06/25/2013 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

It’s getting seriously hot lately – just in time for this year’s Territorial River Regatta.  The Caballeros de Yuma are hosting their annual community “float-down” on the Colorado River through the heart of the historic Yuma Crossing here in Old Town this Saturday, June 29^th beginning at 8:00 AM.  It kicks off at the confluence of the Gila & Colorado Rivers a few miles upstream from the Crossing and includes just about anything that floats, from basic tubes to decorated floats up to 8×8 feet in size.  Prizes are awarded for floats in categories including best nonprofit, best business and best overall.  Floaters will come ashore at the West Wetlands Park; the float usually takes about three hours but “official” regatta services end at 3:00 PM, whether you’re ashore or not.

 

Rules & Regs:  All participants have to register ($5 fee), sign a release and wear numbered wristbands.  Floaters under 18 years of age must have a parent’s signature on their registration form, and those under 15 have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Check out the Caballeros’ website (www.caballeros.org/river­_regatta.htm) for more details, entry forms and a map.  The heat’s really on this weekend – it’s a great time to get wet!

 

THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try them all, or $10.00 for a full glass:

 

J Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris (California)    $14.99
J Pinot Gris opens with tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, mango and guava, mixed with notes of honeysuckle, pear and Fuji apples.  On the palate, flavors echo the nose, full of bright and juicy tangerine, peach and apple flavors that carry on to a crisp, tangy finish.

 

Babich 2010 Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand)    $16.99
Ripe dark fruit and herbal notes intertwine with vanilla accents and hints of spice on the nose.  This Pinot seems slightly sweet at the first sip, with a fruit-driven character that extends the length of the palate.  But the bright cherry and raspberry fruit reveals a savory complexity on the finish.

 

Raymond 2011 Lot N^o. 7 Field Blend (California)   $14.99
Raymond’s Lot 7 Field Blend elegantly combines five core varietals:  Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.  The nose offers alluring aromas of raspberries, cherries and blackberries.  The palate follows with flavors of black currants, fresh-picked blueberries and a nice kick of white pepper.

 

Alamos 2009 Seleccion Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)    $18.99
The 2009 Seleccion Malbec shows an opaque dark violet hue.  The nose is full of ripe blueberry fruit, with notes of violets and sweet spices.  The mouthfeel is full and rich, loaded with ripe blackberry and cherry fruit layered with hints of wildflowers, spicy black pepper and anise.  The finish is supple and silky, with balanced acidity.

 

Truchard 2009 Merlot (Carneros/Napa Valley)    $24.99
Truchard’s Carneros estate consists of 380 acres of gently rolling hills, with a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone and limestone. This unique combination of terroir, geology and marine-moderated temperatures makes this an ideal location for fine wine-growing.  This Merlot offers bright aromas and flavors of blueberry, plum and black cherry, with pleasant spice accents.

 

Four Vines 2008 Bailey Vineyard Syrah (Amador County)    $27.99
Sitting at a height of 3,000 feet in the Sierra Foothills, Bailey Vineyard experiences cool nights that create beautifully complex fruit.  This wine begins with an enticing blackberry and red currant bouquet, and a note of vanilla. The palate has vivid juicy plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit, with floral accents and a hint of espresso coming in on the finish.
NEW ARRIVALS:

 

Laetitia 2008 Brut Rosé (Arroyo Grande Valley)    $29.99
The Laetitia 2008 Brut Rosé is a blend of 76% Chardonnay and 24% Pinot Noir; only 802 cases were produced.  A classic salmon-pink in color, it offers a delicious mix of raspberry and strawberry fruit laced with tangy citrus accents.  It’s perfect as an apéritif to start a holiday feast, yet it’s rich enough to match well with grilled fish or white meat dishes.

 

David Girard 2011 Roussanne (El Dorado County)    $19.99
This El Dorado version of the classic Rhone Valley varietal is a rich, aromatic and mouth-filling wine. The nose offers an exotic mix of apple, honeydew and pineapple aromas.  On the palate, a fruit-basket of juicy peach, pear and nectarine flavors are supported by crisp, refreshing acidity.  The clean, elegant finish offers a fine interplay of citrus, minerals and spice.

 

Paringa 2011 Shiraz (South Australia)    $9.99
The 2011 Paringa Shiraz offers aromas of blackberries and black currants edged with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.  The palate conveys the dark berry fruits of the nose, with a delicate sweetness and soft, silky tannins. Accents of cedar and spice emerge on an elegant and velvety finish.

 

Frog’s Leap 2010 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)    $28.99
This wine is a classic “field blend” that offers the vitality of Zinfandel and the depth of Petite Sirah. Hints of cinnamon and clove swirl in the rich scents of red cherry and wild berry. Lush layers of cherry and raspberry delight the palate, while subtle tones of earth and cedar mingle with the abundantly ripe fruit.

 

Cheers!

 

Mike Shelhamer
Od Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona  85364
928-373-0405

 

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

 

http://www.yumawine.com