7-19-11 News Letter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
The summer doldrums are well and truly upon us, what with our searing mid-July weather here in Yuma. And it’s not going to get much better anytime soon – but relief from the heat can be found. At the Wine Cellar, for instance. It’s a cool 70º in here all the time (the wines like it that way). So venture down to Old Town sometime soon and take advantage of the opportunity to cool off and enjoy a selection of great wines from all over the world. Like this Thursday or Friday, for instance…
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $5.00 to try all six, or $5.00 for a full glass:
14 Hands 2009 Hot to Trot White (Columbia Valley) $10.99
This vibrant Washington white offers aromas of fresh, crisp apple, with hints of floral and citrus.
On the palate, juicy flavors of peach, pear, apple and melon mingle on the way to a refreshing finish. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Roussanne grapes sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley regions.
Darcie Kent 2009 Grüner Veltliner, Rava Blackjack Vineyard (Monterey County) $14.99
Situated on a hillside high above the Salinas Valley, the Rava Blackjack Vineyard experiences cool coastal breezes and nightly fogs. Grapes grown here produce aromatic wines with bright flavors and great acidity. This rare California Grüner Veltliner shows the varietal’s typical mineral essence, but with a deliciously ripe and full fruitiness as well.
Cooralook 2009 Pinot Noir (Strathbogie Ranges, Australia) $15.99
This Aussie Pinot offers bright red and black fruit flavors with nuances of dark chocolate, vanilla and subtle floral accents. The palate is well structured, with fine-grained tannins and good balancing acidity. It’s a bright and refreshing wine, perfect for warmer weather.
Domaine de Nizas 2007 Le Mas Rouge (Vin de Pays, France) $12.99
The Le Mas (“little farm”) is an original blend of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This wine opens with an intense bouquet of red fruits, spice and toasted oak. On the palate, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot give this structure and depth, and Syrah contributes abundant fruit.
Cooralook 2008 Shiraz (Heathcote, Australia) $15.99
This wine offers classic Shiraz dark fruit flavors, plus hints of sweet cherries. 10 months of oak aging add accents of toasty spice and vanilla. It’s smooth and supple in texture, with the ripe fruit and spice notes playing off nicely against a slight earthiness.
Tinto Figuero 2008 Roble 4 meses en barrica (Ribera del Duero, Spain) $17.99
Figuero’s Roble “4 Months in Barrel” is an intense deep crimson. The nose is initially dominated by new oak, with aromas of fresh, ripe blackberries and raspberries emerging after a little time. The palate is well-balanced, with moderate yet firm tannins framing ripe wild berry flavors.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY “PREMIUM POUR” ($10.00 a glass)
Dutch Henry 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $39.99
Dutch Henry’s Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet is a big wine, with solid, gripping tannins. It opens with notes of plums and black cherries, plus a light touch of clove in the background. The palate offers dense dark cherry and currant flavors, and the finish is laced with light pepper and dried herb accents.
NEW ARRIVALS:
B. R. Cohn 2008 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast) $18.99
The 2008 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of grapes from B.R. Cohn’s Olive Hill Estate Vineyard, along with select North Coast vineyards. The combination achieves rich, deep flavors of plum, cassis and red cherry, with background notes of vanilla. Barrel aging in French oak contributes both depth and elegance.
Bodegas Carchelo 2009 Carchelo “C” (Jumilla, Spain) $14.99
A blend of 40% Monastrell, 40% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Carchelo “C” is aged for 3 months in new French oak before it’s released. The nose offers hints of cherry licorice and dark chocolate. Rich dark cherry and mint flavors pick up smoky and peppery accents on a lenghty, satisfying finish.
Markus Molitor 2009 Estate Riesling Haus Klosterberg (Mosel Valley, Germany) $15.99
The grapes for this Estate Riesling come from very steep vineyard sites on the Middle Mosel. The vines grow on finely-splintered slate soils and are all hand-harvested. This offers bright aromas of peach, pear and pink grapefruit. A palate of juicy green apple and tangy pear is enlivened with a crisp acidity and minerality.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405
http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar