Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

As we hit the stretch run to Christmas, just a quick note to everyone regarding the holiday schedule for the Old Town Wine Cellar.  Truth is, there’s not much of a change this year.  The Cellar will be open all this week thru Saturday, December 22^nd, then be closed as usual on Sunday & Monday the 23^rd – 24^th, and of course we’ll be also be closed Tuesday (Christmas Day.)  Then we’ll be back open Wednesday the 26^th thru Saturday the 29^th, and then closed Sunday the 30^th thru Tuesday (New Year’s Day.)  So don’t delay, be sure to make it down to the Cellar by Saturday and take care of some last minute Christmas shopping!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:

 

Salviano 2015 Orvieto Classico (Umbria, Italy)    $11.99 This is a slightly modernized version of the classic Umbrian white, with the native Trebbiano and Grechetto grapes bolstered by small additions of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  The result is a wine with greater depth and complexity than most Orvietos; a fine choice as an aperitif or dinner wine.

 

Argiano 2015 Non Confunditur (Tuscany, Italy)    $19.99 The ‘NC’ is a Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese.  It melds the softness of Merlot with the earthiness of Sangiovese, the rich cassis flavors of Cabernet and the warm red berry character of Syrah.  The result is a complex yet satisfying red with bright aromas of currants and plums, and generous fruit flavors.

 

Josh Cellars 2016 Legacy Red (California)    $14.99 The Legacy is a blend Zinfandel, Cabernet and Petite Sirah.  Aromatic dark fruits and spice elements emerge on the nose.  Dense and juicy in the mouth, this wine offers flavors of baked plums and black cherries with hints of roasted nuts, framed by soft tannins.

 

Francis Coppola 2014 Director’s Merlot (Sonoma County)    $17.99 The 2014 Director’s Merlot offers fine density and complexity. The nose exhibits aromas of ripe blackberry fruit surrounded with floral notes, tobacco and exotic spice.  Lavish flavors of cherryand blackberry are layered by notes of vanilla, mocha and fig.

 

Beronia 2011 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain)    $22.99 This Reserva is made from carefully selected Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes sourced from older vineyards. It aged 20 months in oak plus 18 more months in the bottle prior to release.  An aromatic nose offers hints of vanilla, clove and cinnamon. The velvety palate delivers abundant berry and plum fruit, with pleasant accents of tobacco and spice.

 

Tenshən 2015 Red Blend (Santa Barbara County)    $24.99 Tenshən wines are a collaborative effort by Santa Barbara winemakers Joey Tensley and Alex Guarachi.  Their red is a ‘Rhone-style’ blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre and Petite Sirah. It offers the classic Rhone flavors of juicy berry fruit, white pepper and floral accents, with silky tannins and a touch of licorice.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Michele Chiarlo 2014 Cipressi Barbera (Piedmont, Italy)    $27.99 This Barbera opens with violet and mineral aromas, and a note of menthol.  It’s plump and opulent in the mouth, yet it’s intensely flavored, with blackberry, plum, and spice-laden flavors giving an overall succulence, supported by a fresh and balanced acidity.

Amavi 2016 Sémillon (Walla Walla Valley)    $19.99 Barrel-fermented in neutral French oak, this wine is deliciously aromatic, with aromas of pear, citrus and beeswax followed by lush melon and peach/pear flavors edged with a tangy citrus element.  The palate is smooth and elegant, with a pleasing, honeyed richness balanced by crisp acidity.

 

Newton Cellars 2016 Claret (North Coast)    $22.99 Newton Claret is about 2/3 Merlot, the balance being Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.  It has a perfumed, Bordeaux-like nose of plums, currants and anise.  A deep crimson in the glass, this wine offers a rich palate of black cherry, currant and plum, framed by supple but nicely firm tannins.

 

Huyghe Brewery 2018 Delirium Noel (Belgium)    $15.99 This is a rich, dark, joyous brew to celebrate the holiday season.  Scents of dark sweet malts and spices will make you remember all those wonderful aromas from holiday baking in Mom’s kitchen.  It’s nicely fruity and malty, with flavors of figs, black fruits and chocolate. The lingering finish offers hints of baking spices.

 

Cheers!

 

Mike Shelhamer

Old Town Wine Cellar

265 S. Main Street, Suite E

Yuma, Arizona  85364

928-373-0405

 

http://www.yumawine.com