12-27-2011 Newsletter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
New Year’s Eve is is just a few days away, and as we all know some good bubbly is essential to ring in the new year properly. The Wine Cellar has plenty on hand, both the “real deal”, i.e. French Champagnes, as well as lots of great California sparklers, Italian Proseccos, Spanish Cavas and miscellaneous other fine sparkling wines. But there are some other sparkling
alternatives to consider for your New Year’s celebration: how about beer? We’re not talking Bud Light or Coors here; I’m referring to high-end, specialty American craft beers and Belgian and Dutch Trappist ales. The Wine Cellar now carries them, and we have some very nice examples on hand. I love good wine as much as anyone, but I also love really good beer,
and I’m very excited to tell everyone that we are now carrying a nice selection
of great American and Imported beers and ales. They’re a pleasure to drink any time, but New Year’s Eve would be a particularly good time to sample the joys of what I call “barley wine.” Check out the new arrivals for a sampling of
what the Cellar has to offer!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY WINE TASTING – $5.00 to try all six, or
$5.00 for a full glass:
Ferrari Carano 2010 Fumé Blanc (Sonoma County) $13.99
This Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant, lively and stylish, with a zesty mix of orange
rind, fig and grapefruit flavors, accented by subtle herb tones. Hints of lemon blossom make a pleasant backdrop to the bold, racy fruit. The finish is bright, clean and refreshing.
Ferrari Carano 2009 Chardonnay (Sonoma County) $19.99
This is an elegant Sonoma Chardonnay, with floral and fruit aromas of
pineapple, apricot, lemon meringue and apple complemented by notes of hazelnut and spice. It’s buttery and full on the palate, with juicy fruit and creamy vanilla tones accented by hints of spicy, toasty oak.
Montevina 2008 Barbera (Amador County) $9.99
Juicy and pleasantly ripe, with lush black cherry, vanilla and white pepper
aromas on the nose. The flavors of black currant, anise and blackberry are
accentuated by a touch of smoky pepper. This is a great quaff all by itself,
and a perfect match with pizza or tomato-based pastas.
Maggio Family Vineyards 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) $12.99
A robust, ultra-juicy Zinfandel, made with grapes sourced from Lodi’s signature 50 to 100 year-old vines. This is lush and jammy, with juicy blackberry, raspberry and mocha flavors, a supple mouthfeel and velvet-soft tannins that carry to a rich and long finish.
Oyster Bay 2009 Merlot (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) $15.99
The Oyster Bay combines the bright cherry-berry fruit that Merlots are known for with a fine, balanced tannic frame that makes it a great accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. This is Merlot that’s all about elegance and smoothness, a flavorful dry red that’s very easy to drink…
Viña MontGras 2009 Quatro Reserva (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $16.99
This four-grape Chilean blend is a deep ruby shading to purple, with lush
aromas of black currant and cherries and hints of vanilla and fresh-roasted
coffee. On the palate the wine is saturated, ripe and fleshy, offering flavors of blackberry, dark plum and coffee, ending with a touch of toast and baking spice.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY “PREMIUM POUR” ($10.00 a glass)
Luigi Righetti 2008 Amarone Classico “Capitel de’Roari” (Veneto, Italy) $34.99
Amarone is produced using the same varietals (mainly Corvina, along with some Rondinella and Molinara) as Valpolicella, the basic table red of the Veneto region. However, the grapes are air-dried for three months before pressing, a practice that dates back to the ancient Romans. The result is a wine with far more richness and flavor complexity than a standard Valpolicella.
NEW ARRIVALS:
Westmalle Tripel Trappist Ale (Belgium) $11.99
Westmalle Tripel is known as the “mother of all tripels”. This type of beer was first brewed in Westmalle abbey in 1934, and the current formula has remained unchanged for nearly 50 years. It’s soft and creamy in the mouth, with a fruity and lightly yeasty character and a nuanced tang of hops. It’s an exceptional beer, showing a true finesse and elegance.
Ommegang 3 Philosophers Quadrupel Ale (Cooperstown, New York) $10.99
Three Philosphers is a unique mix of dark, rich malty ale and authentic Belgian Kriek. This powerful marriage of cherry lambic, roasted malts and dark chocolate will only achieve more wisdom and coherence as it broods
in the dark recesses of your cellar. A delightful accompaniment to fine meals, richer cheeses and desserts, and for after-dinner sipping, as with a fine vintage port.
Affligem Dubbel Abbey Ale (Belgium) $10.99
Founded in 1074 by Benedictine monks, the Affligem is a genuine Belgian abbey beer. It’s made following the ancient rules; only all- natural ingredients are utilized: artesian well water and hops & malt from the Abbey’s own fields. A fine dosage of native yeast lets this superb beer mature and mellow in the bottle.
Stone Brewing Co. Cali-Belgique IPA (Escondido, California) $6.99
This brew from the famed Stone Brewery takes their classic IPA, and mixes it up by brewing it with Belgian yeasts instead of the more typical New World
strains. The result is a “hybrid” IPA with plenty of the sweet pale malt flavors and snappy hop character Stone is known for, but with a tangy spiciness from the Belgian yeast.
Estrella Damm Inedit Belgian-Style Witbier (Barcelona, Spain) $9.99
The Inedit is a unique coupage of barley malts and wheat flavored with
coriander, orange peel and licorice. The first beer specifically created to accompany a fine meal, it offers a fruity and floral bouquet. On the palate, it’s
creamy and fresh, with a lightly yeasty accent and a backdrop of sweet spices. A lightbut persistent degree of carbonation makes this both refreshing
and satisfying.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405
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