Value is hard to pin down.  It isn’t the cheapest price, but more of what you get for your money.  Across the board, France offers great value to wine drinkers.  Our shelves are packed with it.  This Saturday we’ve assembled some especially great values for tasting.  Some are on “Special” and some special for what they are.  It’s quality all around.  The bubbles start at two.
 
Alain Bailly, Grande Reserve Brut  $30
60% Pinot Miunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Alain Bailly is a small producer from the Montaigne de Reims district of Champagne.  Sixth generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has pleasant notes of limey zest, toasty vanilla and fresh baguette, along with subtle tropical fruit and a touch of apricot on the palate, and a fine mousse.  It is a solid Grower Champagne with an entry level price.
 
2013 Chateau De Brigue, Provence Rosé  $10
40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
What difference does a year makes?  In rosé it is often only in price.  The De Brique is a great deal on a Provence Rosé with a classic lemon, pear, grapefruit and mineral combination of aromas and flavors.  Was $13 now $10
 
2006 La Garde, Pessac Léognan  $14
Sauvignon Blanc & Sauvignon Gris
From a small gravely vineyard, planted 50% to Sauvignon Blanc and 50% to Sauvignon Gris Show how well Bordeaux blanc can age.  It still has its fruity notes of grapefruit, and tangerine but has developed some nutty flavors as well and a very supple mouthfeel.  It is truly fun to have an older white Bordeaux this old to pour.  We are pleased with its development.  The wine is on glass pour at Purple and other restaurants but why bother when you can try it here on Saturday.  Was $27 now $14
 
2006 Château Gigault,  Côtes de Blaye,Cuvee Viva  $12
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
A great value Bordeaux, the Cuvee Viva is lush, seductive, ripe, dark and full-bodied – scented with black olive and dried herbs, notes of coffee and cacao; silky soft with an iron and mineral finish. We’ve been selling the 2007 for a while, but his Saturday we get to turn the clock back another year.  Was $25 now $12
 
2007 La Fleur Milon, Pauillac  $28
65% Cabernet, 25 % Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
La Fleur Milon is one of the Rothschild properties.  It is a Fifth Growth Estate and the 2007 is drinking well right now with red fruit aromas along with some more spicy notes. Well-structured on the palate, it builds on nicely balanced tannins, revealing licorice, coffee and blackcurrant flavors. 

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.