05/20/2019 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

Summer is almost upon us here in the Desert Southwest, even if it doesn’t quite seem like it with our surprisingly balmy weather of late. But this coming weekend brings the Memorial Day Holiday, pretty much the harbinger of summer just about everywhere. If you plan on staying around town, be sure to stop by the Wine Cellar soon to stock up on some great wine and import/craft beers for your upcoming holiday weekend get-togethers. And another sign of summer – this Friday, May 24^th the Lutes’ Summer Jazz Series kicks off right down the street at Lutes’ Casino (221 S. Main Street). As always, the live performance features the celebrated Yuma Jazz Company Quartet, joined this time by former Yuman, and now much in-demand jazz drummer and teacher in the Phoenix area, Robby Carrillo. The show goes from 7 – 9PM with no cover charge. Check out YJC’s website at yumajazz.com for more info, and have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING

 

Tramin 2016 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige, Italy)   $14.99 This crisp, refreshing Pinot Grigio owes its character to the cool, high-altitude vineyards of far northern Italy’s Alto Adige province. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it opens with exotic floral and citrus aromas that lead into a deliciously fresh mouthful of green apple and pear fruit.

 

Finca Las Moras 2017 Barrel Select Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)   $12.99 Finca Las Moras Barrel Select is a fresh and uncomplicated take on Argentina’s favorite red. It opens with jazzy notes of blackberries and plums, laced with light accents of smoke and spice. The palate is full-bodied and rich, delivering a juicy mouthful of dark fruit flavors.

 

Zenato 2016 Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy)   $14.99 Valpolicella is a traditional northern Italian blend of the native Corvina, Rodinella & Molinara varietals. The nose exudes rich aromas of almonds and violets. It’s smooth in texture, with a vibrant mix of black cherry and plum fruit edged with a touch of dark chocolate.

 

Boomtown 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley)   $16.99 Boomtown is a silky smooth Columbia Valley Cabernet that’s bursting with juicy, fruity appeal. A dusty violet in color, it has inviting aromas and flavors of blueberry, sweet pea blossom, black licorice and pencil shavings with a satiny texture and a long, warming finish.

 

Palacios Remondo 2015 La Montesa (Rioja, Spain)   $19.99 La Montesa is 92% Garnacha with 8% Tempranillo, vinted from grapes grown on the Palacios Remondo estate. It opens with scents of ripe red fruits plus light notes of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is smooth and silky, with flavors of dark plums and cherries plus a hint of licorice.

 

EnRoute 2017 Les Pommiers Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)   $49.99 From the family of Napa’s acclaimed Far Niente & Nickel & Nickel Wineries, Les Pommiers exudes rich cherry, currant and raspberry aromas with hints of tobacco leaf and spice. On the palate, layers of black and red fruits weave around finely integrated tannins. This lush, mouth-coating texture combined with balanced acidity creates superb complexity and persistence.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

 

Ridge 2017 East Block Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)   $32.99 A true Dry Creek Valley Zin, East Bench shows the characteristic cherry fruit and dusty spice that are the hallmarks of the appellation. Deep ruby in hue with mixed red fruit aromas on the nose, the palate’s layered with subtle vanilla and oak spice, dark cherry and raspberry. Fine-grained tannins and bright tart-cherry acidity are melded beautifully through the finish.

 

Famiglia Pasqua Prosecco (Veneto, Italy)   $17.99 This Prosecco is made from grapes grown in Treviso, where the popular Italian bubbly was first produced. Straw yellow in color with golden reflections, it has a fine, long-lasting perlage. Flavors of apple, peach and tropical fruits are nicely rich but balanced by fine acidity, with a savory, lingering finish.

 

Terlato & Chapoutier 2014 Shiraz-Viognier (Victoria, Australia)   $17.99 A Down Under collaboration by renowned French winemaker Michel Chapoutier and Napa Valley’s Anthony Terlato, this wine offers rich black plum, cherry and currant aromas plus dark chocolate and toasty accents. Ripe berry and pomegranate flavors are carried on a silky-smooth texture.

 

Schmaltz Brewing Co. Jewbelation 21 Strong Ale (New York City)   $14.99 Every year when Shmaltz Brewing’s anniversary rolls around, they release a new version of their iconic Jewbelation Ale. But this time they did something a bit more special. Using ten different malts and eleven hop varieties, they’ve truly redefined the American strong ale. This is packed to the brim with rich coffee, caramel and dark chocolate flavors, at a hefty 12.1% abv. Oy!

 

Cheers!

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

 

http://www.yumawine.com