Château Paul Mas wines showcase the terroir, complexity and style of Languedoc.  Located between Pézenas and Montpellier, about 10km from the Mediterranean, the vineyards are cooled by the Mistral and the Tramontane winds in an exceptional setting surrounded by olive trees and pine forest, oak trees and orchards.  Jean-Claude Mas is the fourth-generation grape grower and first-generation winemaker.  Since taking the helm of the family winery in 2000, he has started sourcing grapes from twelve privately owned estates and premier growers in the Languedoc as well as those from his own vineyard.  This Saturday we’ll have selection of his wines open to try.
 
Coté Mas, Cremant de Limoux Brut “St Hilaire” $17
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mauzac
This sparkling Limoux has an intense and refined nose of honey, acacia and crystallized lemon leading the way to a harmonious palate of citrus fruits. 
 
2015 Picpoul de Pinet $14
The Mas Picpoul de Pinet has delicate scents of white flowers and fresh herbs frame the core notes of green apple and lime zest. Refreshing and easy drinking, ample acidity lifts the melon pith and citrus peel flavors that flesh out the medium-weight palate, finishing clean.
 
2015 Carignan Vieilles Vignes $14
Taken from the highest altitude of the Paul Mas vineyards with a southeast facing slope, this old vine Carignan is all spice and blackberry on the nose with subtle background notes of cocoa and tasty oak. The palate is lush and full with dark fruit and licorice intermingled with velvety tannins.
 
2015 Grenache Syrah Mourvedre $15
35% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
From Les Cés vineyard in the upper Hérault Valley, this GSM has aromas of blackberry followed by truffle and mocha, violets. It. Blackcurrant flavors on the mid palate and licorice flavors on the finish with full bodied velvety tannins. 
 
2015 Malbec $15
90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc
This Malbec comes from 19 year-old vines panted in gravely soils.  The wine is powerful and complex with aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant and mocha combined with spicy notes. Medium to full-bodied, this Malbec reveals ripe tannins supported by a good fruit concentration and layers of sweet spices and vanilla.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.