This Saturday we are off on a whirlwind tour of wines from 4 countries on three continents. We’ll start in Portugal with a crisp Alvarinho, then dash on to New Zealand for a southern hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc. After we quickly catch our breaths, we head on to Spain for some great value Tempranillo and Grenache. Finally we’ll head south again for a rich, robust Cabernet from Chile. Come with us as travel to the ends of the earth for good wine.

2017 Nortico, Alvarinho $15
Nortico is produced on the south bank of the Minho River in plots so small they are called “Jardins”, gardens in Portuguese. Soils here are granite and shiest and although it rains a lot (2,000 ml annually) the inland area is a little warmer than the coastal plantings allowing for a perfect maturation. Fresh citrus, peach and tropical fruit aromas paired with clean, juicy fruit and vibrant minerality. Creamy citrus oil, lime and yellow apple notes are nicely spiced and detailed with saline mineral and floral underpinnings through the long finish

2017 Outer Sounds, Sauvignon Blanc $15
This New Zealand SB has flavors of guava, lemon grapefruit peach and pear. It is lean and mean, tart and taut with a touch of textural weight.

2017 Hand Work, Tempranillo $13 – 1 Liter
Hand Work wines are made in La Mancha by three brothers. The wines are all Organic and Vegan. Their Tempranillo is light and spicy. Its bright cherry fruit goes down easy. And because it is a liter get an extra glass in each bottle.

2017 Hand Work, Garnacha $14 — 1 Liter
Hand Works Grenache full of ripe fresh fruit notes. Like its partner it is Organic and Vegan.

2016 Penalolen, Cabernet Sauvignon $21
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Carmenere
A family owned estate vineyard. The Penalolen shows a rich perfume of blackberry and cassis. It’s an elegant wine, silky in texture, with deep, rich flavors on a pure, superbly balanced palate packed with note of Pine, Baking Spices and Roasted Meats. And it is Vegan.

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.