9/13/2021 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

This Saturday, September 18th is National Clean-Up Day! In fact, the event is observed globally as World Clean-Up Day in more than 180 countries with millions of participants. ‍This world-changing idea began in the small northern European country of Estonia in 2008. Over 50,000 people united to clean up the entire country in just five hours. On that day, a global bottom-up civic movement was born and has spread like wildfire around the globe. It captured the imaginations of people worldwide, who were inspired to follow suit with the same ambitious ‘one country, one-day’ formula.

And what has that to do with Yuma, AZ? Well, local environmental heroes are participating in National Clean-Up Day by pitching in, as well as calling on additional volunteers, to help clean up West Wetlands Park (282 North 12th Avenue) this Saturday. Clean-up Shift #1 will be from 9AM to 10AM, and Shift #2 will be 10AM to 11PM. The organizers ask participants to pick a shift, or else just come and stay as long as they like to help out (do bring your own drinking water/snacks and work gloves). Sounds like a great community-oriented concept, so consider donating a few hours of your time on Saturday (and a little sweat). Then you can stop by the Wine Cellar afterwards for a nice glass of wine or a well-deserved cold beer!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Licia 2020 Albariño (Rías Baixas, Spain) $19.99

This crisp, dry and wonderfully tangy native Spanish white offers delicate notes of citrus, dried flowers and herbs. Vividly pure white peach, pear, citrus and tropical fruit flavors mingle on the palate. A fresh, lively acidity carries it to a clean, mouthwatering finish.

Bodegas Muriel 2017 Rioja Crianza (Rioja, Spain) $14.99

This Crianza is deep ruby in color with a garnet edge. The bouquet is redolent of red cherry fruit with a hint of leather and spices. On the palate, black cherry and brambly ripe berry fruit flavors are uplifted by complex spice and oak tones.

Clos de los Siete 2017 Red Blend (Valle de Uco, Argentina) $17.99

This is a deep red in the glass, shot through with the purple glints characteristic of Malbec. On the nose, an intense and complex aromatic expression exudes subtle notes of blueberries, lavender and spice. In the mouth, tannins are assertive yet ripe, framing a fruit-filled palate that’s juicy, caressing and refined.

Santi 2016 Valpolicella Ripasso Solane (Veneto, Italy) $18.99

Solane Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a “ripasso” method Valpolicella; meaning that following primary fermentation that creates standard Valpolicella, the wine undergoes a later fermentation with the leavings from the pressing of the Amarone, resulting in a rich, bold and more complex final wine.

Justin 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) $27.99

Aromas of black cherry, currant and vanilla waft from the glass. A soft, delicate entry is woven into a plush palate that offers flavors of blueberry, cassis and a moderate touch of spice. Supple tannins with a touch of dark chocolate frame a satisfying finish.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Kunde 2017 Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) $19.99

This estate-grown Zinfandel invites you in with aromas of black currant, blackberry, gingersnap and violets. Expansive flavors of blackberry and plum, plus a light tingle of cinnamon are a joy on the palate. Bold and packed with flavor, this vintage is marked particularly by its rich and lengthy finish.

Banshee 2019 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) $21.99

The fruit for the Banshee Pinot is sourced from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley appellations. The wine opens with an alluring bouquet of cherry, mint, dried flowers and spices. It’s a silky smooth and medium-bodied Pinot on the palate, with a very subtle oak influence.

Bieler Père et Fils 2019 Côtes du Rhône Villages La Jassine (Rhone Valley, France) $14.99

This blend of the classic Rhone varietals Grenache and Syrah has a nose of dark cherry fruit and spice aromas, framed by the classic Provence notes of rosemary, thyme and sage. A lavish palate of dark berry fruit with a snap of spicy licorice is nicely supported by soft, round tannins.

Birrificio Del Ducato Torrente IPA (Parma, Italy) $5.99

Torrente’s alluring aroma draws you in, with notes of ripe citrus, peach, tropical fruit and pine. It’s initially soft on the palate, but then builds up, giving waves of lush tropical fruit, light minerality and a hint of white balsamic-like acidty. The beer finally culminates with a pleasantly dry and herbaceous bitterness.

Cheers!

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