The Solstice in approaching, and we get the long days of the year with lingering evenings that are perfect for sipping some delicious wine and enjoying the summer air.  Stop by the shop this Saturday as we taste some beautiful wines from Spain and France that match the beautiful evenings. 
 
2014 K5 Arginano, Uhin Berdea Txakolina $20
Hondarrabi Zuri
K5 Argiñano is a modern vineyard estate located on a hillside near the Basque village of Aia.  Their fifteen acres of Hondarrabi Zuri are dry farmed in slate and granite soils with yields limited to under two kilos per vine. Uhin Berdea is a selection from younger vines, bottled in February following several months’ aging on the fine lees.  The wine has vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, complemented by suggestions of jasmine and green tea. Silky and focused on the palate it shows a refreshingly bitter quality on the tangy, lingering finish.
 
2013 Bodegas Nora, “Nora” Albariño $16
This wine was born on the banks of the Miño, the great river of Galicia.  The vineyards are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests and the ruins of ancient Celtic fortresses. In the midst of this poetic landscape, Albariño, the queen of Spanish white varietals, ripens slowly. The wine draws your attention with aromas of ripe apples and peaches. On the palate, Nora has an excellent balance of fresh fruit flavors and a rich silky texture.
 
2015 Chateau la Mascaronne, Quat Sasisons Rosé  $20
50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Chateau La Mascaronne lies at the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation just outside the medieval village of Le Luc.  Their always fantastic rosé has a beautiful pale color yet with intense nose of peach and lemon with large depth of flavor and remarkably long finish.
 
2013 La Celestiere, Cotes du Rhone  $15
60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre
The little wine of a Châteauneuf producer, the CDR comes from 3 hectares of 50-years-old vines.  The wine is loaded with red berries, earth and herbs, medium bodied with a light cherry note in the finish.
 
2006 Bodegas Riojanas Vina Albina Gran Reserva Rioja  $30
Tempranillo
Bodegas Riojanas, founded in 1890, is one of the oldest producers in Rioja Alta.  Their Gran Reserva was aged for 2.5 years in barrel and another 3 in bottle.   “Gritty and firm like a fist, this slowly maturing Rioja captures the essence of the region’s tradition via a juicy, racy but balanced palate that houses mature cherry, berry, raisin, fig and loamy flavors. Coffee and earth notes grace a well-shaped finish. Drink through 2025.” Wine Enthusiast.  92pts   Now at a special price.  Was $50 now $30

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.