The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre

Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre - McLaren Vale

The Story Behind The Name

The name ‘Stump Jump’ pays homage to a significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. As well as clearing the land around McLaren Vale, it was adopted worldwide in the late 19th century because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled roots, saving valuable time and energy.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/wine/38/2011-The-Stump-Jump-Grenache-Shiraz-Mourv%C3%A8dre

2013 Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne

McLaren Vale, Viognier (55%) Marsanne (45%)

The Story Behind The Name

Many of McLaren Vale’s vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature was the Hermit Crab, a reclusive little crustacean that inhabits the cast-off shells of others. The Osborn family thought the name appropriate for this, McLaren Vale’s first ever blend of Viognier and Marsanne. “Hermit” is also an abbreviation for the French appellation of Hermitage, where the Marsanne grape variety dominates.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/wine/32/2013-The-Hermit-Crab-Viognier-Marsanne

2010 d'Arry's Original Shiraz Grenache

McLaren Vale Shiraz (50%) Grenache (50%)

The Story Behind The Name

This wine is named in honour of d’Arenberg principal, Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, who is universally known as d’Arry. A lifetime in wine has seen d’Arry recognised as a Winemakers Federation of Australia Patron and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the wine industry.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/sites/default/files/TastingNotes/2010%20d%27Arry%27s%20Original%20Shiraz%20Grenache.pdf

2012 The Custodian Grenache

100% McLaren Vale Grenache

The Story Behind The Name

During the vine pull scheme of the early 1980’s d’Arry Osborn refused to touch his old Grenache vineyards. When his son Chester started in the business as Chief Winemaker in 1984 he set about acquiring  more old vine Grenache grapes and vineyards at a time when it was considered un-fashionable. Today d’Arenberg is the keeper of nearly one third of McLaren Vale’s old bush vine Grenache and has earned the title of ‘Custodian’ of the variety. 

http://www.darenberg.com.au/wine/7/2012-The-Custodian-Grenache

2008 AND 2010 The Galvo Garage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot

McLaren Vale (85%) Adelaide Hills (15%) Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (16%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (10%)

The Story Behind The Name

Garagist’ is a French term used to describe producers in Bordeaux that make wine in their garage outside of the strict ‘Appellation Controlee’ system. d’Arenberg wines are all made in a small-batch processing, very hands-on way (or feet, as the reds are all foot-trod) as the garagists’ do. Our reds are all made in the old galvanized garage/shed/winery, hence ‘Galvo’.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/sites/default/files/TastingNotes/2008%20The%20Galvo%20Garage.pdf

2010 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier

100% McLaren Vale - Shiraz (92%), Viognier (8%)

The Story Behind The Name

The vineyards and bushland that surround the d’Arenberg winery are home to the native Australian bird, the Kookaburra, famous for its distinctive laughing call. Much to the amusement of the family, Chester Osborn’s daughters, Alicia and Ruby, named two wild Kookaburras who regularly visited their house the “Laughing Magpies”. The Magpie plumage is black with a stripe of white feathers and bears no resemblance to its famous cousin, but to this day the name has stuck. The Osborn’s thought the name was a good choice for McLaren Vale’s first ever Shiraz Viognier blend combining the (black) Shiraz and its white partner, Viognier.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/wine/15/2010-The-Laughing-Magpie-Shiraz-Viognier

Non Vintage DADD Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier

52% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Adelaide Hills

The Story Behind The Name

Since 1912, four generations of the Osborn family has tended the 19th century vineyards at their d'Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Joseph Osborn purchased the property and vineyard, Frank built the winery and d'Arry created the red stripe adorning each bottle. The current Chief winemaker, Chester Osborn draws inspiration from his Great Grand-Dad, his Grand-Dad and his Dad to make the winery's first sparkling white wine. Their contributions have been so significant he felt they each Dad deserved their own D in the title.

http://www.darenberg.com.au/wine/56/NV-DADD-Sparkling-Chardonnay-Pinot-Noir-Pinot-Meunier

Save The Dates!
Cheers Spring Wine Tasting Events and Sale
 

Cheers will host our annual spring wine tasting events and sale on March 19th and 26th! Check out the details below. We are currently working with our vendors, hand selecting the wine for this fun and informative event. We are focusing on new and exciting additions to Cheers' eclectic collection as well as old favorites, and "off the beaten track" selections that pair with spring. Our vendors will be on hand to discuss, and sample wine from around the world! As always we will be posting a preview of the event at right here at www.cheersmn.com.

If you are not yet signed up on Cheers' mailing list, be sure to do that here so we can let you know when the preview is up.

We appreciate your business and we look forward to seeing you at one OR BOTH Tasting events!

Best In Show White

This was a close race!

This crisp, lively white wine from northern Italy edged out its closest competitor by three votes. Thank you Aaron Barger from Rootstock Wines for this gem. Ca’ Lojera Laguna is a personal favorite of Cheers' very own Kristi and she was really happy to see it win best of show!

Best In Show Red

It wasn't even close.

Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon ran away with it, receiving 15 more votes than its closest competitor! None of us were very surprised; this has been a Cheers favorite for a long time. Thank you Bill Anderson from Paustis Wine Company for featuring our best of show red.

Best in Show White (s)

Hook and Ladder Gewürztraminer 

An elegant mix of lychee, peach and fig flavors pair up with a crisp structure that is the perfect foil to the slightest note of sweetness.

Centorri Moscato

Pale yellow with a slight frizzante.  Aromas of peaches and pears with a delicate sweetness on the palate.  Bright and fragrant with a honeycomb scented sweetness, this wine is lightly floral with a fine textured and gently creamy mousse from the delicate bubbles.  Great complexity and balance with flavors of apricot on the finish.  Makes a great addition to brunch!

Best in Show Red (s)

Smith & Hook Cabernet

Richly textured on the palate, this wine’s robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry flavors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves.

Black Ink Red Wine

Black Ink is a blend featuring flavors of juicy blackberry, smoky licorice, with a hint of spice.

Feudi de Romans Pinot Grigio

Handpicked estate fruit from one of the best regions in the world for this grape

Pacific Peak Dry Riesling

Truly dry Washington Riesling that kills with any spicy food.

Saurine Rose

Strawberry fruit, good acidity, and a dry finish. Southern French value.

Sori di Mori 

Unpacked Barbera from Piedmont that is all about purity of fruit.

Anarkos Red

Primitivo based blend with dark almost sweet tones. 

Shannon cab

Big bold Lake County Cab at a bargain. Organic and sustainable agriculture.

Au Contraire Chardonnay

 Pronounced lemon citrus core with tree fruits of pear and crisp apple lined with a floral note of jasmine.

Smith & Hook Cabernet

Richly textured on the palate, this wine’s robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry flavors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves.

Amado Sur Chardonnay

 Lush, sun ripened pear with notes of tropical fruits like pineapple, white peach and apricot.

Santa Rita Secret Reserve

This red blend has aromas of red fruits such as plums, cherries, and raspberries which are complemented by elegant and subtle notes of violets, vanilla, cloves and a touch of cocoa.

Banfi Chianti Superiore

An intense ruby red wine with fruit-forward aromas and floral notes.

Primaterra Pinot Grigio

A well balanced, crisp, fresh, very lively fruity wine showing hints of apples and fresh flowers on the palate and a very clean, medium lasting soft finish.

Ca Lojera Lugana

An unoaked full, melon,citrusy, off-dry wine balanced by an intriguing salinity and finish. Ca Lojera Lugana hails from Northern Italy and is one not miss.

Unoaked, stainless steel fermentation, 100% Trebbiano di Lugana/Verdicchio

Haut Rian Bordeaux Blanc

Haut Rian Blanc is a fantastic example of the style, with great aromatics of hay and fresh lemon zest. On the palette, a dry, zesty wonderfully balanced citrus acidity gives way to a pleasant, lingering mineral finish.

Unoaked, stainless steel fermentation, 65% Semillon 35% Sauvignon Blanc

Matello Lazarus Pinot Noir

An elegant, Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir. This wine has an herbacious and earthy aroma, with bright red fruit flavors of cherry and fresh raspberry.  A fantastic Pinot Noir that should drink well for years to come. Only 500 cases produced this Vintage.

L'agnostique Rouge

A fresh, fruit forward blend from Languedoc, this wine is a blend of two french varietals seldom combined, Gamay (of Beaujolais Fame) and Syrah. Silky and a hint spicy, this is a versatile crowd pleasing red.

Primaterra Sangiovese

True to variety with Sangiovese’s signtature cherry aromas, pronounced yet balanced acidity. The finish is clean and quite gentle with a lovely lingering note of spice.

Erath Pinot Noir. 

The "Oregon" Pinot Noir is the cornerstone of the Erath wine portfolio. A blend of different vineyard sites in Oregon, this wine is a fruit forward, ready-to-drink style of Pinot Noir designed to highlight the variety's best characteristics.

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Harvest Select

Offers beautiful crisp Washington Riesling character with rich flavors of ripe peaches. This wine is like a bowl of fruit in a glass! The fresh fruit and decadent character is balanced with crisp acidity to keep the wine in harmony. This is a perfect patio sipping wine or would be a great match with Thai food.

Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

90pts Wine Enthusiast.  “A classic Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, buzzing in margarita-ready lime, grapefruit pith and sweet jasmine, with a nuance of grassy underbrush. Creamy in vanilla-bean flavor on the midpalate, it finishes dry and crisp.”

Chateau St. Jean Bijou Chardonnay

The wine is driven by a core of forward fruit flavors; peach, pineapple and passion fruit hold center stage with nuances of French oak

Jacobs Creek Reserve Shiraz

Sandeman Founders Port

Intense ruby red color, brilliant and clean. Rich red fruit aromas with a touch of age create an elegant reflection of powerful flavors, the fruit and fire characteristic of young classic Porto balanced with the finesse of age.

Graziano Chenin Blanc 

Aromas show peaches and pear, a rich creamy feel on the palate, pairs with seafood and grilled chicken

 Elsa Torrontes

Complex nose of grapefruit, spice and orange blossom, in the mouth you get crisp, refreshing flavors similar to the aromas, a bright, lingering finish

Monte Volpe Primo Rosso

Cline “Sonoma Coast” Merlot

Dark rich fruity aromas, this wine has great balance and structure, flavors of black cherry and coffee, finishes with some herbal spiciness, match with grilled steak or teriyaki chicken

3 Rings Shiraz

La Vieille Ferme Rose

Pale pink in color, the nose shows rose petals and citrus fruit, flavors of bright strawberry with a hint of grapefruit, pairs with tomato salads and a great match with ham

A to Z Chardonnay Oregon  

Opens with bright fruit like kiwi and tangerine, pear and stone fruits then deepens to richer aromas of honey toast, rose and wet stones.  Palate is juicy and round with well-balanced freshness, minerality and structure. Zesty, crisp, and clean finish.

Hanna Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley  

Vibrant aromas of Guava, Rangpur lime and mineral aromas evolve into ripe Passion Fruit.  In the mouth it is juicy yet crisp, with grapefruit, stone fruit, and guava flavors, and a spicy ginger finish.

Astoria Prosecco Italy

Very fine and persistent bubbles with straw yellow and greenish reflections. The floral aromas, with generous amounts of pear and Golden Delicious apple accents, linger on the harmonious and creamy palate

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Italy

Guenoc Cabernet California

 Classic red and black cherry are surrounded by cushiony tannins.  Finishes with a whisper of vanilla oak.

Trapiche Broquel Malbec Argentina  

Intense purple red color with ruby hues.  Aromas of fresh red and black fruits, floral notes, earthy minerals, with an elegant touch of smoke.  Rich and spicy on the finish.

Wild Horse Cabernet

Aroma: Dark Cherry, vanilla and cocoa with hints of sage.

Taste:  Dark cherry, currants and chocolate.

Pair with: Beef ribs, steak, pasta with red sauce.

Dreaming Tree Chardonnay

Aroma: Crisp fresh citrus, honey and peach.

Taste:  Roasted pear, baked apple fruit with brown spices.

Pair with:  Cream sauce pasta, baked salmon, mushrooms.

Estancia Merlot

Aroma:  Dark fruit, blueberry pie, blackberry and mocha.

Taste:  Black fruit, Bing cherries, toasty vanilla.

Pair with:  Smoked salmon, poultry, goat cheese.

Jailbreak Malbec

Aroma:  Violet and raspberry with hints of nutmeg and cherry.

Taste:  Ripe blackberries and spice.

Pair with:  Beef, Pork, BBQ, pasta with red sauce.

Jailbreak Pinot Grigio

Aroma:  Citrus, pear and grapefruit.

Taste:  Melon, orange blossom and lemon.

Pair with:  Seafood, tuna, pork.

Ruffino Prosecco

Aroma:  Clean notes of citrus, pears and apples.

Taste:  Fine Bubbles caress the palate with flavors of apples and peaches.

Pair with:  Pizza, fish, white meat dishes.

Smith & Hook Cabernet

Richly textured on the palate, this wine’s robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry flavors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

Enjoy aromas and flavors of green apple and tropical fruits, balanced by subtle oak, cinnamon and vanilla from barrel aging.

Trivento Cab/Malbec Blend

Deep ruby red in color with powerful plum and red fruit aromas upfront which combine harmoniously with hints of vanilla from the oak aging.

Banfi Centine

 Intense ruby red in color, medium bodied with black cherry and plum flavors and hints of spice.

Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio

Fragrant and fresh with well-balanced flavors and a crisp and elegant finish.

Forefathers Sauvignon Blanc

Light, crisp and refreshing with lemon, peach, and grassy notes in the nose and ripe tropical flavors on the palate.

Markham Merlot, Napa Valley

Wonderful flavors of black cherry, plum, and cassis, balanced with a hint of oak.

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, California

Bursting with lemon and lime notes.  Tropical aromas of pineapple and guava.  Excellent minerality and balanced acidity. 

Chloe Red No 249, North Coast California

Created from tasting 249 wine lots to achieve just the right intensity of flavor.  Espresso, dark fruits and spice deliver a rich, balanced flavor.

Conquista Oak Cask Malbec, Argentina

Aromas of plum and dark cherry fruit.  Layers of cocoa and smoke.

Seaglass Riesling, Monterey County

Floral aromas, rich flavors of juicy peaches, with a hint of honeysuckle.  Lingering off-dry finish.

Joel Gott Chardonnay, Northern California

Unoaked, crisp, and flavorful.  Grapefruit nose, with an ultra clean finish.

Illahe Pinot Gris, Oregon

Aromas of preserved lemon and kefir lime open to a steely minerality and stone fruit under currents.  Succulent with streamlined acidity that seamlessly carries the flavor from the front of the palate to the back.  This wine has a verve and tension that creates a mouthwatering sensation begging for another sip.

One Last Kiss, California

Made in a full-bodied style with mouth watering balance, the wine is full of spicy cloves and blackberry fruit. This is a wine that will go well with a cigar on a summer evening. It will also go well with pastas or barbequed dishes.

Montevicor Cava, Spain

70% Chardonnay & 30% Macabeo, this wine hailing from Calatayud is a pale yellow color, crystalline with bright hues. Its froth is elegant and permanent.  In the nose, beautiful fruit aromas with leesy characters.  In the palate the carbonic from the second fermentation is perfectly integrated into the mouth, being soft and well balanced. This outstanding Cava is a great match for fish, shell fish and white meat.

Nightfall Pinot Noir, California

This lighter-bodied Lodi Pinot is very fragrant with discernible and appealing fruit including cherry and currants.

Gambellara Soave I Basalti, Italy

The color is a brilliant straw yellow with fresh fruit perfumes, especially apple and pear, and floral notes such as elder and bloom.  The taste is fresh and light, with a very interesting acidity.  There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil.

Modest Vodka, Wisconsin

Handmade, distilled from 100% corn in a copper still, each batch created the “heads” and the “tails" are removed, leaving the “heart” containing the highest levels of purity, which not only taste better, but helps you avoid impurity induced headaches. 

Piattelli Torrontes

With cool nights at 5500 feet elevation, this wine shows floral notes of lavender, honey suckle, and rose petals on the nose.    Completely dry, but soft and elegant on the finish.

Hook and Ladder Gewürztraminer 

An elegant mix of lychee, peach and fig flavors pair up with a crisp structure that is the perfect foil to the slightest note of sweetness.

Deloach California Pinot Noir

The California Pinot Noir is an elegant, well balanced wine offering mouth watering flavors of cherry and cranberry accented beautifully with just a touch of spice.

Lyeth, Fleur de Lyeth

A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals, this wine provides harmony and balance.   The wine coats the palate with rich flavors of blueberry and plum accented by subtle red fruit notes of strawberry and Bing cherry.

Hook and Ladder Cabernet

Aromas of cassis, black currant, leather and pipe tobacco leads into a mix of dark fruit flavors with prominent sweet herb, mint and mocha.

Tippy Cow Vanilla and Mint

The most interesting and unique creams created, from the makers of Rum Chata, using real cream from Wisconsin.

Black Ink Red Wine

Black Ink is an ode to fantasy through the arts, portraying elegance with an edge. In a celebration of decadence, juicy blackberry cobbler meets smoky licorice with a hint of spice. The capsule is marked with the allusive squid in a nod to the deep dark red hues within the bottle.

King Estate Pinot Gris

Our Pinot Gris style emphasizes fruit forward aromas boasting citrus and tropical fruits, without excess residual sugar levels. This wine is designed to drink exceptionally well both on its own and when paired with food.

King Estate Pinot Noir

Rich ruby color.  On the nose, aromas of black cherry, beet root, cinnamon, cigar box, caramel, oak, leather, plum, strawberry, and forest floor. On the palate, flavors of tobacco leaf, black pepper, plum, toasted oak, clove, cinnamon, leather, mushroom, and strawberry.   A complex, elegant, and balanced wine with round tannins and mellow acidity.

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot

Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling Merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish.  Drink this satisfying Merlot over the next two to four years.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages

Fresh red fruits on the nose with a hint of dark cherry.  Slightly spicy with a touch of grey pepper, licorice, and a touch of rose flower. The whole wine is very well balanced with a nice acidity and the tannins presence on the finish invites food pairings such as grilled red meat, white fish, cheese or simply as the sole wine of a meal.

Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc

A classic summertime sipper, our wonderfully crisp and refreshing Dry Chenin Blanc perfectly represents our love for this classic grape variety. In the glass, fragrant aromatics such as white peach, melon and citrus are immediately appealing. This vintage displays the classic Loire character of earth and crushed minerals that give the wine depth and nuance. There is an underlying chalky quality with some spicy undertones that really make this wine shine.