12/07/15 Newsletter
Greetings from the Wine Cellar:
Historic Downtown Yuma’s Christmas season officially gets underway this weekend with the 13th annual Dorothy Young Memorial Electric Light Parade from 6 PM to 9 PM Saturday, December 12th. As in past years, the parade begins on 3rd Ave. around 10th St. and turns down Orange Ave. to Giss Parkway, ending on the Main Street Plaza. There are lots of decorated and illuminated floats, marching bands and naturally Santa on his sleigh at the finish. The party continues on the Plaza after the parade finishes, with plenty of activities and entertainment. Things will be a bit crazy down here by Saturday evening with respect to finding a place to park, so I would suggest arriving earlier in the afternoon. As an incentive, the Old Town Wine Cellar will present another of our celebrated Saturday Afternoon Beer Tastings that same day from noon until closing at 6 PM. Come on down, sample some great brews and then settle in to enjoy the Light Parade here in our great Downtown area. Sounds like a fine way to usher in the holidays!
THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING (Tuesday through Friday):
The Seeker 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) $14.99
This Kiwi quaffer has aromas of zesty citrus and passion fruit, with a hint of fresh herbs. A vibrant palate offers a core of tangy fruit leading to a juicy finish. It’s ideally suited for shellfish, salads, citrus-sauced dishes, ocean voyages and lounging on a sunny afternoon.
Soléna 2011 Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) $21.99
Soléna’s Grande Cuvée exudes aromas of cranberry and raspberry, with hints of herbs and licorice. The palate is complex and intriguing, offering rich red fruit flavors and elements of dark plum and black cherry. Vanilla and spice undertones add interest on an elegant, lengthy finish.
Michele Chiarlo 2011 Le Orme Barbera d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) $14.99
Le Orme is an enticing Italian red, bursting with juicy blackberry, black currant and spice flavors accented by touches of violet and mineral. Barbera’s vibrant acidic structure combined with its easygoing tannins make this a great table wine.
1,000 Stories 2013 Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel (Mendocino County) $17.99
This deliciously ripe Mendocino Zin opens with hints of blackberries and raspberries, accented by notes of molasses and clove. The rich fruit is enhanced by unmistakable Bourbon whiskey flavors of charred vanilla and caramel, imparted by its aging in used Bourbon barrels sourced from premium distillers like Heaven Hill and Four Roses.
Graffigna 2011 Grand Reserve Malbec (Pedernal Valley, Argentina) $22.99
Graffigna is regarded as one of Argentina’s foremost producers of Malbec, that nation’s signature wine varietal. Their Grand Reserve bottling offers bold blackberry and dark plum fruit aromas and follows up with a vivid mouthful of ripe black fruit, with accent of violets and cedar.
Austin Hope Cellars 2013 Treana (Paso Robles) $31.99
Treana shows a deep ruby hue and displays up-front aromas of ripe dark fruits and spice. Rich, expansive flavors of dark cherry and plum are accented by an exotic mix of mocha, tobacco and toasty oak accents. Depth and power come from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Syrah lends an inviting silky softness.
NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:
Baracchi 2010 Ardito (Tuscany, Italy) $49.99
This Tuscan blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon is superbly balanced, with an abundance of rich, ripe fruit flavors in a classic Old World style. Complex hints of old leather, anise and smoky spice meld with a wealth of berry and dark cherry fruit.
La Soraia 2014 Gavi di Gavi (Piedmont, Italy) $18.99
Gavi comes from a small growing area in northwestern Italy, near Genoa on the steep slopes of the Apennines mountains. Made from the native Cortese grape, it has a nose of almonds and citrus fruit, with a fresh, delicate and thoroughly dry palate.
Four Vines 2013 Skeptic Petite Sirah (Paso Robles) $18.99
This wine beautifully captures the essence of Petite Sirah, beginning with a nose that overflows with ripe blueberry, violet, spice and sandalwood aromas. The palate follows up with a rush of blackberry, dark chocolate, peppercorn and licorice flavors that coat the mouth on a long, rich finish.
Miraflores 2014 Misión 1853 (Sierra Foothills) $23.99
This was made with 100% Mission grapes sourced from the Deaver family’s Misión Vineyard. Planted in 1853, it’s the oldest continuously producing vineyard in all of the United States. Mission was the first wine grape ever planted in North America, originally used at the old Spanish Missions of Mexico and California to make their sacramental wines. It makes a lighter-bodied and highly enjoyable red.
Cheers!
Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405
http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar
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.