02/04/2014 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

This week we have a rare respite during our mellow southern Arizona winter, when there’s no one particular event going on here in the Old Town Yuma area for me to spread the word about.  But that’s no reason to stay away – there’s a lot going on down here these days!  Of course I think the Wine Cellar’s weekly wine tastings on Thursdays and Fridays are the main attraction, but in truth there’s a lot more than that to attract folks to the downtown area.  Come down on any evening and you’ll be amazed at all the options available for dining, imbibing and generally having a good time.  But of course you’ll want to start here first…

 

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

 

Ferrari Carano 2011 Chardonnay (Sonoma County)    $19.99
This is an elegant Sonoma Chardonnay, with floral and fruit aromas of pineapple, apricot, lemon meringue and apple complemented by notes of hazelnut and spice. It’s buttery and full on the palate, with juicy fruit and creamy vanilla tones accented by hints of spicy, toasty oak.

 

Miraflores 2011 Mourvedre (El Dorado County)    $24.99
Mourvedre is a frequent component of red blends, but seldom goes solo.  This wine’s nose reveals ripe red raspberry and blackberry fruit along with elements of sandalwood, anise and white pepper.  The flavors are deliciously pure and expressive, framed by supple and well integrated tannins.

 

Quattro Mani 2010 Barbera (Piedmont, Italy)    $11.99
This Barbera from Italy’s northern Piedmont region offers hints of blackberries and spices on the nose, with pleasant oak notes from 12 months of barrel aging.  It’s bright and fresh on the palate, with concentrated dark cherry and mixed berry flavors plus a touch of spice.

 

Pascual Toso 2011 Malbec Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)    $17.99
This is a finely focused, elegant yet muscular red, with ripe, juicy red raspberry fruit and hints of mocha, mint and spice on the nose.  There’s plenty of depth on the palate, with abundant blackberry, blueberry and briar flavors.  The fruit stays fresh and flavorful through the finish.

 

Conundrum 2011 California Red    $17.99
Intensely colored and fragrant, this exudes evocative aromas of blackberry, raspberry, rhubarb and cola.  The palate is full-bodied and exuberantly fruity, pairing black cherry, plum and pomegranate fruit with cinnamon and lavender nuances.  The tannins are supple and rich, with a touch of toasty vanilla.

 

Ferrari Carano 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)    $24.99
The grapes for this dense, delicious Cabernet are from estate vineyards, perched 1,500 feet above the floor of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.  Ripe blackberry aromas lead into sumptuous, fruit-packed flavors, with a rich mouthfeel and firm tannic structure.

 

NEW ARRIVALS:

 

F W Gymnasium 2011 Riesling Kabinett Graacher Himmelreich (Mosel Valley, Germany)   $22.99
This is a classically crafted Kabinett from Germany’s renowned Mosel River region.  True to the style, it’s a precisely etched wine with poise and balance.  It offers a rich and honeyed nose that leads to lusciously ripe peach and apricot flavors along with the mineral character the Mosel is famous for.

 

Hearst Ranch Winery 2011 The Pergola Petite Sirah (Paso Robles)    $26.99
This Petite is smooth, rich and polished, with layers of blackberry, blueberry and plum fruit.  Lush and super-saturated, it literally coats the palate, with floral and spice elements adding to its abundantly ripe black-fruit flavors.  It’s a big and bold, yet silky-smooth mouthful of red.

 

Black Billy 2009 Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre (McLaren Vale, Australia)    $19.99
This Aussie GSM is a blend of the main red Rhone grape varietals – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre –  with the emphasis on Grenache (64%).  The result is an expressive red with ripe raspberry, boysenberry and plum fruit, accented with vanillin toast and subtle spice.

 

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