09/27/2016 Newsletter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
The Wine Cellar Newsletter is a bit late this week – I just returned last night from a trip to Napa Valley at the height of the harvest. Needless to say, it was an opportunity to sample some truly memorable wines, most of which you can only find “at the source”, very small production wines that rarely if ever find their way into widespread national distribution and thus onto retail store shelves. Here at the Old Town Wine Cellar we strive to provide our customers with a diverse selection of really good wines from all over the world, and I immodestly think we do a pretty good job of it. But I have to admit that at trip to a premium wine producing region such as Napa Valley allows you to really expand your horizon regarding just how great wines can be – a far cry from anything you can experience in any retail outlet. So the next time you have a chance to go to wine country, don’t let it pass you by!
THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:
Bongiovanni 2015 Langhe Arneis (Piedmont, Italy) $17.99
Arneis, native to Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, was rescued from near extinction in the latter part of the previous century, and it has since become a particular favorite of lovers of Italian white wines. It makes a nicely dry and full-bodied wine with a distinctive ripe pear character, finely etched minerality and a richly floral finish.
Mazzei 2013 Poggio Badiola (Tuscany, Italy) $14.99
The Mazzei family’s Poggio Badiola is an entirely estate-grown blend of Sangiovese (70%) and Merlot (30%) produced in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region. The wine combines the classic red cherry and dried herb character of Sangiovese with Merlot’s structure and fruit-filled richness.
Ferreirinha 2013 Papa Figos (Douro Valley, Portugal) $15.99
This delicious blend of native Portuguese varietals shows hallmark Douro Valley aromas of black fruits, licorice and spices. In the mouth, fresh bright flavors of plums and berries are balanced by lively acidity.
Château du Caillau 2013 Malbec (Cahors, France) $17.99
Cahors in southwest France has been known since the Middle Ages for its ultra-dark, high-tannin Malbec – the “Black Wine of Cahors.” Philippe Bernede’s family has produced Malbec at Château du Caillau for six generations, but he now crafts his wines in a more modern style that mixes rich blackberry and cassis fruit with a solid tannic structure and subtle smoky nuances.
Elderton 2014 Shiraz-Cabernet (Barossa Valley, Australia) $17.99
This 76% Shiraz / 24% Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley blend offers a spicy nose of cloves, vanilla and cinnamon with a baked blueberry core. On the palate, juicy plum, dark cherry, cassis and vanilla flavors are nicely framed with velvety tannins before a lengthy finish.
J Lohr 2013 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) $29.99
J Lohr’s Hilltop Cabernet is always among Paso’s finest. Varietal fruit aromas of ripe black plums and violets are enhanced by a French oak barrel character of vanilla and dark chocolate. A dense, but very supple palate is followed by an intensely rich, fruit-filled finish.
NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:
Penfolds 2013 Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz (South Australia) $32.99
This multi-region Shiraz was one of the first “Bin Number” wines produced by Penfolds, way back in 1959. The 2013 vintage was sourced from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Langhorne Creek. It offers thick and velvety flavors of blackberry and plum that are ripe and rich, showing notes of black tea, mineral and herbs on a juicy finish.
Château du Caillau 2013 Malbec (Cahors, France) $17.99
Cahors in southwest France has been known since the Middle Ages for its ultra-dark, high-tannin Malbec – the “Black Wine of Cahors.” Philippe Bernede’s family has produced Malbec at Château du Caillau for six generations, but he now crafts his wines in a more modern style that mixes rich blackberry and cassis fruit with a solid tannic structure and subtle smoky nuances.
Josh Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $14.99
This Cabernet shows expressive aromas of spicy black cherry and ripe blackberry, with light hints of cedar and mocha. Mouth-filling flavors of juicy black and red fruits are laced with accents of herbs and spices, all through a rich, lingering finish.
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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