1/31/2022 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

I want to let everyone know about a great new event happening here in Historic Downtown Yuma that will take place over the course of the next four weeks – Thursday Jazz in the Park, presented by KAWC 88.9FM and KOFA 94.7FM in partnership with the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. The next four Thursdays, beginning this week, February 3rd and continuing on February 10th, 17th and 24th, the Colorado River State Historic Park at 201 N. 4th Avenue will play host to some great live jazz. The first concert features the Yuma Big Band. The YBB has been performing in the Yuma area for many years, specializing in the “Big Band” era sound and updating it by introducing new arrangements and tunes. The shows will be from 6 to 8PM (attendees are advised to bring their own seating, i.e. lawn chairs, blankets and such). Food and libations will be available for purchase on site, including from my good friend Mario at the Autentico Sapore Italiano Italian deli located within the Historical Park
– Mario says he will remain open until the end of the performances. Sure sounds like a fine way to spend an evening outdoors during our beautiful winter season!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Senda Verde 2020 Albariño (Rías Baixas, Spain) $17.99

This crisp, dry and wonderfully tangy native Spanish white offers delicate notes of citrus, dried flowers and herbs. Vividly pure white peach, pear, citrus and tropical fruit flavors mingle on the palate. A fresh, lively acidity carries it to a clean, mouthwatering finish.

Bodegas Muriel 2017 Rioja Crianza (Rioja, Spain) $14.99

This Crianza is deep ruby in color with a garnet edge. The bouquet is redolent of red cherry fruit with a hint of leather and spices. On the palate, black cherry and brambly ripe berry fruit flavors are uplifted by complex spice and oak tones.

Four Vines 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) $12.99

This bright ruby-colored Lodi Zin gives a light fragrance of sweet baking spices on the nose. The palate has a fine mix of fresh acidity, fine tannins and plenty of Zinny personality, with flavors of blackberries, damson plums, sweet mocha and spice.

Daou Vineyards 2019 Pessimist Red (Paso Robles) $19.99

Pessimist is primarily Petite Sirah, along with some Zinfandel and Syrah. It’s broad and expansive on the palate, with lush, generous flavors of ripe dark cherry, blueberry, crème de cassis and a hint of forest floor. Hints of lavender, anise and black olive complement the
rich fruit in this massive yet elegant red.

Ruffino 2017 Modus (Tuscany, Italy) $24.99

Ruffino’s Modus is a ‘Super Tuscan’ blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It has an abundantly ripe dark fruit character, showing superb balance and freshness, plus classic Tuscan warmth and spice. Flavors of black currants and berries, balsamic accents and toasted oak mingle nicely on the lingering finish.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Cherry Pie 2019 Pinot Noir, San Pablo Bay Block (Napa Valley) $44.99

The 2019 San Pablo Bay Block is racy, with flavors of tart cranberries, red cherries and a delicate perfume of rose petals. The palate is layered with rich dark fruits, offering an array pomegranate, crushed strawberry and Asian spice notes with a pleasant hint of vanilla at the finish.

Black Stallion 2019 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) $18.99

This is classic California Chardonnay, with a floral and fruity nose of pineapple, peach, lemon meringue and apple complemented by hints of hazelnut and spice. It’s buttery and plush in texture, offering luscious fruit enlivened by a nice dash of toasty vanilla.

Castello di Volpaia 2019 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) $26.99

The vineyards of Volpaia, between 1,000 and 1,750 feet above sea level, are the highest in the Chianti region. This Classico offers both elegance and complexity, starting with a rich bouquet of ripe red fruits and spice. A savory palate doles out flavors of ripe dark cherries, truffles and star anise, with polished tannins.

Croft 10 Year Aged Tawny Port (Douro Valley, Portugal) $29.99

The Croft Port house was established in 1588 and is the oldest firm still operating in Oporto. This 10 Year Tawny offers complex and spicy aromas of toasted walnuts and butterscotch with a backdrop of fine oak. The palate is smooth and rich, with flavors of dried figs and toffee.

Cheers!

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