We had so much fun on Bastille Day that we are going to drag it out as long as we can.  Come join us Saturday for some celebratory French festivity.
 
2015 Chateau Laballe, le Terres Basses, Gascogne Blanc $9
50% Colombard, 30% Ugni Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng, 10% Sauvignon Blanc
“Les Terres Basses” translates to “the Lowlands”, and refers to the shallow calcareous soils on the sunny, pristine expanses of vineyard that sit below the winery at Chateau Laballe in Gascony.  This is a complex and punchy blend. The wine has aromas of citrus and white fruits and subtle tropical notes with a core acidity that gives it an innate chuggability.
 
2016 Chateau de la Clapiere, Cotes du Provence Rosé La Violette $18
35% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 40% Syrah
Chateau de la Clapiere is located in the foothills of the Maures Mountains where the vines blossom amidst citrus fruits and palm trees.  The wine is dominated by subtle aromas of white flowers and peach aromas.  The palate is ample and silky. 
 
2016 Domaine Gueguen, Bourgogne Rosé $15
Gueguen is a new winery based just south west of Chablis. Céline and Frédéric both worked for large wine estates in Chablis for 15 years before setting up their own shop. Their Rosé is tense and crisp with nice weight and balance to the pink grapefruit and peach flavors. It is bone dry and super refreshing.
 
2014 Domaine Laurens, Marcillac Rouge $12
Fer Servadou
From the southwest of France Domaine Laurens covers 21 hectares old vines, terraces, wastelands, clearings, plantations. Their Fer Servadou, also known locally as Mansois.is full and harmonious from the beginning to the end with a wonderful soft texture with crushed red currant and blackberry fruit. Nicely granular tannins match its surprising purity and concentration.
 
2015 Domaine Charles Helfenbein “La Syrah” VDP Collines Rhodaniennes $15
Charles Helfenbein studied winemaking in Champagne, Alsace, Provence and the Rhone before starting his Domaine in Brézème.  The La Syrah has an opulent nose of plum, bacon live and fig to the incredible array of flavor.  It is an old-world full-bodied Syrah with supple tannins layered underneath ripe round red fruit notes, and subtle hints of terroir throughout that linger on the finish.

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.