01/21/2014 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

A couple of great outdoor events are on tap here in the Old Town area this Saturday, January 25^th.  The 9^th annual Bluegrass in the Park Festival at the West Wetlands Park, just a short distance west of downtown, will feature a variety of bluegrass and (for the first time) old-time western music performers.  The music will go from 10 AM until dusk, and there will be plentiful food & beverage options. Bring your lawn chairs!  Tickets are $20 at the gate or $18 in advance (available at the Yuma Art Center on Main Street).

Or if you’re a little more action-oriented, Civil War Days will be the theme at the Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park at 1^st St. & 4^th Ave.  Authentic Civil War re-enactment groups will set up an encampment and stage mock battles on the expansive grassy grounds of the park all day long, from 8 AM to 5 PM.  Entrance fee is $10; call 373-5198 for more info.

 

And I want to give a warm welcome to a new neighbor here in Historic Downtown Yuma:  Desert Olive Farms.  They produce their own award-winning extra virgin olive oil just a short distance from Yuma in California’s Imperial Valley, and just recently opened a storefront at 224 S. Main Street here in Old Town.  They have a wide variety of both regular and flavored extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, along with cosmetics, soaps and candles.  I’ve sampled their oils and balsamics and they’re excellent.  If you’ve been settling for the stale, low-grade junk masquerading as extra virgin olive oil on local store shelves, STOP.  You owe it to yourself to taste the truly good stuff – believe me, you won’t go back.  You know, like once you get used to drinking really good wine from a really good shop…

 

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

 

Martin Ray 2011 Reserve Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)    $20.99
This is sourced from the Cooper Garrod Vineyard, situated in a cool coastal microclimate blessed with a long growing season.  It delivers pure Chardonnay fruit, with a medley of citrus, apple, fig and pear flavors that build and hold their intensity through a long, complex finish.

 

Martin Ray 2011 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)    $18.99
100% Pinot Noir, this wine spent 8 months in French oak.  It shows a wonderful bright ruby color, and offers aromas of wild berry fruit with a light touch of earth.  The flavors are full of cherry and raspberry with a soft finish – a perfect match with grilled salmon.

 

Bodegas Carchelo 2010 Carchelo C (Jumilla, Spain)   $14.99
A blend of Monastrell (Mourvedre), Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, Carchelo’s “C” is aged 3 months in new French oak before release.  The nose offers hints of cherry licorice and dark chocolate.  Rich dark cherry and plum flavors pick up smoky, peppery accents at the finish.

 

Chalone Vineyard 2011 Merlot (Monterey County)    $12.99
This supple, full-flavored Merlot features a fine-tuned acidity that lifts and accentuates a solid core of rich dark fruit.  Ripe black cherry, plum and currant flavors mingle on the palate, complemented by a light hint of spicy clove.

 

Seghesio 2012 Zinfandel (Sonoma County)    $19.99
This Sonoma Zin has an aromatic bouquet full of plum, blackberry and blueberry, with hints of red currants and black pepper. It’s a full-bodied wine with excellent structure that’s true to the varietal, nicely enhanced by a pleasant touch of toast on the palate.

 

Beckmen Vineyards 2010 Estate Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley)     $29.99
The 2010 Beckmen Grenache is dark purple in hue, infused with strikingly pure raspberry aromas, tinged with sweet herbs.  The attack is absolutely explosive – a huge mouthful of crushed red fruits – terrifically dense and lush, yet superbly vibrant all the way to the finish.

 

NEW ARRIVALS:

 

Souverain 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)    $14.99
This Cabernet shows expressive aromas of spicy black cherry and ripe blackberry, with light notes of cedar and mocha. The mouthfilling flavors of juicy black and red fruits are laced with accents of herbs and spices,.all through a fine, lingering finish.

 

Bertani 2010 Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy)    $14.99
Valpolicella is a traditional blend of the native Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes.  The nose offers supple scents of almonds and violets.  It’s silky in texture, with more weight than most Valpolicella wines, with a nice mix of dark cherry and hints of chocolate.

 

Raptor Ridge 2012 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)    $24.99
Dark fruit aromas dominate the nose on this Pinot, primarily black cherry, with touches of spice and oak. The body is light and elegant, with red cherry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors, finishing with a spiced cherry edge.  Gossamer tannins make this very easy to drink.

 

Pacific Rim 2011 Sweet Riesling (Columbia Valley)    $11.99
Pacific Rim’s Sweet Riesling is moderately sweet and low in alcohol  – under 9% – with juicy flavors of ripe pineapple and peach.  It brings a perfect balance to all kinds of fiery fare, such as Thai, Szechwan and Caribbean cuisine, or enjoy it as a refreshing aperitif.

 

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