11/02/2020 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

Some time back, I used my Newsletter let everyone know about a $120 billion stabilization grant program that had been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in June, known as the RESTAURANTS Act. To give a quick recap, it’s a program that’s focused specifically on independently owned restaurants that have been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Even previous Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding recipients would be eligible. The primary focus of the program would be to provide a financial lifeline to smaller local restaurants with annual revenues of $1.5 million or less, particularly those that are women-, veteran-, or minority-owned and operated.

Last month the RESTAURANTS Act did pass the House as a part of a larger financial aid package, but unfortunately no action has been taken by the U.S. Senate. However, nearly 50% of Senators has come out in support of the RESTAURANTS Act. As I fervently stated in that previous Newsletter, I think this program is still urgently needed, particularly as COVID-19 is not abating, and indeed seems to be accelerating across much of the country and the world. I will keep an eye on the status of the Act, and will give everyone a post-election updates if there is any good news about the Act progressing into law.So keep your fingers crossed!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Love Block 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) $19.99

Crafted by celebrated Kiwi vintner Kim Crawford, the Love Block is juicy and refreshing, a ‘textbook’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It has an intense bouquet of citrus fruit and freshly picked herbs. Crisp and dry on the palate, this delivers pure, deliciously tangy flavors of passion fruit, grapefruit and lime.

Match Book 2017 Old Head Chardonnay (Dunnigan Hills) $15.99

Match Book’s 2017 Estate Chardonnay opens with aromas of honey and floral perfume, accented with a beautiful combination of vanilla and crème brûlée tones. Flavors of ripe orchard fruits, peach-pit and honeydew melon mingle with accents of tropical fruits and butterscotch, coming to a crisp and refreshing finish.

Quinta de la Rosa 2016 Douro Tinto (Douro Valley, Portugal) $17.99

This Douro red is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca and 30% Tinta Roriz, aged for one year in a mix of new and used French oak. It has a vivid dark fruit character, well supported by a firm tannic frame. Solid black fruit flavors are laced with intense acidity that keeps the wine bright and crisp through the finish.

Argiano 2017 Non Confunditur (Tuscany, Italy) $19.99

‘NC’ is a Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. It melds the softness of Merlot with the earthiness of Sangiovese and the rich cassis flavors of Cabernet. The result is a complex yet satisfying red with bright aromas of currant and plum, and generous fruit flavors.

Heitz Cellars 2015 Ink Grade Zinfandel (Napa Valley) $24.99

Heitz Cellars’ Ink Grade Vineyard Zinfandel is a classic expression of the varietal. Flavors of dark cherry, tart plum, raspberry and cassis are enhanced with accents of toasty vanilla from aging in French oak. True to the Heitz style, it’s crafted with finesse and restraint, showing both refreshing acidity and a silky texture that makes it a perfect match with food.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Caymus 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (Napa Valley) $189.99

The Caymus Special Selection is vinted from the outstanding barrels of the vintage. A rich and concentrated bouquet of wild berries and currant leads to flavors of black cherry, cassis and cacao enhanced by a measure of creamy toasted oak. A long, velvety finish completes this powerful Cabernet – truly a Napa classic.

Hartford Court 2018 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) $24.99

This Sonoma Chardonnay is wonderfully vibrant, offering a full-bodied mix of tangerine, lime, nectarine and pear flavors that are intense, complex, layered and cleansing. The wine has enough creamy oak to add a satisfying touch of richness, but the emphasis is on a focused and pure core of ripe orchard fruits.

Second Chance Brewing Disco Balloon Hazy IPA (San Diego) $4.99

The Disco Balloon is brewed with Idaho 7, Mosaic and Ekuanot hops. From the moment you pop one open, expect nothing short of juicy mouth-candy. Keep the party rolling along with this luscious, fresh and fluffy “hazy.”

 

Cheers!

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