This Saturday we are popping the corks on the new releases from Locus Wines. The grapes for the wine come from east of the mountains, but the global headquarters of the operation rests comfortably at the foot of Madrona Drive. Winemaker Rich Burton will be on hand to pour and talk about his new creations.
 
2017 Rose $12
40% Grenache, 40% Mourvédre, 20% Cinsault
A Provence styled pink for mere pennies.
 
2016 Modo White $13
50% Semillon, 50% Sauvignon Blanc
A Bordeaux-style blend, the Semillon rounds out the grassiness of the Sauvignon blanc.  It is an easy drinking combination.
 
2016 Modo Red $13
38% Cinsault, 21% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 14% Merlot
The new Modo everyday red is based on a Provence/ Southern French blend.  It is fresh and delicious and priced as well as its French counterparts which is exceptional.
 
2014 Yakima Valley Red $20
40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre
A clean dark fruited Rhone Style blend.  The 2014 is beefed up this year with a good dose of Mourvèdre.
 
2015 Nord $25
64% Syrah, 23% Cinsault, 13% Mourvedre
The Nord is a Syrah-heavy Rhone blend.  The wine has a nicely balanced play between the dark fruit, the smooth tannins and its fresh acidity.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2pm until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5pm.