3/22/2021 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

Spring is officially here by the calendar, although we Yumans know it really got here some time ago. But unfortunately, that does mean some winter season events are sadly coming to an end. Case in point: the 224 Downtown Market. The 224 shops (at 224 Main Street of course) have been hosting a nice little outdoor market in their small promenade just off Main every Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM since last November. There’s fresh-baked bread, kombucha, handmade crafts, delicious sweets and more. This Friday, March 26^th will apparently be it for the 224 Market until next Fall. So try to make it to Historic Downtown this Friday if you can, and enjoy the last one of the season – the weather should be about perfect. And when you do come down, be sure to stop by the Wine Cellar for a nice glass of wine or to sample this week’s selections!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Bernardus 2018 Chardonnay (Monterey County) $24.99

The 2018 Bernardus is a textbook example of Monterey County Chardonnay. Fragrant aromas exhibit scents of peach and lychee accented by caramel and toasted oak notes. The texture is rich and well-focused, with vibrant flavors of tropical fruits and citrus supported by bright acidity.

Santi 2019 Infinito Rosé (Veneto, Italy) $14.99

Infinito Rosé opens with a floral nose, along with hints of ripe pear, subtle spices and savory herbs. In the mouth it’s fresh, balanced and vibrant, with streamlined acidity and a pleasant hint of salinity. The finish is bracingly dry and mouthwatering, begging for another sip…

Langetwins 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) $14.99

This Old Vine Lodi Zin exudes aromas of sweet vanilla, fennel and ripe blueberries and boysenberries. It’s lush and juicy on the palate, overflowing with ripe, brambly wild berry fruit flavors that culminate in a long finish edged with pepper and spice notes.

Sonoma Vineyards 2015 Red Blend (Sonoma County) $18.99

This Bordeaux-style Sonoma blend exudes dark chocolate and raspberry aromas, with a touch of oak toast to give it richness and complexity. The smooth palate has flavors of black cherries and currants, notes of clove and a lingering hint of cocoa on the finish.

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.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Perinet 2016 Merit (Priorat, Spain) $29.99

Perintet’s Merit is a blend of 35% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 19% Garnacha and 16% Carinyena. In the glass, this wine expresses the pure essence of the famed “licorella” slate soils of the Priorat. The palate offers vivid berry fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, edged with intriguing spice notes. Firm tannins reveal an iron-driven minerality.

Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars 2018 Karia Chardonnay (Napa Valley) $32.99

The 2018 Karia Chardonnay bursts forth from the glass with exuberant scents of honey-drizzled apricots, ripe melon and mandarin peel, with hints of lemon drop and marzipan. The full-bodied palate is redolent of stone fruits and savory spice.

Au Contraire 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) $24.99

Au Contraire is a blend of fruit sourced from premier Russian River Valley growing sites. The nose offers aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum with a touch of violets amid subtle spice hints. A silky mouthfeel and balanced acidity frame an abundance of ripe dark fruit.

The Hop Concept Unfiltered IPA (San Marcos, CA) $4.99

Hop Concept Unfiltered IPA. Why not? It’s the purest form of beer, totally unadulterated and unapologetic. Taking the hoppy power of Mosaic, Idaho 7 and Cascade, this beer lets the hops do the talking. It’s one incredibly juicy IPA, with zesty flavors of peach and tangerine. So come on, experience the unfiltered life!

Cheers!

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