02/26/2019 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

This week brings us the premiere event on Yuma’s winter season calendar, name the Midnight at the Oasis classic car extravaganza.  Most events take place at the Ray Croc athletic complex and fields near the Yuma Civic Center, but this great event actually kicks off right here in Historic Downtown Yuma!  Show participants begin the festival at 4:30PM this Thursday, February 28^th, with a Fun Run that ends downtown on the Main Street Plaza, and the Rally on Main Street continues until 8:00PM.  Being a downtown denizen myself lo these many years, I’ve enjoyed the Main Street rally each year and I have to say it’s a great way to see and appreciate these fantastic restored classic cars in a really relaxing and enjoyable setting, before the festival really gets cranking on Friday & Saturday.  So try to make it downtown this Thursday and check it out!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:

 

Château Graville-Lacoste 2016 Graves Blanc (Bordeaux, France)    $19.99 Pure and lively, this Graves strikes a glorious balance of flavor and refreshment. A classic “White Bordeaux” blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, it offers aromas of peach, melon, fresh-cut grass and citrus peel.  On the palate it’s balanced and elegant, with a vibrant orchard fruit character.

 

Parducci 2016 Small Lot Pinot Noir (Mendocino County)    $12.99 Mouthfilling, ripe and generous, this Mendocino Pinot packs a lot of flavor into a big but soft frame.  Dark cherry and blueberry fruit plus a hint of chocolate provide plenty to appreciate, and easy tannins and soft acidity make this wine a definite “easy drinker.”

 

Fantini 2017 Terre di Chieti Sangioviese (Abruzzo, Italy)    $14.99 The grapes for Terre di Chieti come from the communes of Ortona and San Salvo, located on the Adriatic coast of Italy’s Abruzzo Province.  The wine is balanced and well-structured, with vibrant red fruit flavors, gripping tannins, fresh acidity and a satisfying finish.

 

Prats & Symington 2015 Prazo de Roriz (Douro Valley, Portugal)    $15.99 This deep, dark red Douro shows fine, gripping tannins and rich, juicy blueberry fruit flavors on the entry.  Black fruits, licorice and spices follow on the mid-palate, leading to a savory finish despite the ripeness of the fruit, and ending with a nice touch of creaminess.

 

Condado de Haza 2014 Crianza (Ribera del Duero, Spain)    $21.99 This Tempranillo opens with a rich nose of ripe raspberries and plums, with floral tones.  The palate is plush and expansive, with spiced cherry and cassis flavors and bitter chocolate notes.  Toasty vanilla and cracked pepper hints emerge, carrying this to a lengthy, gently tannic finish.

 

Morgan 2015 G17 Syrah (Santa Lucia Highlands)    $24.99 Morgan’s ‘G17’ is a blend of 90% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 5% Tempranillo.  Rich coffee cake, blackberry and cherry blossom aromas jump from the glass.  The wine is medium-bodied with silky tannins, offering a savory palate of spices, dried sage and ripe black cherry fruit.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Black Stallion 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)    $29.99 This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, red currant and cedar. The rich fruit is accented with a savory array of spice and floral tones like nutmeg, ginger, lavender, vanilla cream and espresso bean. Smooth and well-integrated tannins carry it to a lingering, elegant finish.

 

Hugel 2016 Gentil (Alsace, France)    $17.99 Hugel’s Gentil is a proprietary Alsatian blend that combines the spice of Gewurztraminer, the texture of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the ripe juiciness of Muscat and the rich character of the under-rated Sylvaner varietal.  It’s clean, nicely dry and deliciously crisp on the palate.

 

Wente 2014 Riva Ranch Pinot Noir (Monterey County)    $25.99 This single vineyard wine is a superb expression of Monterey County Pinot.  It shows beautiful aromas and flavors of black cherries, cranberries and crisp red apples plus accents of black tea, baking spice and fresh herbs.  The palate is elegant and balanced, with lively acidity and polished, supple tannins cradling a lingering finish.

 

Brouwerij Het Anker Carolus Tripel (Mechelen, Belgium)    $11.99 This pure golden brew is superbly flavorful, with a foamy head, full body and a singularly captivating essence.  Wafting from this rich amber nectar are aromas of fresh sliced peaches and citrus along with a savory dash of bitter hops.  A classic Belgian “top-fermented” Tripel.

 

Cheers!

 

Mike Shelhamer

Old Town Wine Cellar

265 S. Main Street, Suite E

Yuma, Arizona  85364

928-373-0405

 

http://www.yumawine.com