Although we sometimes forget it here in Washington, California is the largest producer of wine in the United States, with an ocean of two buck chuck on one end and the mountainy peaks of Dominus and Screaming Eagle on the other.  And like most things, the sweet spot is in the middle.  Join us Saturday and taste 5 wines from Cali that perform above their price tags.  We think these wines are tremendous values.  And after a sip we think you’ll agree. 
 
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley Brut  $25
Champagne’s Louis Roederer started this California extension in Mendocino County’s cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley.  Their brut is made of a blend of estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay “This bubbly brings a rich buttery Chardonnay flavor, smooth texture, lively effervescence and rather full body. It smells like toast and butter, and tastes ripe and appley. Intense buttery flavors stay with you on the aftertaste.” Wine Enthusiast
Also comes in 1.5 L for $55 & 375ml for $13
 
2013 Quivera, Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc  $15
The Quivira estate comprises four distinct vineyards within the Dry Creek AVA in Sonoma County. The estate has a total of 93 acres of organically farmed vines. The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc melds Old World &New World style. It’s round and plump, yet finishes with cleansing acidity. Notes of herbs and some signature grassiness are apparent on entry, flowing into flavors of tropical fruits, lime and gooseberries.
 
2014 Neyers, Sage Canyon Cuvee $23
45% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah
Neyers two estates in Napa Valley (Sage Canyon and Conn Valley Ranch) along with some purchased fruit from select smaller growers throughout the state provide the fruit for this wine. Some very old vine (120 years) Carignan anchors this very complex Rhone style red that drinks amazingly well for the money. It is rich, layered and delicious.
 
2012 Carpe Diem, Cabernet Sauvignon $28
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Christian Moueix, who owns both Chateau Pétrus in Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley, also makes this moderately priced Napa Valley Cabernet.  Carpe Diem has impeccable balance; a silky texture; soft, rounded tannins; and, underneath it all, beautiful Napa Valley fruit.
 
2014 Neyers Vista, Luna Zinfandel   $23
The Vista Luna Vineyard sits on an outcropping of quartz, a unique phenomenon that is important to the development of the vines, their maturation, and the flavors developed by the grapes. The vineyard is planted to a non-clonal selection of Zinfandel so the clusters are small, as are the berries. Ripening is even, and the alcohol levels in the finished wine are low.  The wine is 100% ‘heirloom’ Zinfandel, fermented using native wild yeast, and aged 10 months in neutral French oak barrels. It is bottled without being fined or filtered.  It has aromas of black fruit, a vibrant flavor and a great stony minerality layered with the fruit. It’s complex without being overwhelming.

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.