02/10/2020 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

This winter season’s installment of the popular Dinner Theater series at the Yuma Art Center (254 S. Main St.) will feature the play “Epic Proportions” in the Art Center galleries, beginning this Wednesday, February 12^th and continuing each evening through Sunday the 16^th. Written by Larry Coen & David Crane, “Epic Proportions” tells the 1930s-era story of brothers Benny and Phil, who go to the Arizona desert to work as extras in the Biblical epic film Exeunt Omnes, directed by the mysteriously reclusive D.W. DeWitt. Starting as mere extras, the brothers quickly move up in the cast and both fall for Louise, assistant director in charge of extras. Along the way a cast of thousands – played by a handful of other actors in multiple roles – endures Ten Plagues, gladiator battles, crowded bathrooms and a despondent director.

 

“Epic Proportions” is directed by Ann Wilkinson. Wilkinson also directed the 2019 and 2018 sold-out Art Center Dinner Theater productions of “Almost, Maine,” and “The Game’s Afoot.” The all-local cast features talented up-and-coming actors as well as longtime community theater regulars. Doors open at 5 PM with dinner served at 6 PM and the paly starting at 7PM, with a dessert served between the first and second acts. Tickets are $35, available for purchase at the Yuma Art Center (373-5202), Yuma Civic Center, Yuma Parks & Rec office at City Hall or online at www.yumashowtickets.com. Admission includes dinner, salad and dessert, with adult beverages available for purchase. Speaking from personal experience, it’s a wonderful way to spend an evening. Don’t miss it!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:

 

Liquid Light 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley)   $14.99 This wine is all about balancing the lively acidity and showing off the vibrant fruit of Washington State Sauvignon Blanc. The aroma and the palate are both redolent of pineapple, lime zest and pink grapefruit. The wine’s light texture reveals hints of honeydew melon, with a nice touch of minerality.

 

Diora 2018 La Petite Grace Pinot Noir (Monterey County)   $17.99 A deep, intense garnet in the glass, aromas of black cherry, brown sugar and mocha set the stage for a robust palate of concentrated fruit flavors, with a textured mouthfeel anchored by Pinot Noir’s signature balanced acidity. The lingering finish instills a lasting impression of rich black fruit flavors, vanilla bean accents and a pleasant touch of toasted oak.

 

Tenuta La Badiola 2017 642° (Tuscany, Italy)   $15.99 642° is produced on the Tenuta La Badiola estate, at the 42^nd degree of latitude in Tuscany’s Maremma province. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sangiovese and Grenache, it’s a rich, complex and surprisingly elegant red that combines the best of Tuscan tradition with a fine interpretation of European varietals.

 

Ancient Peaks 2017 Zinfandel (Paso Robles)   $17.99 Sourced from the Santa Margarita Ranch Vineyard, this Paso Zin offers enticing aromas of raspberries and white pepper. The palate is chewy and fruit-packed, with flavors of blackberry jam and dark cherry plus complex hints of vanilla, caramel and cola. Spice notes mingle on a rich finish.

 

Chronic Cellars 2017 Sofa King Bueno (Paso Robles)   $22.99 Sofa King Bueno is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Tannat and Mourvèdre. On the nose, a medley of black fruit aromas swirls along with a hint of cinnamon spice. The palate is full and rich, leading off with a blast of ripe black plum and currant fruit enlivened with accents of toast and caramel.

 

Seven Hills 2014 Red Blend (Walla Walla Valley)   $34.99 Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant player in this silky, rich Bordeaux-styled blend. It’s dense and concentrated, with abundant red and black fruit carried on velvet-like tannins. There’s depth and elegance in its seamless expression of black cherry, cassis, currant, mulberry and fresh herb flavors. The finish is balanced and vibrant, holding beautifully.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Les Cadrans De Lassègue 2015 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (Bordeaux, France)   $24.99 The 2015 vintage of Les Cadrans de Lassègue offers a bouquet that brims with pomegranates, fresh rose petals and lilacs. Savory, balanced dark fruit flavors meld with a complex structure and vibrant acidity. The silky texture and finely integrated tannins make this a red that can be enjoyed immediately, or cellared for up to a decade.

 

DeLille Cellars 2018 Chaleur Blanc Columbia Valley   $27.99 This is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, created in the tradition of the famous white wines of Bordeaux. The wine was fermented 100% ‘sur lie’ in French oak barrels to achieve its superb combination of creamy elegance along with rich layers of spice and fruit.

 

Marchesi di Barolo 2017 Barbera del Monferatto Maraia (Piedmont, Italy)   $14.99 Welcome to your new “go-to” red, courtesy of Marchesi di Barolo. Ripe, succulent red fruits, floral tones and spices mingle with a touch of sun-warmed earth in this very well balanced Barbera. It’s fresh, juicy and just lightly tannic, a fine table red for any meal.

 

Bera 2018 Brachetto d’Acqui (Piedmont, Italy)   $17.99 Brachetto d’Acqui is a lightly sparkling and delicately sweet red traditional to Italy’s Piedmont region, a perfect match with berry or chocolate based desserts. Bera Brachetto is a vibrant ruby in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose has an alluring perfume of freshly crushed berries that echoes on the palate, in a wonderfully sweet and zesty package – perfect for Valentine’s Day!

 

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