5/31/2021 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

It’s Memorial Day! Hopefully everyone is enjoying the long weekend, whether they’re spending it in town or out. It’s a great occasion to be with family and friends, enjoying our sunny early summer weather. But I sincerely hope everyone will also take a few moments to reflect on what the occasion really represents: it’s a day to remember and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by so many servicemen and women over the centuries in the course of defending our liberty, something that many of us unfortunately tend to take for granted…

As the official beginning of the summer season, this week not only brings First Friday here in Historic Downtown on June 4th, with many of our downtown businesses remaining open until 8PM, but Friday evening also marks the return of something that so many have enjoyed in the past: the Lutes’ Summer Jazz Series. Once again, the celebrated Yuma Jazz Company Quartet will be performing at Yuma’s most iconic downtown eatery, Lutes’ Casino (just a few doors down Main Street from the Wine Cellar). As in the past, most of the summer’s shows at Lutes’ will feature the celebrated Quartet in concert accompanied by a special guest artist. This week’s performance starts at 7PM and goes until 9PM, with free admission. Downtown sounds like a great place to be this Friday!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Cass Winery 2018 Mr. Blanc (Paso Robles) $17.99

A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, Mr. Blanc exudes a perfumed bouquet of baked apple, poached Asian pears and crushed rose petals. Focused acidity along with a distinct minerality makes for a complex palate, with flavors of Golden apple, spiced quince and chamomile tea that weave through the refreshing finish.

Bernardus 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) $27.99

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

Rocca Delle Macie 2018 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) $16.99

This Classico begins with fresh black cherry aromas, mixed in with hints of leather, earth, plums and violets. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins and good acidity. Classic Chianti flavors of ripe dark cherry and plum are edged with a hint of licorice.

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.

Roth Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) $22.99

Roth Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, full-bodied and rich. The nose offers vivid aromas of black cherries, cassis and sweet oak. Rich and layered flavors of red currant, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla ride on firm tannins, gaining power as the wine ends in a memorable, lasting finish.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Graham’s 1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port (Douro Valley, Portugal) $149.99

A superbly rich and sweet Colheita port made only in truly premier vintages, Graham’s 1994 Single Harvest offers a fragrant nose of rose petal, Asian spice and toasted honeycomb. Flavors of dried figs, blueberry, roasted coffee bean and sweet balsamic mingle on the palate.

Daou Vineyards 2019 Rosé (Paso Robles) $19.99

This is an elegant and fragrant dry rosé, offering bright aromas of sliced peaches, pears and nectarines on the nose, plus subtle hints of apricot and crushed rose petals. The palate gives enticing flavors of mango, Crenshaw melon and cherry.

Arienzo de Marques de Riscal 2016 Rioja Crianza (Rioja, Spain) $12.99

A traditional mix of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Graciano, this Crianza has bright aromas of strawberry, cherry and blackberry plus a touch of spice. The palate is fresh and savory, showing ripe red fruits plus a nice measure of toasty oak.

Cheers!

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