03/05/2013 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
Lettuce Days!  This weekend brings the annual celebration of Yuma’s preeminence in the world of winter vegetables, and the festival has been getting bigger and better every year.  This year’s extravaganza takes place at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park on the Yuma Riverfront Saturday & Sunday, March 9^th -10^th. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday, admission is $5 (kids 12 & younger get in free).  There’s an amazing array of exhibits and activities this year, with celebrity and local chefs, cooking competitions and demonstrations, tasting events and much more.  Way too much in fact for me to go into here; get the full schedule of events at www.yumalettucedays.com.  I’m stuck here at the Wine Cellar Saturday, but I’ll be getting my veggies on at the Crossing Park Sunday!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Atrea 2009 The Choir White (Mendocino County)    $18.99
The Choir is a blend of 62% Roussanne and 38% Viognier.  A hugely aromatic nose exudes complex scents of orange blossoms, Asian pear, ginger and jasmine.  The palate shows well defined flavors of stone fruits like peaches, pears and apricots. It has fine richness and bright acidity, without any excess weight.
Paul Jaboulet 2010 Côtes du Rhône Parallèle 45 (Rhone Valley, France)    $14.99
This Rhone blend offers an intense, complex bouquet, with scents of ripe
red raspberries accented by an exotic hint of black pepper.  Abundantly ripe, fresh dark raspberry and plum fruit dominates the palate, edged by the characteristic Côtes-du-Rhône spice.
Villa Antinori 2008 Toscana Rosso (Tuscany, Italy)    $20.99
Villa Antinori is a Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, crafted by the renowned Piero Antinori.  The wine’s bouquet offers scents of sweet fruit, spice and a hint of oak.  Black cherry and cassis fruit dominates on the palate, accented by a touch of chocolate.
Peter Lehmann 2009 Clancy’s Red (Barossa Valley, Australia)    $14.99
A classic, flavorful Aussie red, Clancy’s overflows with brilliant blackberry
and plum flavors that are nicely edged with hints of thyme and black pepper.  The flavors never lose their zing all through a polished, elegant finish.  It’s an equal blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Hearst Ranch Winery 2009 Three Sisters Cuvée (Paso Robles)    $21.99
This Paso blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre offers plentiful aromas of strawberry and toffee, along with subtle floral and black pepper notes.  The flavor profile displays ripe dark cherry, strawberry and toasty vanilla flavors supported by refreshing acidity.
Beaulieu Vineyard 2009 BeauRouge (Napa Valley)    $29.99
BV’s BeauRouge shows true winemaking artistry in the blending of grape
varietals to make a layered and complex, yet fruit-forward wine.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot contribute an opulent blackberry, plum and chocolate character.  A mix of other red grape varietals combine to add a complex mixture of fruit notes and spice.
NEW ARRIVALS:
La Maia Lina 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)    $19.99
This Riserva offers inviting aromas of black cherries, plums and sweet spices, with notes of rose petals and cracked pepper. It’s elegant and lush on the palate, with abundant dark fruit and the classic Chianti character of old leather.  Ripe, silky tannins frame a lingering finish.
Predator 2011 Zinfandel (Lodi)    $14.99
This sustainably farmed Lodi Zin exhibits vibrant scents of blackberry, black pepper, smoky oak and vanilla.  The palate follows through, with rich, mouth-filling flavors of fresh-picked ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus the classic Zinfandel peppery/spicy character.
Roth Estate 2009 Merlot (Alexander Valley)    $21.99
Roth Estate Merlot is a densely structured wine with aromas of black
cherries, violet, cedar and a touch of spice. On the palate, rich flavors of
blackberries, black currants and dark chocolate mingle on the smooth-as-silk
mouthfeel, ending in a long finish.
Dry Creek Valley 2011 Dry Chenin Blanc (Dry Creek Valley)    $11.99
At first swirl, inviting aromas of citrus, peach, and tropical fruit jump from the glass.  On the palate it’s refreshing and delicious, following the tropical fruit theme but with excellent balancing acidity.  This Chenin makes the
perfect accompaniment to a picnic, and it’s a great apéritif wine.
Cheers!

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

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http://www.yumawine.com