07/02/2017 Newsletter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
Quick note: The Old Town Wine Cellar will be closed for the Independence Day Holiday on Tuesday, the Fourth of July. Then later this week, our post-July 4th summer here in Historic Downtown Yuma kicks off with another performance by the Yuma Jazz Company Quintet Friday evening, July 7th right down the street at Lutes’ Casino, being the fourth concert of their 2017 Lutes’ Summer Jazz Series. They’ll play from 7 to 9 PM (with no cover charge), presented by Lutes’ and sponsored by Yuma’s Public Radio Station KAWC. So come on downtown this week and celebrate summer in Yuma!
THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:
Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Pinot Gris (Columbia Valley) $14.99
This Washington State Pinot Gris gives a first impression of restrained pineapple, peach, apricot, and light floral aromas on top of a clean flinty note. The palate offers bright flavors of stone fruits and citrus, with a finely etched minerality that frames a crisp and refreshing finish.
Coeur Clémentine 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Provence, France) $14.99
This dry rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Tibouren (a Provençal rarity) and a splash of Mourvedre. It pours a clear, light salmon-pink color with tantalizing raspberry fruit and woody herb aromas, edged by a racy quality that cuts a swathe though its fine, silky texture. A crisply refreshing wine, it finishes with tangy white pepper and floral notes.
Tilia 2013 Bonarda (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99
The Bonarda varietal is known as Charbono in California. The grape originated in France but is now virtually extinct there. Aromas of ripe dark fruits and hints of violet and anise give way to a juicy mouthful of black cherry and plum, edged with a dash of black pepper.
Skyfall Vineyard 2013 Merlot (Columbia Valley) $15.99
The Skyfall Vineyard Merlot is a savory red with a complex bouquet of ripe dark cherry, pomegranate and plum scents, followed by intricately woven flavors of raspberries and black plums. Smooth, supple tannins carry all that generous fruit to a long, silky finish.
Trivento 2014 Golden Reserve Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) $22.99
Trivento’s Golden Reserve offers rich aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black olives, violets and fennel. The palate is smooth and plush, with vivid layers of cherry, fig and raspberry fruit followed by cocoa, cedar and licorice notes on a muscular finish.
Marqués de Vargas 2010 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain) $25.99
On the nose, this Reserva offers exotic aromas of vanilla, clove and cinnamon. A smooth, silky palate shows abundant dark cherry and black plum fruit flavors, with exotic hints of fresh earth, tobacco and Indian spice that carry to the finish.
NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:
Domaine Drouhin 2014 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) $44.99
The Burgundian touch of Veronique Drouhin has created a wine of superb elegance and immaculate structure. This is the antithesis of a ripe California Pinot, yet it offers plenty of New World vibrance, depth and style, as opposed to the suppressed rusticity of most French Burgundy. Delicate dark cherry and juicy black plum fruit is sculpted into a wine with subtle notes of cedar, earth and spice.
Robert Oatley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia) $14.99
This Aussie Cabernet offers scents of fresh cherry, blackcurrant and pipe tobacco, plus a smoky nuance coming with aeration. On the palate, rich dark fruit flavors are edged by juicy acidity and a hint of pepper spice.
Salviano 2015 Orvieto Classico (Umbria, Italy) $11.99
A slightly modernized version of the classic Umbrian white, this has the native Trebbiano and Grechetto grapes bolstered by small additions of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The result is a fresh and satisfying white with more depth and complexity than most Orvietos can deliver; a great choice as an aperitif or dinner wine.
Warre’s Warrior Port (Douro Valley, Portugal) $17.99
This is like an entire fruit stand of berries, baked up in an aromatic pie crust, loaded with mild spice and accompanied by dark chocolate, a bowl of cherries and a strong cup of espresso. A rich and delicious Port, it confirms Warre’s reputation as one of Portugal’s premier Port houses.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405
http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar
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