04/01/2014 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

It’s become increasingly common of late for folks to wander into the Wine Cellar in mid-week and inquire if we ever do wine tastings, to which I would automatically reply, “Yes, we do those on Thursday and Friday afternoons & evenings.”  On more than a few occasions the response has been, “Well, could we do one now?”  And my response is always, “Well, I don’t see why not!”  So in view of this, it seems to me that after all these years an official Wine Cellar policy change is in order.  From here on out, it’s not just a Thursday-Friday Wine Tasting at the Cellar, it’s a This Week’s Wine Tasting.  So if you happen to be downtown on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon or early evening and feel so inclined, feel free to stop into the Wine Cellar for a wine tasting or a by-the-glass pour.  And don’t hesitate to come back on Thursday or Friday for more!

 

THURSDAY & FRIDAY THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING – $10.00 for a taste of all six:

 

Terra d’Oro 2012 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)    $15.99
This Pinot Grigio is fresh and vibrant, with a fine mineral edge.  A fragrant nose of Bosc pear, peach and orange blossom, reminiscent of a fragrant citrus grove, leads into a flavorful palate of lush white peach and citrus zest flavors.

 

La Crema 2012 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County)    $22.99
This opens with fragrant scents of dark cherry, ripe strawberries, Indian spices and a subtle saline note.  In the mouth, forward flavors of black cherries, black raspberry, spice and vanilla-laced oak are nicely framed with gentle tannins.

 

Castello D’Albola 2009 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)    $17.99
This Classico begins with fresh black cherry aromas mixed in with hints of leather, earth, plums and violets.  The palate is medium in body, with supple tannins and brisk acidity.  Classic Chianti flavors of ripe black cherries and plums are accented by a hint of licorice.

 

Cline 2010 Syrah (Sonoma County)    $12.99
This Sonoma Syrah offers pleasant scents of plum, black cherry, dried herbs and a hint of mint.  The palate is rich and savory, with plenty of fully ripe black fruit flavors, backed by an intriguing cracked peppercorn note.  Touches of toasty oak and spice emerge on a fruit-filled finish.

 

Beaulieu Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)     $22.99
BV’s 2011 Napa Cab is loaded with lush wild berry and black-currant character, plus nuances of red plum and cedar.  Hints of vanilla and spicy oak elevate the bouquet and add complexity to the bright, beautifully balanced flavors.  Premium vineyards from distinctly different terroirs within Napa Valley create this wine’s symphony of flavors and velvety texture.

 

Clos de L’Oratoire 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone Valley, France)    $39.99
This classic southern Rhone Valley blend begins with black cherry and raspberry aromas enlivened with zesty mineral and floral accents plus a hint of baking spice.  On the palate, vibrant red berry flavors offer superb richness, balance and depth, gliding to an elegant finish.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Bischöfliche Weingüter 2011 Estate Riesling (Mosel Valley, Germany)    $15.99
This Mosel Riesling is lively in the mouth and just a bit tart, like a perfectly ripe Fuji apple. Fine acidity and a nicely restrained degree of sweetness make it a great partner with creamy pastas or salads, and it’s just about the perfect aperitif for any occasion.

 

Liberty School 2012 Pinot Noir (Central Coast)    $17.99
A deep garnet color in the glass, this offers aromas of flowers and strawberries.  The flavor profile is all about cherries, strawberries and spice.  Smooth, balanced tannins carry to a silky finish.  All in all, this displays far more finesse and restraint than usually seen in reasonably priced California Pinot Noirs.

 

Wolf Blass 2004 Gold Label Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia)    $24.99
The Gold Label opens with intense aromas of rich dark berries and plums, layered with underlying notes of fragrant spice and dark chocolate.  It’s rich and silky on the palate, with plenty of bright, fresh berry fruit, finely balanced tannins and well-integrated oak.

                                                      

Boulder Beer Company Killer Penguin (Boulder, Colorado)    $9.99
Diving in at 10% ABV, the Killer Penguin uses twice the malt as other winter beers, and is aged for over six months to perfect the condition and flavor of this “barley-wine” style ale.  Released just once a year, this beer doesn’t just ferment, it hibernates, and it wakes up with an attitude…

 

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