05/08/2012 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

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

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