08/21/2017 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

As we reach late August, summer is lingering as it always does hereabouts, but there are some refreshing refuges you can seek to get some respite from the heat – for instance, the Old Town Wine Cellar.  Short of a meat locker, the Cellar is about the coolest place in town you could find to hang out, and the real bonus is you can sample some very nice wines while you enjoy a break from the dog days of a Yuma summer.  So stop by the shop anytime Tuesday through Saturday and try all of the week’s wine selections, or just have a glass of whichever one strikes your fancy.  We hope to see you soon!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:

 

Vigneti del Vulture 2014 Pipoli Greco-Fiano (Basilicata, Italy)    $17.99 The vineyards (vigneti) del Vulture take their name from a nearby extinct volcano. This wine is a blend of 60% Greco and 40% Fiano grapes.  The nose exudes an intense bouquet of ripe tropical fruits with intriguing spice hints. The palate is fresh and lively, with zesty acidity.

 

Cambria 2014 Benchbreak Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)    $22.99 This Santa Maria Valley Pinot opens with earthy dark cherry aromas.  It’s polished and balanced on the palate, yet distinctly fruit-forward, with flavors of black cherries, red raspberries, black tea and anise along with an overlay of seasoned oak, gained from 8 months aging in French oak.

 

Casa Castillo 2012 Monastrell (Jumilla, Spain)    $11.99 The Mourvèdre grape of southern France is a key component of Rhone Valley reds, including the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Papes.  But the varietal originated in Spain where it’s known as Monastrell. This version from Jumilla in southern Spain is a great example.

 

Mastroberardino 2014 Mastro Aglianico (Campania, Italy)    $14.99 Sourced from grape vines growing in the fertile volcanic soils of Campania in the south of Italy, this Aglianico exudes rich aromas of Damson plums plus hints of flowers and leather.  It’s full-bodied and velvety in the mouth.  It makes a great introduction to this ancient, little-known Italian varietal.

 

Cameron Hughes 2013 Lot 484 Meritage (Napa Valley)    $18.99 The Cameron Hughes Lot 484 is balanced and elegant, with blackberry, red raspberry and cherry fruit and a pleasant hint of dark chocolate. It’s sleek, smooth and supple in the mouth, showing elements of spice and eucalyptus that enliven the lingering finish.

 

Rombauer 2015 California Zinfandel    $34.99 This 100% Zinfandel begins with deep, lush aromas of cherries, blackberries and plums, plus an enticing vanilla note.  In the mouth, it’s classic Zin: big, intense and mouth-filling, packed full of ripe wild berry fruit enlivened with spicy, peppery accents.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Truchard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)    $34.99 This Napa Cabernet opens with aromas of raspberry, dark cherry and cassis, with hints of cedar and vanilla.  The palate is layered with flavors of dark plums, red currants and berry jam.  Firm tannins frame a lengthy finish of spice and red fruit.

 

Finca Villacreces 2014 Pruno (Ribera del Duero, Spain)    $19.99 Located right beside the famed Vega Sicilia, Finca Villacreces has become known for powerful, age-worthy reds.  Pruno, the estate’s young-vine cuvee, is a blend of 90% Tempranillo with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Designed for early consumption, it’s an easy-drinking, fruity red.

 

Sterling Vineyards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa County)    $13.99 This Sauvignon Blanc is zesty, zippy and mouthwatering; vibrant with citrus, guava and passionfruit flavors laced with a nice mineral edge.  The ripe, juicy fruit flavors persist all through a lingering, expressive finish.

 

Mother Earth Brew Co. Cali–Creamin’ Ale (Vista, California)    $6.99 Mother Earth’s flagship brew is golden to pale in color, with low bitterness, medium body, and a white head. Their Cream Ale has redefined the category and helped to make a classic style cool again.  A touch of Madagascar Vanilla Bean gives it that cream soda kick.  It finishes dry, despite a subtle hint of sweetness from the vanilla.

 

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