According to our good friends at WikiPedia, “As a very broad generalization, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blend in red wines produced in the Médoc and the rest of the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Typical top-quality Châteaux blends are 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. This is typically referred to as the “Bordeaux Blend.” Merlot tends to predominate in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and the other right bank appellations. These Right Bank blends from top-quality Châteaux are typically 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.” Come join us for another old-world, new-world comparison.

2011 Château Bellegrave Medoc    ($13)
60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc,
3% Petit Verdot
Aromas of licorice, coffee, and strawberry and cherry fruit. Medium-bodied with smooth tannis and tasty fruit.
13% alcohol by volume.

2011 Hightower Cellars Murray Cuvée    ($15)
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
The Murray has aromas of red berry fruits and cassis mingled with herbal notes. The cool vintage acidity makes this wine mouthwatering and juicy with a fruity mid-palate, finely textured tannins and toasty oak notes on the finish.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.