Skip to content

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

The countdown to Christmas continues, building in intensity… I reminded everyone about wine as a great and easy Christmas gift last week, but I neglected to mention an even easier option: Old Town Wine Cellar Gift Certificates! Available in any amount you desire, these take the guesswork out of wine gift-giving; just let the recipient come in at their leisure and pick out something they’re sure to like (I will of course be happy to assist in helping them choose). And another option: Wine Gift Sets. We can put together any combination of wines (or beers) that you might want as a special gift for someone – maybe a nice red, white and a bubbly, perhaps a set of fine dessert wines, or a brace of unique craft brews; you name it. So keep these options in mind, but remember – only ten shopping days left!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Julian Hard Cider (Julian, California) $7.99

From nearby Julian, California, Julian Harvest Apple Hard Cider has just one ingredient… the freshest apples in the world. Lightly carbonated, it has a wonderful palate-tingling tartness, with refreshing acidity and a clean, dry finish.

Famiglia Pasqua 2018 Passimento Bianco (Veneto, Italy) $18.99

Produced in the Valpolicella region, this wine is made from Garganega grapes that are partially dried prior to fermentation, losing 20 to 30% of their weight. The result is a unique white with dried apricot and honey tones and a creamy rich mouthfeel, yet balanced by bright acidity.

Chemistry 2018 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) $19.99

Chemistry is a joint effort of two of Oregon’s premier wineries, Chehalem and Stoller Family Estate. The wine offers fresh aromas of dark berries and baking spices. It’s bright and silky on the palate, with alluring flavors of cranberries, red cherries and strawberries.

Penfolds Max’s 2018 Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia) $19.99

This deep magenta-hued blend of 64% Shiraz and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a nose of blackberry and powdered earth. White pepper graces its inky espresso structure, inching its way through bold notes of plum and beetroot. Violets chime in mid-palate, while a meaty grilled sensation is spiced to the “max” on the finish.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot (Horse Heaven Hills) $22.99

Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot consistently exhibits elegance, good concentration and fine tannins. Year 2015 – the warmest and earliest on record – added a layer of ripe and rich dark cherry fruit, with an opulent mouthfeel and superb structure.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Château Paul Mas 2017 Clos des Mures (Coteaux du Languedoc, France) $24.99

A deep violet in the glass, this has a fragrant nose of black currants and blackberries, with spice and floral accents chiming in. Ripe plum and blackberry fruit on the front-palate is uplifted by mineral and pepper-spice notes, with firm tannins and balancing acidity to support it. A spicy, warming quality emerges at the finish.

Flowers Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) $34.99

Vibrant aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossoms are followed with bright flavors of Meyer lemon, pear, lemon custard and wet stone. Subtle accents of sugar cookie and vanilla from oak barrel aging round out the rich mouthfeel, leading to a long, full finish.

Zinderella 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) $24.99

This classic Lodi Old Vine Zin opens with enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and raspberries plus exotic scents of mulling spices like clove and cinnamon. On the palate, rich and ripe dark fruit flavors are enlivened with a dash of dark chocolate.

Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptist Peanut Butter Cup (Colorado) $17.99

Epic found a winning combination last year with the Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout, aged in whiskey barrels mixed in with coffee, cacao and peanuts. Now they’ve taken Big Bad to the next level, with even more peanuts and more cacao. So pour a glass, kick back and you’ll be in liquid dessert heaven!

Cheers!

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

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Every Monday, we send an email newsletter with our weekly wine tastings list and new wine & beer arrivals - right in your inbox.

* indicates required