particularly well with shellfish, salads and sushi.
Belle Vallée 2008 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)    $17.99
Supple and sweetly ripe, this Oregon Pinot begins with heady aromas of blueberries, cherries and violets.  On the palate, the generous black cherry and wild berry flavors are shaded with white pepper and spice notes that linger enticingly on the finish.
Renato Ratti 2009 Nebbiolo d’Alba Occhetti (Piedmont, Italy)   $21.99
This single-vineyard Nebbiolo opens with a delicate, alluring bouquet of red raspberries and strawberries. The palate displays the classic varietal characteristics of juicy red cherries accented by complex accents of dried
herbs, earth and cedar, carried on an elegantly smooth and silky tannic frame
Ferrari-Carano 2009 Siena (Sonoma County)    $19.99
The Siena opens with rich black cherry aromas, plus subtle hints of fennel and licorice. Ripe, juicy red fruit flavors follow the nose, shaped by a pleasant
acidity and soft tannins in this beautifully structured ‘Tuscan-style’ red. Tart cherry flavors linger on the finish, accented by a touch of dark chocolate. A proprietary blend of Sangiovese and Malbec.
Brophy Clark 2008 GSM (Santa Ynez Valley)    $17.99
The GSM blends three classic Rhone varietals – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre – from three different Sanata Ynez Valley vineyards.  The result is a rich and wonderfully expressive red, with deliciously ripe raspberry,  boysenberry and plum fruit flavors accented by subtle spice notes.
Conn Creek 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)    $24.99
Fruit from Conn Creek’s Collins-Holystone Vineyard, in the St. Helena AVA, forms the core of this Cabernet, along with vineyards in Stags’ Leap District, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, Mt. Veeder, Atlas Peak and the Spring Mountain AVA’s.  The unique character of Napa Valley is well reflected in this rich, supple and finely balanced Cabernet.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Scala Dei 2009 Vi Negre (Priorat, Spain)    $19.99
Vi Negre signifies “red wine” in the native Catalan tongue of northeast Spain.  It’s made from 100% Grenache and is completely un-oaked.  The wine offers lovely floral aromas, supple tannins and a slightly rustic character that would make it partner nicely with an array of hearty dishes.
Wattle Creek 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)  $34.99
This all estate-grown wine shows the classic Cabernet aromas of spice and sage followed by a mix of blueberries and blackberries and fresh raspberry notes. It’s smooth, sleek and supple on the palate, showcasing vivid dark fruit flavors accented by a light hint of anise.
Kim Crawford 2011 Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough,
New Zealand)    $19.99
Nearly perfect cool-climate growing conditions create intense varietal
character that’s unique to Marlborough.  The 2011 Spitfire is a bracingly crisp and clean white, offering intense aromas and vivid flavors of gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus.  A perfect partner with salads or seafood and it makes a wonderful apéritif all by itself.
Château Tour de Ségur 2009 Lussac-Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux,
France)    $26.99
Black plum and mixed berry aromas mingle on the nose.  A pleasant hint of sweet spice swirls amid the upfront black fruit flavors on the palate, with a fresh, food-friendly acidity and firm tannins.  This is a fine “Right Bank”
blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from a superb vintage.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

Ramon Bilbao 2010 Albariño Valiñas (Rias Baixas, Spain) $14.99
This crisply dry and wonderfully tangy white offers delicate aromas of
citrus, dried flowers and spice.  Vividly etched white peach, pear, pineapple and citrus flavors mingle on the palate.  A fresh, lively acidity carries this nicely to a crisp and mouthwatering finish.
Chalone Vineyard 2007 Estate Pinot Noir (Monterey Co.)    $29.99
Opulent currant and black cherry aromas are accentuated by a light earthiness, like a pine forest after a rain. The same fruit elements in the powerful flavors mingle with light hints of smoky oak and vanilla and build through the long, sweet finish.  It’s harmonious, complex and elegant, with a distinctive mineral edge.
Ramon Bilbao 2008 Rioja Crianza (Rioja, Spain)    $17.99
Bilbao’s Crianza is aged for 15 months in a mix of new French and American oak barrels, imparting an intensely flavorful quality to the wine.  The nose is redolent with aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, and an exotic hint of sandalwood.  In the mouth, this is rich and complex, with plenty of depth and a lengthy finish.
Cusumano 2009 Benuara (Sicily, Italy)   $17.99
Benuara is Cusumano’s proprietary blend of 70% Nero d’Avola (Sicily’s
native grape) with 30% Syrah.  A fine garnet in color with ruby highlights, this exudes aromas redolent of plums and currants.  The medium-bodied palate offers abundant flavors of raspberry, blackberry and plum. Black pepper spice and espresso notes frame the long finish.

Truchard 2009 Syrah (Carneros)    $24.99
This ‘cool climate’ Syrah opens with fragrant aromas of dark fruits.  In the mouth, a dense core of juicy dark cherry and blackberry fruit is robed with
firm tannins and a spicy, lifting acidity.  With air, the spice accents increase in intensity, adding complexity to the finish.
DeLoach Vineyards 2008 O·F·S Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)    $29.99
The O·F·S Zinfandel is sourced from premium Russian River Valley vineyards in warmer areas of the AVA where the grapes ripen over a longer growing season, developing richer and more complex flavors.  Dark ruby in color, this Zin is fully ripe and brambly yet elegant, with deep notes of blackberries and candied fruits accented by hints of lavender and chocolate.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Sartori di Verona 2008 Amarone (Veneto, Italy)    $39.99
The Sartori 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella offers a deep, lavishly
dimensioned bouquet that teems with hints of leather, violets, dried cranberries, cloves and black tea.  It’s dense and concentrated in the mouth yet not heavy, with a gracefully agile, ripe black fruit quality that’s well supported by solid, dusty tannins.
Las Rocas 2008 Garnacha Viñas Viejas (Calatayud, Spain)    $17.99
Conditions are perfect in Spain for the heat-loving Grenache varietal; the result is a wine that offers wonderfully savory flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and peppery spice.  This comes from vines that are 80-100 years of age.  It’s richly flavored, with mineral notes that reflect the depths the roots have reached in their long journey through the parched Spanish soil.
Wattle Creek 2007 Kristine’s Cuvee (Yorkville Highlands,
Mendocino County)    $17.99
This wine displays wonderful “cool climate” attributes of a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend.  Initial aromas of currants, herbs, cracked pepper and spice segue into notes of loamy earth and cedar.  The palate offers a supple and mouthfilling texture, supported by solid tannins.
Full Sail Brewing Extra Special Barney E.S.B. (Hood River,
Oregon)    $5.99
This Extra Special Bitter, a traditional English style ale, is brewed with attention to balance, highlighting both malts and hops.  Five different malt
varieties produce the beer’s copper hue and caramel-ly complexity.  Only English Challenger hops were used to balance its appealingly fruity yeastiness.  It finishes on a deliciously tangy bitter note.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

Also happening on Saturday here in Old Town from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, it’s ARTbeat 5, a juried art show and sale downtown on the Main Street Plaza.  The Yuma Art Center will host the fifth installment of this award-winning fine art show & sale.  ARTbeat 5 features an eclectic mixture of recognized as well as emerging local, regional and international artists in a variety of artistic mediums and styles, including sculpture, painting, jewelry, graphic design, glass, ceramics, photography, mixed media and more.  Last year’s ARTbeat 4 event brought over 75 artists and more than 2,000 visitors
to the historic downtown area.  It’s a great annual event here in Old Town – and this year it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fine art along with fine beer!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Decoy 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)    $17.99
This wine was fermented in stainless steel, to achieve a lively expression of Sauvignon Blanc that exudes fresh grapefruit, kiwi, lime, lemon zest and fresh-cut grass aromas.  The palate is tangy and balanced and the flavors fully match the aromas, with additional notes of pineapple, gooseberries and minerals that swirl their way to a full and refreshing finish.
Gloria Ferrer 2007 Estate Pinot Noir (Carneros)   $18.99
Aromas of black cherry and tangy spice grace the nose of this elegant, medium-bodied Pinot.  It’s smooth as silk on the palate, loaded with black and red cherry fruit and a hint of raspberry jam.  A light earthy element adds a nice complexity.
Tenuta di Ghizzano 2009 Il Ghizzano (Tuscany, Italy)    $17.99
The 2009 Il Ghizzano is primarily Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot, sourced from estate vineyards.  It’s a delicious, “entry-level” Tuscan red laced with sweet red fruits, crushed flowers and spices.  There’s plenty of warm, radiant fruit to ensure fine drinking over the next few years and beyond.
Decoy 2010 Napa Red (Napa Valley)    $22.99
Duckhorn’s Decoy Napa Red shows classic Napa Valley fruit notes and
a silky, mouthcoating texture.  The aromas offer layers of mocha, raspberry and cassis, with a subtle hint of tobacco. On the palate, the wine is soft and smooth, with abundant flavors of black currant and plum.
Wine Guerrilla 2009 Rebel Cru Red (Sonoma County)    $19.99
The Rebel Cru Red offers lush aromas of blackberries,spice and vanilla. The wine tastes of blackberry and black cherry with a velvety mouthfeel.  The finish is smooth and elegant, and lingers nicely.  A proprietary blend of
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah.
Conn Creek 2009 Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)    $29.99
43% of the fruit for this wine came from Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak.  At over 1,400 feet of elevation, this vineyard’s grapes ripen more slowly than those on the valley floor, producing greater fruit intensity.  The Carpenter Vineyard located north of St. Helena provides the balance of the fruit.  Its richer, heavier soils contribute chocolate and spice tones, and a hint of mint to the final blend.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Truchard 2009 Syrah (Carneros)    $24.99
This ‘cool climate’ Syrah opens with fragrant aromas of dark fruits.  In the
mouth, a dense core of juicy dark cherry and blackberry fruit is robed with
firm tannins and a spicy, lifting acidity.  With air, the spice accents increase in intensity, adding complexity to the finish.
Tenuta Sette Ponti 2008 Oreno (Tuscany, Italy)    $79.99
Sette Ponti’s Oreno is one of the premier examples of international-styled Tuscan reds.  The 2008 is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  It’s a structured yet racy red, with an expressive bouquet of blackberry fruit, rose petals and spices, edged with lots of currant.  The palate is full and tannic, yet very polished and caressing, culminating finally in an impressively persistent finish.
Esperto 2010 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie, Italy)    $11.99
Made with grapes sourced from premium vineyard sites in both Friuli and Trentino, this is a crisp, elegant and well-balanced Pinot Grigio, with clean flavors of freshly-sliced green apples and juicy citrus fruits, plus a tangy mineral quality on the finish.
Duvel Bottle Conditioned Golden Ale (Belgium)    $12.99
Duvel is crisp, golden and refreshing like a pilsner, but it offers the flavor, depth and complexity of a fine ale.  With a subtly bitter, tangy bite and a delicate aroma, it holds a unique place in the great Belgian beer tradition. After bottling, the beer continues to ferment for a fortnight in the warm cellars of the brewery.  This longer maturing process contributes to its exquisite flavors.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

Talbott Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard (Santa Lucia Highlands)    $29.99
This acclaimed Monterey County Chardonnay offers aromas of honeysuckle, melon, peach, pear and vanilla. The bouquet is framed by a hint of French oak, and a toasty/yeasty essence.  In the mouth, this offers a creamy character and a lush, silky richness, with flavors of pear, nectarine, peach and sweet toasted oak.  The finish is clean and fresh, with vibrant acidity.
Friedrich Becker 2008 Estate Pinot Noir (Pfalz, Germany)    $21.99
German Pinot Noirs, known there as Spätburgunder, are typically light in body and softly fruited.  This version, from one of the country’s foremost
producers, is full of bright, spicy raspberry, cherry and currant flavors.  The vivid fruit character is balanced by crisp acidity and a tangy mineral edge.
Mas de la Dame 2009 La Gourmande (Les Baux de Provence, France)    $17.99
This organically grown wine is an equal mix of Grenache and Syrah grapes, all hand-harvested.  It offers fresh, robust red cherry and dark plum fruit flavors, with smooth yet nicely assertive tannins.  The ample fruit is accented by a touch of spice, and just maybe a hint of dried herbs… de Provence.
Gundlach Bundschu 2008 Mountain Cuvée (Sonoma Valley)    $18.99
The 100% estate-grown Mountain Cuvée is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit  Verdot grapes.  Aromas of toasted oak and spicy hints of plums and dark cherries emerge on the nose.  In the mouth, supple flavors of black raspberry and currant fruit are edged with hints of dark chocolate and cedar.
Alamos 2009 Seleccion Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)   $18.99
The 2009 Seleccion Malbec shows an opaque dark violet hue.  The nose is full of ripe blueberry fruit, with notes of violets and sweet spices.  The mouthfeel is full and rich, loaded with ripe blackberry and cherry fruit layered with hints of wildflowers, spicy black pepper and anise.  The finish is supple and silky, with balanced acidity.
Ornellaia 2009 Le Volte (Tuscany, Italy)    $27.99
Le Volte is the “second wine” of Tuscany’s renowned Ornellaia.  It’s a Super-Tuscan blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2009 release offers rich, intense fruit and spice notes, with no trace of over-ripeness. The palate boasts a supple and velvety mouthfeel, with fine tannins and a lively acidity.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Duckhorn 2007 The Discussion (Napa Valley)   $119.99
The Discussion comes from the very best barrels of wine from the finest blocks of Duckhorn’s estate vineyards.  Exotic aromas of mulberry, hazelnut, leather, cedar, tobacco and sweet spices give way to rich flavors of blackberry, dark plum, cassis, clove and chocolate.  The flavors evolve in the glass, achieving added depth and complexity and developing warm, earthy tones amid a hint of toasted coconut.
Ensemble 2010 California White   $8.99
The Ensemble White offers bright aromas and a lush palate resplendent with white stone-fruit and honeydew melon flavors.  Bright notes of minerals and
spice weave gracefully through the fruit, supported by crisp acidity that carries the wine to a fresh, satisfying finish.  It’s a blend of Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Ensemble 2010 California Red    $8.99
The Ensemble Red brings together Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot in a wine with vibrant fruit and supple tannins.  Aromas of ripe raspberry and plum are joined by fragrant spice notes.  Juicy blackberry and ripe cherry fruit flavors extend beautifully into a long, lush, satisfying finish.
Conn Creek 2009 Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)    $29.99
43% of the fruit for this wine came from Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak.  At over 1,400 feet of elevation, this vineyard’s grapes ripen more slowly than those on the valley floor, producing greater fruit intensity.  The Carpenter Vineyard located north of St. Helena provides the balance of the fruit.  Its richer, heavier soils contribute chocolate and spice tones, and a hint of mint to the final blend.
The Lost Abbey Serpent’s Stout (San Marcos, California)    $12.99
This massively thick and opaque beer pours dark and dense, with a creamy mocha head and aromas of roasted malt, dark chocolate and French Roast coffee.  The mouthfeel is full, smooth and round, offering rich flavors of roasted malts, cocoa, coffee and vanilla.

Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405
http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Markus Molitor 2008 Riesling Kabinett Zeltinger Sonnenuhr (Mosel Valley, Germany) $18.99
This is a surprisingly rich style of Kabinett, offering enticing aromas of
apricots, peaches, pears and floral essences on the nose.  The palate is richly creamy and beautifully layered, imparting a savory, almost saline quality to the medley of apple, grapefruit and peach flavors.  Mineral tones and mouthwatering acidity support the lingering, buoyant finish.
Kenwood 2010 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)   $17.99
Russian River Valley soils combined with the nearby Pacific’s foggy
influence makes ideal conditions for growing great Pinot Noir.  Fruit-forward aromas of raspberry and black cherry mingle with spicy hints of cinnamon, nutmeg  and vanilla. The palate exhibits bright acidity, with a smooth texture and a lingering finish.
Campo Viejo 2004 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain)    $14.99
To qualify as a Rioja Reserva, this wine was aged for 18 months in American oak  barrels, and then for another 18 months in the bottle prior to release.  This is a “textbook” Reserva from one of Rioja’s finest producers, offering juicy cherry and plum fruit on a silky texture.
Veramonte 2009 Primus Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile)    $19.99
The Primus opens with a nose of ripe blackberry fruit, plus a subtle note of lightly toasted oak.  In the mouth, rich layers of crushed dark cherry and cassis fruit are well-integrated with toasty oak and smoky spice notes, carried on a smooth and elegant tannic frame.

Tablas Creek 2010 Patelin de Tablas (Paso Robles)    $22.99
Patelin de Tablas is a blend of four estate-grown Rhône varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise.  The red raspberry fruitiness of
Grenache is balanced by the black fruit tones of Syrah, along with earthy and
spicy notes from Mourvedre and Counoise.  It’s juicy and rich on the palate, with an elegant finish.

Zenato 2007 Valpolicella Ripassa (Veneto, Italy)    $29.99
This opens with aromas of juicy black plums and coffee-scented spice.  In the mouth, a ripe core of juicy currant and black plum fruit is accented with elements of spice and toasted oak.  It’s a rich and mouth-filling red, with fine, fruit-drenched tannins and a clean, lingering, mineral and spice finish.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Penfolds 2008 Bin 2 Shiraz-Mourvèdre (SouthAustralia)    $14.99
The Penfolds Bin 2 was introduced way back in 1960.  Penfolds winemakers always loved Mourvèdre for its fantastic ability to blend marvelously with Australia’s favorite varietal, Shiraz.  The Bin 2 offers luscious complexity and palate grip, with a spicy savoriness from Mourvèdre that complements the plush richness of Shiraz.
Robert Craig 2009 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)    $49.99
Power and grace define this classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, from Robert Craig’s own estate vineyard in the foothills south of Stags Leap. Varietal black and red fruit flavors float across the palate, mixed with touches of espresso, dark chocolate and hints of violet and licorice. A fine mineral component echoes the foothills heritage.

Ornellaia 2009 Le Volte (Tuscany, Italy)    $27.99
Le Volte is the “second wine” of Tuscany’s renowned Ornellaia.   It’s a Super-Tuscan blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2009 release offers rich, intense fruit and spice notes, with no trace of over-ripeness. The palate boasts a supple and velvety mouthfeel, with fine tannins and a lively acidity.

AleSmith Brewing Speedway Stout (San Diego)    $12.99
Speedway is a huge Imperial Stout to start with, and then it’s amped up with pounds of coffee for an extra kick.  It’s jet black in color with a creamy off-white head.  It opens with a rich coffee and dark chocolate sensation, then leads on to a multitude of toasty/roasty/caramel-ly malt flavors. It’s super full-bodied and mouth-filling– a treat for the taste buds!

Ommegang BPA Belgian-style Pale Ale (Cooperstown, New York)    $9.99
The BPA is Ommegang’s interpretation of a true Belgian-style Pale Ale.  Copper-gold in color with entrancing effervescence, the BPA forms a substantial, fluffy white head, full of aromas of tropical fruit and citrus.  Intriguing herbal/bitter notes from the hops never overpower the balanced malt backbone, and allow the “estery” tones of theyeast to shine through.

Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

I want to give everyone a little advance notice this week about the 2012
Taste of Fine Art.  On Friday evening, March 30^th, Yuma Fine Arts Association presents their 9^th annual wine tasting extravaganza from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the beautiful Art Center Museum located in the Yuma Art Center (254 S. Main Street).  There will be a variety of fine wines to sample (selected by yours truly) along with an array of great appetizers prepared by chefs from a number of the finest restaurants in Yuma.  As always, there will also be a silent auction of original artworks and other great items donated by local businesses and supporters of the arts (including again, yours truly).  Not to toot my own horn too much…  Admission to the festivities this year is just
$35.00, and as always you can purchase your tickets right here at the Wine
Cellar.  It’s a really fun event, and a great way to support the arts in Yuma, so get your tickets soon!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

La Sirena 2011 Moscato Azul (Napa Valley/Paso Robles)   $29.99
The Moscato Azul exhibits the uniquely perfumed bouquet, spiciness and tropical fruit and floral character that are typical of the Muscat varietal.  It’s wonderfully clean and fresh on the palate, offering tons of flavor and staying enticingly fresh and surprising dry all through the crisp finish.
Castello D’Albola 2007 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)   $15.99
This Classico begins with fresh black cherry aromas mixed in with hints of
leather, earth, plums and violets.  The palate is medium in body, with supple tannins and brisk acidity.  Classic Chianti flavors of ripe black cherries and plums are accented by a hint of licorice.

Wyndham Estate 2008 Founder’s Reserve Shiraz (South Eastern Australia)  $17.99
An outstanding example of Aussie Shiraz, showcasing rich plum and
blackberry flavors that are deftly accented by subtle touches of white pepper
and Asian spice. The generous and vividly tched flavors stay in harmonious
balance all through the smooth, lingering finish.
Beaulieu Vineyard 2008 Merlot (Napa Valley)    $19.99
This is an elegant, balanced Napa Merlot, made with fruit sourced from prime valley vineyards.  It opens with a rich bouquet of black cherries, plus a note of vanilla from oak barrel aging.  A vibrant fruit character of dark cherry and
wild berry fruit flavors is framed by smooth and supple tannins.
David Bruce 2009 Petite Syrah (California)    $19.99
This Petite is made with fruit sourced from premium vineyard sites in Paso
Robles and Monterey County.  It opens with lush blackberry and blueberry aromas, plus a kick of white pepper.  Bright, spice-tinged flavors ride on a dense but supple and balanced mouthfeel.  Limited use of new oak allows the fruit to shine through beautifully.
Miraflores 2009 Zinfandel (El Dorado County)    $24.99
This is a dense, layered and complex Sierra Foothills Zin that’s packed with
deep, rich fruit. Scents of black currant and bittersweet chocolate lead to
complex black cherry, fresh anise and white pepper flavors.  The tannins are ripe but remain powerful through a lengthy finish.

NEW ARRIVALS:

M. Chapoutier 2008 Crozes-Hermitage La Petit Ruche (Rhone Valley, France)    $21.99
Chapoutier is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the entire Rhone Valley region. Northern Rhone 100% Syrah wines such as this Crozes-Hermitage are their specialty.  This wine exhibits fresh aromas of black currants and raspberries, and lush black fruit flavors edged with tangy spice and mineral tones.
Folie à Deux 2009 Merlot (Napa Valley)   $17.99
This classic Napa Valley Merlot shows tantalizing aromas of ripe cherries and  raspberries along with aspicy touch of white pepper.  A medium-bodied wine, it offers rich and juicy wild berry flavors edged by a hint of dark chocolate.
Gabbiano 2008 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)   $14.99
The Sangiovese for this wine is sourced at higher elevations in the Classico zone.  On the nose, a delicate floral bouquet of violets mixes with hints of cherry jam and tobacco.  The palate offers clean blackberry and dark cherry
flavors, spice elements and fine balancing acidity.  The tannins are smooth and well integrated, leading to a crisply dry finish.
Great Divide Imperial Stout Espresso Oak Aged Yeti (Denver,
Colorado)    $11.99
Espresso Oak Aged Yeti is yet aother new member of the Yeti family.  A generous infusion of espresso adds yet another layer of complexity to this  beer, combining with a vanilla oak character, intense roasted malts and a bold hop profile in a whole new breed of mythical critter.
Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet (Belgium)    $11.99
Tripel Karmeliet is still brewed to an authentic beer recipe from 1679 originated in a Belgian Carmelite monastery.  The recipe calls for the use
of 3 grains: wheat, oats and barley. Then after brewing, it’s re-fermented in
the bottle to produce a robust, yet smooth, fruit-and-spice-filled brew that’s
dangerously easy to drink…
Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar
http://www.yumawine.com

Frank Family Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)   $32.99
If you like rich, buttery Chards, then look no further.  The bouquet entices with tangy citrus, peach and pear aromas, and a hint of apple-pie spice.  Lush, ripe tropical fruit, pear and citrus flavors are complemented with a delicious note of gingery spice.

Acacia 2010 Pinot Noir (Carneros)    $24.99
Classic Carneros Pinot Noir, overflowing with scents of ripe plum, raspberry and black cherry along with delicate floral nuances, while a light oak influence adds a hint of toast.  Pleasantly tart acidity on the medium-bodied
palate gives a nice balance to the smooth and supple tannins.
Tinto Figuero 2008 Roble 4 meses en barrica (Ribera Del Duero, Spain)   $17.99
Figuero’s Roble “4 Months in Barrel” is an intense deep crimson. The
nose is initially dominated by new oak, with aromas of fresh blackberries
and raspberries emerging after a little time. The palate is well-balbanced, with moderate yet firm tannins framing ripe wild berry flavors.
Hahn 2009 Meritage (Central Coast)    $19.99
This Bordeaux-style blend opens with cassis, dark chocolate and
raspberry aromas, plus a hint of vanillin oak toast to add richness and
complexity.  The smooth, juicy palate offers pure flavors of black cherries and black currants, hints of clove and a lingering touch of cocoa on the finish.
Amavi 2007 Syrah (Walla Walla Valley)   $19.99
This Washington Syrah opens with bright blueberry, plum and sweet spice aromas. In the mouth it’s velvety, round and open-textured, showing a solid tannic structure and enough snappy acidity to balance the rich fruit all the way through a long finish.
Allegrini 2007 Palazzo Della Torre (Veneto, Italy)   $22.99
A savory northern Italian red crafted in an innovative fashion, with a portion of the grapes dried for 3 months prior to pressing.  The result is a sort of ”baby Amarone” style offering a silky texture, lower acidity, more refinement and greater extraction.  A bouquet of floral tones, vanilla and stewed fruits is followed on the palate by juicy dark cherry and plum fruit and
complex spice tones.
NEW ARRIVALS:

Nobilo 2010 Icon Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand)    $19.99
Nobilo’s premium Icon bottling is rich, mouth-filling and complex, showing fine structure and balance.  Aromas of ripe dark cherries and plums lead into generous dark fruit flavors, carried on a smooth and silky tannic frame.  The finish is lengthy and persistent, nicely enhanced by an appealing hint of spice.
Fizz 56 Brachetto Spumante (Piedmont, Italy)    $16.99
Brachetto is a native grape grown in a small area of northwest Italy’s
Piedmont region.  Fizz 56 is a delightful red sparkling wine that exudes distinctive strawberry and raspberry tones, with a wisp of black cherry.  It offers a much more luxurious character and mouthfeel, and lots more bubbles, than other sweeter styled sparkling reds such as Moscato Rosso and Rosa Regale.
Sebastiani 2009 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)    $18.99
Light gold in color with a big green apple and limestone aroma, this wine is remarkably rich and deep for being completely un-oaked.  The palate is of medium weight with concentrated white peach and nectarine flavors.  It finishes with a crisp, and very tangy splash of acidity.
Duckhorn 2007 Paraduxx (Napa Valley)    $47.99
Duckhorn’s Paraduxx, a classic Napa Valley Zinfandel-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, opens with vibrant aromas of raspberry, cherry, cedar and spice, with a touch of caramelized brown sugar.  Dark cherry and red raspberry fruit flavors greet the palate, accented with rich, compelling layers of cedar, sweet oak and molasses.

Lumberyard Hefeweizen Wheat Beer (Flagstaff)   $5.99
This German-styled Arizona wheat beer is refreshing, lightly hopped,
un-filtered and pleasantly yeasty.  It’s highly effervescent and just slightly sour, with aromas and flavors reminiscent of cloves and bananas in the classic hefeweizen style.  It’s a milder, less strongly hopped beer, perfect for warmer weather.

Stone Brewing Ruination IPA (Escondido)    $7.99
So called because of the “ruinous” effect on your palate!  This massive hop monster has a delicious and intensely strong, brawny flavor on a refreshing malt base.  One taste and you can see why Stone calls it a “liquid poem to the glory of the hop!”  Those who crave and rejoice in beers with big, bold character will find true nirvana in Stone’s Ruination.
Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

http://www.yumawine.com

Groth 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)    $18.99
This wine was produced with grapes sourced from various microclimates of the Napa Valley.  Fruit from warmer sites accounts for a lush and rich melon/citrus character in both the aromas and flavors.  The grapes from
cooler vineyard sites impart a crisp backbone, giving this a tangy liveliness
that balances the delicious cream quality achieved from “sur lie” aging.
Truchard 2010 Roussanne (Carneros)    $19.99
This Napa version of the little-known Rhone Valley white varietal is a rich, aromatic and mouth-filling wine.  The nose offers an exotic mix of apple,
honeydew and pineapple aromas.  On the palate, a fruit-basket of juicy peach, pear and nectarine flavors are supported by crisp, bright acidity.  The clean,
elegant finish offers a fine, lingering interplay of citrus, minerals and spice.
Capafons-Ossó 2004 Vessants (Montsant, Spain)    $17.99
The Montsant region adjoins the much more well-known region of Priorat in northeast Spain, with essentially the same climate, soils and terrain.  The
Vessants is a unique blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan and Syrah grapes.  The result is a fruit-filled yet surprising complex red, with velvety tannins and a slightly smoky finish.
Castello Banfi 2009 Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy)
$22.99
Made from 100% Sangiovese, Rosso di Montalcino is known as “baby Brunello.”  It’s aged much  less than its elder, more prestigious sibling
– 12 months in barrel followed by at least 6 months in the bottle before
release.  It offers a dry, round, velvety palate profile and a generous body – characteristics very similar to those found in the great Brunellos.
Parducci 2007 True Grit Petite Sirah (Mendocino County)   $19.99
True Grit is classic California Petite Sirah.  The color is an inky purple; no light passes through.  The nose exhibits rich blackberry fruit laced with spice and white pepper notes.   An intense rush of blackberry, dark chocolate, pepper and caramel flavors overwhelm the palate.  This wine cries out for grilled meat…
Girard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)    $29.99
This showcases the ripe, rich fruit and polished tannins the Napa Valley is famous for.  On the nose, juicy blackberry and currant fruit tones mix with hints of sage, anise, cocoa and mint.  A full-bodied palate exhibits fine but firm tannins, providing a nice counterpoint to the abundant fruit.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Skalli 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Tiare du Pape (Rhone Valley,
France)    $34.99
This Châteauneuf is composed primarily of Grenache (60%); the balance is Syrah (20%) and Mourvedre (20%).  It’s sleek and racy on the palate, with an array of black currant, fig and red raspberry fruit flavors balanced with accents of black pepper and espresso.  Vivid black and red fruit tones linger at the finish.
Gundlach Bundschu 2010 Gewürztraminer (Sonoma Coast)    $19.99
Exotic aromas of lychees, orange blossoms and spices leap from this dry,
Alsatian-style Gewürztraminer.  Ripe, round fruit flavors of white pears,
lychee, tangerine and kumquat are lifted by the bright acidic structure into a lingering, spicy finish.  Gewürz makes a fine apértif by itself, and partners superbly with spicy cuisine like Indian, Chinese and Thai food.
Chalone Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir (Monterey County)    $15.99
Fragrant aromas of lavender, black cherry and a touch of cedar introduce
this highly approachable and very user-friendly Pinot.  Ripe and juicy dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate, picking up raspberry and spice.  The mouthfeel is soft and silky throughout.
Veramonte 2009 Primus Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile)    $19.99
The Primus opens with a nose of ripe blackberry fruit, plus a subtle note of lightly toasted oak.  In the mouth, rich layers of crushed dark cherry and cassis fruit are well-integrated with toasty oak and smoky spice notes, carried on a smooth and elegant tannic frame.
St. Bernardus Tripel Abbey Ale (Belgium)    $12.99
Water pumped from artesian wells 150 meters down is the basis for all the St.
Bernardus beers.  After brewing, the beer is matured naturally and bottled unfiltered, and then undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle.  This Tripel has a pale amber color and a flowery, fruity character that creates a fine balance between sweet and sour, ending with a delicate bitterness.
Stone Brewing Old Guardian Barleywine (Escondido)    $6.99
Known affectionately as the “OG”, it’s an über malty, super hoppy mega-beer.  The 2012 release is distinctly rich and malty, with a very pronounced bready/yeasty ester profile, toffee malt flavors and a tropical fruit-like hoppiness.  Rich, smooth and just a bit sweet upfront, at mid-palate it transitions to a pleasant dryness, and then a lingering, hoppy bitterness on the finish.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar
http://www.yumawine.com