04/08/2014 Newsletter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
As you may have heard by now, the Centennial Celebration of the City of Yuma’s incorporation under the laws of the newly created State of Arizona way back in 1914 is a big to-do this week hereabouts. The Governor herself came to Downtown Yuma yesterday to help dedicate our cool new signs over the entrance to Main Street at both First Street and Giss Parkway. There are various great events happening all around town this week related to the anniversary celebration, but one that I particularly want to trumpet is the Centennial Block Party here in Old Town on Friday night, April 11th. The party will run from 5PM to 11PM, and as always there will be live entertainment, lots of food and drink available and plenty of fun to be had. And don’t forget to take in the 100 Years of Yuma photo exhibition at the Yuma Art Center while you’re down here. We’ll see you Friday, and hopefully even sooner!
THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING – $10.00 for a taste of all six:
Candoni Prosecco (Veneto, Italy) $15.99
A delicate and fruity sparkling wine with just a hint of honey, the Candoni Prosecco is medium-dry on the palate with a pleasant acidity that gives it a persistent freshness. It’s wonderful as an afternoon aperitif, and makes a fine match with lighter dinners.
Liberty School 2012 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) $16.99
A deep garnet color in the glass, this offers aromas of flowers and strawberries. The flavor profile is all about cherries, strawberries and spice. Smooth, balanced tannins carry to a silky finish. All in all, this displays far more finesse and restraint than usually seen in reasonably priced California Pinot Noirs.
Liberty School 2009 Cuvée (Central Coast) $14.99
Liberty School’s Cuvée is primarily Syrah, blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Grenache. The wine is a fresh and decidedly fruit-forward red, offering aromas of blueberry and dark cherry on the nose and abundant ripe red fruit character on a richly textured palate.
Folie à Deux 2011 Merlot (Alexander Valley) $18.99
Sourced from premium vineyard sites located in the cooler areas of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley and aged for nine months in oak, this deliciously approachable Merlot offers rich, ripe dark cherry and wild berry flavors accompanied by enticing tones of vanilla and chocolate.
Campo Viejo 2004 Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain) $26.99
This Gran Reserva is made from carefully selected premium Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, and is aged for five years before being released. The nose offers exotic aromas of vanilla, cloves and cinnamon. The smooth, velvety palate has abundant cherry and black plum fruit flavors, along with complex notes of tobacco and spices.
Wolf Blass 2004 Gold Label Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) $24.99
The Gold Label opens with intense aromas of rich dark berries and plums, layered with underlying notes of fragrant spice and dark chocolate. It’s rich and silky on the palate, with plenty of bright, fresh berry fruit, finely balanced tannins and well-integrated oak.
NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:
Francis Coppola 2012 Sofia Chardonnay (Monterey County) $15.99
This debut release of Sofia blends 75% Chardonnay with 25% Pinot Blanc. It’s balanced, bright and crisp, with flavors of green apple, white peach, pear and a dash of citrus. It was vinifed in stainless steel to enhance the vibrant Monterey County “cool-climate” fruit character.
Château de Lascaux 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) $17.99
This red absolutely sings of southern France. The nose is redolent of violets, dried herbs, cassis and raspberries. The palate is smooth and enticing, with black cherry, currant and raspberry fruit flavors accented by hints of violets, earth, herbs and spice. It ends with a bright, persistent finish.
Gallo Signature Series 2011 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) $29.99
This Pinot Noir is sourced from the historic Olson Ranch Vineyard, high on the inland slopes of Monterey’s Coastal Range. On the nose, aromas of lavender and dark cherries are framed with spicy accents of toasted oak. Rich flavors of boysenberry, pomegranate, cherry, cassis and vanilla meld on a silky mouthfeel, holding on through a lasting 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