7/05/2021 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

A & R is back! I’m pleased to pass on the news that my friend Rafael Arroyo and his A & R Grill at 712 S. 4th Avenue, just a short hop from Historic Downtown, is open for business again. It’s my favorite place to hang out in Yuma (other than the Wine Cellar; I do seem to spend a lot of time here…) A & R has the best burgers in town, a great selection of craft beers on tap, excellent mixed drinks and a really friendly atmosphere. A little over six weeks ago electrical problems with the building forced Rafael to close A & R Grill temporarily, and the repairs weren’t completed until just this past week. But they are up and running again, so please help spread the word. So if I don’t see you at the Wine Cellar soon, hopefully I will at A & R!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Livio Felluga 2017 Friulano Friuli Colli Orientali (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) $22.99

Friulano is one of Italy’s most distinctive white varietals, producing a fragrant, floral and elegant wine. Generous aromas of stone fruits, melon, pear and saffron lead into flavors of Golden apple, dried fruit and vanilla fused with balsamic accents of sage and thyme.

Gérard Bertrand 2018 Brut Rosé (Crémant de Limoux, France) $17.99

A blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, this Crémant boasts a beautiful, salmon-pink color, with brilliant reflections. A bouquet of strawberry and raspberry fruit is backed with hints of toasted bread. Lots of delicate bubbles plus a brilliant vivacity in the mouth make this a memorable wine.

Maison Ogier 2016 Artesis Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) $15.99

The Artesis is redolent with scents of violets, dried herbs, cassis and raspberries. The palate is smooth and enticing, offering black cherry, raspberry and currant fruit flavors framed with hints of herbs and earth. It comes to a bright and persistent finish with a kick of peppery spice.

Trefethen 2018 Double T Red (Napa Valley) $21.99

Trefethen’s ‘Double T’ Red is comprised of all of the classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. 100% estate-grown, it was aged for 16 months in French oak (15% new) and shows rich, textbook Napa flavors of black currant, wild berry and toasty oak.

Trivento 2017 Golden Reserve Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) $22.99

The Trivento Golden Reserve offers vivid aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black olives, violets and fennel. The palate is smooth and plush, with layers of cherry, fig and raspberry fruit flavors followed by cocoa, cedar and licorice notes on a muscular finish.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Pine Ridge 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $59.99

This is a richly layered, powerful yet supremely elegant Napa Cabernet. It offers rich aromas and lush, pure flavors of cassis, black cherry and anise, beautifully accented with notes of dried herbs, black olives and mineral that give extra depth to the smooth, seamless palate.

Daou Vineyards 2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Paso Robles) $14.99

Aromas of stone fruits, guava, kiwi and citrus blossoms emerge on the nose. The medium-bodied palate has a fine balance of fresh fruit character. 19% Sémillon works in harmony with the Sauvignon Blanc, adding complexity and dimension, yet this still has bright acidity and ends with a bracingly clean, crisp finish.

Gundlach-Bundschu 2018 Mountain Cuvée (Sonoma County) $17.99

Mountain Cuvée is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Savory accents of toasted oak plus spicy notes of plums and black cherry mingle on the nose. The flavors of raspberry and black currant are laced by dark chocolate and cedar notes.

Cheers!

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