11/06/2012 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
Interesting happenings lately in our beautiful Paseo here in Old Town:  my good friend Carla Reneé has sold her restaurant!  The new incarnation will be
known as the Pint House, and according to new owners Nathan and Amy, they’ll be ready to open for business this weekend on Saturday, November 10^th.  That’s no small feat, because over just the past few days they have essentially gutted the entire space and created a whole new look.  It will include some 45 tap handles for draft beers behind a beautiful new bar, with lots of craft and imported brews and a “gastro-pub” focus on great finger foods, sandwiches and pub specialties.  And of course plenty of good wines by the glass as well.  It looks and sounds like a fantastic addition to our Historic Downtown dining and entertainment scene – I’m thrilled to welcome them to the Paseo and I look forward to many years ahead with my new neighbor.  Be sure to come down soon and check them out!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or
$10.00 for a full glass:

Uppercut 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (North Coast)    $11.99
Uppercut Sauvignon Blanc opens with an alluring nose of sweet ruby grapefuit and nectarine edged with hints of fresh herbs.  The palate follows with bright, juicy flavors of citrus, lemons and pineapple, and the lush fruit edged by a refreshing tang of acidity.
Kenwood 2010 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)    $17.99
Russian River Valley soils combined with the nearby Pacific Ocean’s foggy influence makes ideal conditions for growing great Pinot Noir.  Aromas of raspberry and black cherry mingle with spicy hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.  The palate exhibits bright acidity, with a smooth texture and a lingering finish.
Castello Banfi 2009 Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy)    $22.99
Made from 100% Sangiovese, Rosso di Montalcino is known as “baby Brunello.”  It’s aged much less than its more prestigious sibling – 12 months in barrel followed by at least 6 months in the bottle before release.  It offers a dry, round, velvety palate profile and a generous body – characteristics very similar to those found in the great Brunellos.
Cooralook 2008 Shiraz (Heathcote, Australia)    $15.99
This wine offers classic Shiraz dark fruit flavors, plus hints of sweet cherries.  Ten months of oak aging add accents of spice and toasty vanilla.  It’s smooth and supple in texture, with the ripe fruit and spice notes playing off nicely against a slight earthiness.
Revelry Vintners 2009 The Reveler (Columbia Valley)    $19.99
Revelry’s Reveler utilizes some of the lesser-used traditional Bordeaux
blending varietals (Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec) as the primary grapes in the blend, with a new lineup in every vintage.  Cab Franc was the lead actor in 2009, with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot adding both richness and depth.
Luis Cañas 2004 Reserva de la Familia (Rioja, Spain)    $34.99
A superb representation of what top-level Rioja Reserva has that no other region or country can offer:  a remarkable combination of fresh, bright fruit and toasted vanilla notes, along with the classic “forest floor”, dry herb and earth character of well-aged Tempranillo.  A true Spanish masterpiece.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Beckmen Vineyards 2010 Estate Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley)     $29.99
The 2010 Beckmen Grenache is dark purple in hue, infused with strikingly pure raspberry aromas, tinged with sweet herbs. The attack is absolutely explosive – a huge mouthful of crushed red fruits, terrifically dense and lush yet superbly vibrant all the way to the finish.
Rosenblum Cellars 2011 Pinot Grigio (California)    $10.99
This “Rose‘N’Blum” Pinot Grigio is light and fragrant, offering a lovely
bouquet of lemon sorbet and fresh melon.  It’s clean and fresh on the palate, with a deliciously refreshing blend of sweet peach, pear and citrus fruit.
Bodegas M 2008 Tinto de Paso Tempranillo (Paso Robles)   $22.99
This Paso Robles Tempranillo offers scents of red cherries and blueberries.  A pleasant, smooth character on the palate is indicative of the wine’s balanced tannic frame.  Fresh black plum, cherry and dark fruit flavors are accented with notes of anise and vanilla.
Merryvale Antigua Muscat de Frontignan (Napa Valley)    $29.99
Merryvale makes the Antigua from Muscat de Frontignan grapes, and then fortifies the wine with a pot-still brandy crafted in the Napa Valley, much like a port.  It’s then aged for up to 11 years in French oak prior to release.  It has a silky, alluring texture, with flavors of orange peel, hazelnuts and toffee.  An excellent match with cheeses, fruit tortes, crème brulees and especially romance!
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