We started out assembling a Saturday tasting of Chapoutier’s Southern French wines, but then a Pinot Noir from Latour showed up on the neighborhood, and then we wanted to throw in an organic Languedoc Red from H&B and then of course what is a French tasting without a solid Bordeaux.  Come by the shop this Saturday and see how Bonne they are.
 
2014 M. Chapoutier, La Ciboise Luberon Blanc  $13
Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Roussanne
Chapoutier is known for his Northern Rhone wine which fetch a pretty penny.  But his vineyards in the South are great values.  The Luberon Blanc is a dry white with aromas of white blossom, lemons and exotic fruits. Good balance between the freshness and roundness with great length.  13% alcohol by volume
 
2014 Louis Latour, Valmoissine Pinot Noir  $14
The Burgundy Kingpin makes this full and supple Pinot from his vineyards in Provence.  It’s not Burgundy, just good drinkable juice for the money. 13% alcohol by volume
 
2013 M. Chapoutier, La Cibois Luberon Rouge $13
Grenache, Syrah
A supple southern French red, La Cibois has complex and delicate with spicy notes (nutmeg and peppered) and black fruit aromas. The wine is well-balanced on the palate with black fruit (blueberry, blackberry and blackcurrant) flavor.  13% alcohol by volume
 
2014 Hecht & Bannier Languedoc Rouge  $12
Syrah, Grenache and Carignan
A great everyday Languedoc red with notes of red fruits and then, spicy and peppery shades.  Organic

2012 Chateau Saint-Sulpice, Bordeaux Rouge  $19
70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
The Saint Sulpice has a classic bouquet of blackberry and pencil shavings, ripe & warm on the palate, gentle tannins.  The winemaking is directed by owner Pierre Duberge and his son, Christophe, who take pride in producing a soft, fruity wine with a spicy aroma typical of the Merlot dominated reds of the “right bank”.

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.