09/25/2012 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
This Saturday, Sept. 29^th, something new comes to Yuma:  The Toro Loco Challenge! According to the Yuma Visitors Bureau press release, it’s “a mud-filled, exciting, dog-and kid-friendly adventure obstacle course race with two challenging courses running along the banks of the Colorado River, along with free parking, free photos, free prizes and free places to watch friends and family members compete.”  In addition, spectators as well as race participants can enjoy Toro Town, a festival area that offers food, drinks, a beer garden, a mechanical bull, a dunk tank, face-painting, music and the best seats in the house for obstacle course viewing.  Yuma’s beautiful West Wetlands Park here in the Old Town area will be the site of Toro Town and the starting point for both of the race courses.  From there, participants
will zip-line, water slide and run along the Colorado River through their choice of two obstacle courses, a 5K as well as a 10K, both designed to challenge and delight.  Toro Town opens at 7:00 AM, in case you’re an early riser, and the first wave of racers takes off at 8:00 AM, with waves to follow every 30 minutes until 3:00 PM.

And it’s for a great cause: The national partner for the Toro Loco Challenge is the Petfinder Foundation, whose mission is to ensure that no adoptable pet is ever euthanized for lack of a good home.  The local partner is the Yuma Diabetes Coalition, working to reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals, families, employers, the health care system and others affected by diabetes in the Yuma community.  You can register at http://torolocochallenge.com
Our early fall weather is just about perfect for some outdoor fun, so come on down and get sweaty!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Hearst Ranch Winery 2010 Three Sisters Cuvée White (Paso Robles)   $19.99
The nose of this classy “Rhone” blend is all about mango, violet and peach.  The flavor profile is dominated with juicy pear, citrus and nectarine flavors that transition to a balanced, crisp acidity with lingering accents of orange zest.  A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier.

Gloria Ferrer 2008 Estate Pinot Noir (Carneros)   $17.99
Aromas of black cherry and tangy spice grace the nose of this elegant, medium-bodied Pinot.  It’s smooth as silk on the palate, loaded with black and red cherry fruit and a hint of raspberry jam.  A light earthy element adds interest and complexity.
Marchese de’ Frescobaldi 2010 Remolè (Tuscany, Italy)    $11.99
The Remolè opens with fragrant scents of red and black fruits, lifted by spicy impressions of black pepper and licorice. The entry is velvety and warm, and the components on the palate are well balanced, with a tasty vein of acidity. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hearst Ranch Winery 2009 Three Sisters Cuvée Red (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.

Wine Guerrilla 2009 Rebel Cru Red (Sonoma County)    $17.99
The Rebel Cru offers lush aromas of blackberries, spice and vanilla. The wine tastes of ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit with a velvety mouthfeel.  The finish is smooth and elegant, and lingers nicely.  A proprietary blend of
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
Ferrari Carano 2008 Trésor (Sonoma County)    $39.99
Trésor is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  With a full-bodied, richly-textured tannic frame, it exudes a concentrated palate of juicy black fruits, espresso, dark chocolate, cinnamon and toasted vanilla.  Silky and smooth, it’s delicious now and should drink well for many years to come.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Michael-David Vineyards 2009 Gluttony Zinfandel (Lodi)    $39.99
M-D’s Gluttony Zin was aged for 2½ years in new American oak, giving the wine a supple, smooth and creamy vanillin-oak quality.  The wine opens with aromas of sweet vanilla and ripe blueberries and raspberries.  It’s lush and juicy in the mouth, with a soft, velvety mouthfeel, overflowing with brambly wild berry fruit flavors that culminate on a long, spicy finish.
Etude 2011 Pinot Gris (Carneros)    $22.99
Etude 2011 Pinot Gris greets the nose with inviting aromas of ripe stone fruist and apple blossoms.  Bright flavors of white peaches, Honeycrisp apples and citrus follow, carried on an elegant mouthfeel.  The wine is highlighted by its crisp, fresh and bracing minerality.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2008 Estate Syrah (Alexander Valley)    $17.99
Aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and a slight floral note of violets are followed by traditional flavors of blackberry jam, black currant and spice accents like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Rogue Brewing Chipotle Ale (Newport, Oregon)    $7.99
The Chipotle Ale is based on Rogue’s Oregon Golden Ale, but delicately
spiced with smoked chipotle chile peppers.  It’s deep gold in color, with a tight head, and a rich malty-and-smoky aroma.  It drinks smooth, clean and crisp, with a subtle but distinctly peppery chipotle 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

http://www.yumawine.com