Saturday we are staying close to home and focusing on Washington.  The wines are wonderfully full and show off the Washington dirt they have their roots in.  Wonder what they taste like?  Wonder no longer.
 
2014 Cougar Crest, Estate Viognier $15 
Established in 2001, Cougar Crest owns four vineyards in the Walla Walla valley. Its Viognier is their signature white wine and the only white grape in their vineyards. It has unique heady aromas, and a rich mouth feel quite different from Chardonnay.  Floral, citrus, and melon aromas tempt the nose, and pear, peach and tropical flavors please the palate with a smooth honey-like finish with depth and length.
 
2011 Kestrel, Sangiovese $13
Kestrel wines are created from its 126-acre estate vineyard overlooking the Yakima Valley from 1200′ up Rattlesnake Slope.  They purchased the vineyard in 1995 and opened the winery in early 1999.  This wine is garnet in color with deep red accents at its margins.  It possesses aromas of cherry, cassis, elderberry, pomegranate, and dried herbs.  On the palate you will experience an extremely full bodied, balanced Sangiovese, with notes of vanilla, cedar and toast.
 
2011 Kestrel, Tribute Red $13
40% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 11% Mourvedre, 6% Sangiovese, 4% Tempranillo
“A blend of innovative winemaking, passion and dreams.” Aged in French Oak for 18 months.  Aromas of ripe dark fruit (cherry, pomegranate, and blueberry) accompanied by dried herbs, cola, caramelized fruit, white pepper and floral aromas. The body of the wine is full and smooth with a lingering finish, and supple tannins.
 
2014 Gravel Bar, Red Mountain Cabernet $19
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Even California wants a piece of the action, Gravel Bar is made by California invaders who opened up a winery in Mattawa up on the Waluke slope.  This Cabernet is delicious with flavors of black cherry flambé, mocha, mushroom, and plum. The finish is subtle and elegant, complex and concentrated. 
 
2009 Côte Bonneville, Carriage House Red $50
62%Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
In 1992 Hugh and Kathy Shiels planted DuBrul Vineyard with its steep south-facing hillside.  In 2001 they founded Côte Bonneville.  Both the vineyard and the wines have become Washington standards.  The Carriage House Red offers subtle, beguiling aromas of coffee, herbs, barrel spice, pencil lead and cherry. The cranberry and cherry flavors are tart and focused, putting a focus on elegance.

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.