Join us this Saturday as we frolic around France tasting some of our favorite fermentations.  We’ll be tasting some fine examples from the Rhone, the Loire, Nimes, and Bordeaux.  Swing by.
 
2016 Brunel de la Gardine, Cotes du Rhone Blanc  $12
40% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc
The Brunel family has been in the CDP region since the 17th century, making wine for five generations. The first vineyard was purchased from the Bishop of Avignon line the north. In 1971, André Brunel took over the reins of the Domaine. The Gardine Blanc has very citrusy notes of lemon and grapefruit and a fresh minerally finish.
 
2016 Patient Cottat, Sancerre Anciennes Vignes  $23
Sauvignon Blanc
From 30-to 35-year-old vines on limestone soil, the Anciennes Vignes’s lively gooseberry and jicama notes zip along, while a twinge of salty mineral notes add crunch on the finish. Fresh and very bracing in feel.
 
2017 Château de Campuget Rosé  $11
Campuget in Costieres de Nimes is a beautiful property dating back to 1640. The soil is typical for the region, with many stones that force roots to find water deep in the lower layers of clay, contributing additional character to the wine.  Their always solid Rosé is full of raspberries and strawberries and has a good, refreshing acidity.
 
2014 Brulieres de Beychevelle, Haut Medoc  $20
82% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine comes from vineyards owned by Château Beychevelle that lie just outside the Saint-Julien appellation.   Leafy cassis aroma. Dry but extremely creamy in texture, like a creamy coffee but with black fruits through the middle, dark texture and layers of attractive fruit and acidity.

2015 Chateau Pesquie, Quintessence Rouge  $22
80% Syrah, 20% Grenache
The Chaudière Family  started this cuvee in 1990 and chose the name “Quintessence” to highlight the exception and the concentration of this wine.  Complex and powerful yet with a great balance and a beautiful freshness, it is the result of a drastic parcel selection. Deep ruby color. Intense nose with spicy notes (especially black pepper) and red berries. This very balanced wine offers very round tannins and fresh berries aromas, with some floral and spicy flavors.

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.