11/05/2013 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

As we head into the month of November, the Holidays, i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Eve, begin to draw closer.  And as folks start to get in the holiday mood, we usually see a lot more interest in sweet apéritif and dessert-style wines.  We rarely feature these wines on our weekly tastings, where the focus is pretty much exclusively on dry red and white table wines.  But there’s a great selection of sweet apéritif and dessert wines on hand here at the Wine Cellar, and this coming Saturday afternoon, November 9^th, we’ll pour a nice sampling of them for anyone who’s inclined.  We’ll go from noon until 6:00 PM closing; the tasting fee will be the usual $10.  So indulge your sweet tooth and come try some of the great dessert wines of the world this Saturday.  In the meantime, you can get your dry wine fix at the usual place and time…

 

THURSDAY & FRIDAY (DRY) WINE TASTING – $10.00 to try all six, or $10.00 for a glass:

 

Seghesio 2011 Arneis (Russian River Valley)    $21.99
Arneis is an ancient grape varietal, long grown only in northern Italy’s Piedmont region.  This rare California version is a fresh, crisp, and floral white with bright flavors of peach, apricot and citrus.  The dry finish is bracingly clean, with a hint of almonds and a tangy minerality.

 

Edna Valley Vineyard 2010 Estate Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County)    $19.99
Fragrant, floral and redolent of dark cherry fruit, this exhibits all the delicacy and allure of this captivating varietal. Hints of rose petal, caramel and forest floor weave through the jammy black fruit core. The palate is finely balanced and silky, framed by soft tannins.

 

Mi Terruño 2011 Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)    $12.99
This hand-harvested Malbec from the Lujan sub-region of Mendoza Province is dark and sultry, with savory aromas of herbs and fresh blackberries. The palate offers plenty of ripe, juicy dark fruit flavors on a firm tannic frame.

 

Edmeades 2011 Zinfandel (Mendocino County)    $14.99
This Mendocino Zin opens with deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, plum and spice.  Plum and dark cherry flavors and a subtle earthiness combine to give this full-bodied red a deliciously rich mouthfeel.

 

North Star 2008 Stella Maris (Columbia Valley)    $22.99
This is an elegant Cabernet-Merlot blend from Washington, offering subtle layers of blackberry, cherry and licorice aromas and flavors that come together harmoniously.  The tannins are solid but not overly firm.  It drinks beautifully now, but should develop for another decade.

 

Seghesio 2009 Sangiovese (Alexander Valley)    $26.99
This is 100% estate Sangiovese, sourced from Seghesio’s Home Ranch Vineyard and Rattlesnake Hill Vineyard in Alexander Valley.  It has classic varietal character, with rich red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry edged with accents of anise and old leather.  Vibrant acidity and firm tannins give this complexity and depth.

 

NEW ARRIVALS:

 

Fetzer 2011 Crimson Pinot Noir (California)    $9.99
Fetzer’s Crimson Pinot has delicious flavors of ripe black cherries and dark plums, with a pleasant touch of fresh-roasted coffee and a subtle hint of earth.  This is 100% Pinot Noir, with a soft and smooth mouthfeel plus excellent balance that makes it wonderfully drinkable.

 

Domaine Carneros 2009 Brut (Carneros)    $25.99
This is a beautifully focused, rich and refined California sparkler, with juicy apple and raspberry flavors that are creamy, yet still deliciously crisp and clean.  Lemon and lime flavors linger on the refreshing finish, along with a pleasant hint of yeasty bread dough.

 

Goose Island Matilda Belgian Style Pale Ale (Chicago, Illinois)    $9.99
Matilda pours a rich amber-brown in the glass, and presents a delightful ballet of citrus and floral aromas.  Prominent notes of malts and yeast impart a slightly bready quality.  It has an even, smooth taste profile without any blast of flavor that might create an unbalanced feel.  All in all, a great tasting and very satisfying beer.

 

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