12/7/2020 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

We’re a solid week into December now, and the reality is, Christmas is just around the corner! There’s no doubt that holiday get-togethers with friends and family will very likely be rather constrained this year due to the ongoing pandemic, but to the extent that you can enjoy some holiday gatherings, be sure not to forget the wine. As always, we have a lot of great wines to choose from, and remember that a nice bottle of wine always makes a perfect, quick and very easy gift choice. So please do your best to enjoy this holiday season, especially given the circumstances, and we’ll hope to see you in the Wine Cellar soon!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Bottega Vinaia 2019 Pinot Grigio (Trentino, Italy) $17.99

This begins with bright aromas of orchard fruits like apple and pear, along with floral tones and a hint of orange peel. The palate shows an intensity and persistence that’s rarely found in Pinot Grigio. It’s fresh, dry and flavorful, with a crisp, refreshing finish.

J. Lohr 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco) $12.99

This is fresh and fragrant, with bright, tangy ruby grapefruit, sweet lime, gooseberry and citrus blossom aromas on the nose. There’s plenty of depth and dimension to the flavors as well, with a fruit-filled palate of citrus and tropical fruits leading to a crisp, clean finish.

Hearst Ranch Winery 2017 Three Sisters Cuvée (Paso Robles) $17.99

Hibiscus and strawberry scents are an appealing invitation on the nose of this Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, and then peppery spice notes up the ante. It makes a perfect summertime red, served with a light chill to showcase its flavors of red cherries, sandalwood and tarragon.

Famiglia Pasqua 2016 Passimento Rosso (Veneto, Italy) $18.99

This Valpolicella wines is made with partially dried grapes to concentrate the flavors prior to fermentation. It contains some Merlot in addition to the indigenous Corvina and Croatina grapes to add smoothness. The result is a rich, succulent wine with flavors of cherry jam, plums and spice that are savory and dry.

Bernardus 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) $27.99

The Santa Lucia Highlands is recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir appellations in the world. This wine is a blend of grapes from specially selected SLH vineyards that express the bright berry flavors characteristic of cooler northern growing sites, combined with the plum and black cherry character typical of fruit sourced from the warmer southern locations.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Bodegas Faustino 2009 Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain) $39.99

This is a superb representation of what a top-level Rioja has that no other region or country can offer: a remarkable combination of fresh, bright fruit and toasty vanilla notes along with the classic “forest floor” dried herb and savory earth character of a fine, well-aged Tempranillo.

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.

Calmére 2018 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) $24.99

This opens with aromas of green apple, honeydew melon and orange blossom. The palate shows perfect synchrony of flavors, with a character of lemon curd and quince. The elegant finish emotes crème brûlée, with the perfect toasting derived from a light oak barrel aging.

Latitude 33 Brewing Blood Orange IPA (San Diego) $3.99

Latitude 33 Blood Orange IPA is juicy and refreshingly delicious. It truly redefines the category of the San Diego-style IPA. While infused with blood orange, this beer is not at all sweet. A citrusy and tropical bitterness provides perfect balance with a smooth, satisfying finish.

Cheers!

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