Most wineries due to economics either design their wines to be drunk young or leave it to the buyer to cellar their wines until they reach their peak.  Occasionally we come across a wine that has been cellared for us.  This Saturday we have hit the motherload with the wines from Sant’ Elena.  This 40-hectare estate is located in Friuli-Venezia Giula in the Gradisca d’Isonzo area, where vineyards span out over the highest slopes and lowest valleys. The winery grows some very non-Italian varietals of mostly older vines that only produce 1 bottle per plant.  And they have a fantastic back stock of older vintages that have had time to develop.  Come taste the wine from their cellar.

2013 Sant’ Elena Klodic  $15
Pinot Grigio
Klodic is macerated for thirty-six hours to obtain deep color and then left on the lees for six months. A delicate and complex process usually not reserved for the variety   This Pinot Grigio offers complex varietal fruit laced with perfumed aromatics. This tasty, soft-textured Pinot Grigio possesses excellent balance and poise. An Orange Wine at a great price.
13% alcohol by volume

2009 Cabernet Franc $22
Sant’ Elana has always had Cabernet Franc on the property but mainly blended it into other wines.  Here is a beautiful example of what it can be by itself.  The wine is vinified exactly the same as the other reds, in steel and then 24 months in neutral 20hl botte. The wine is a little more rustic or Friulian in style and more feminine and fruit friendly than the Cab Sauv.

2001 Sant’ Elena Merlot  $17
A 17-year-old Merlot from Friuli that is far from giving up the ghost.  The wine has smooth developed flavors and soft tannin.
13% alcohol by volume

2007 Sant’ Elena Cabernet Sauvignon  $19
This well-aged Cab is showing great without the heavy-handed oak of Napa or Walla Walla.  The strong ruby color introduces elegant aromas of red fruit jam and sweet spice. The mouth is full and long-standing with a fresh finish.

1997 Ròs di Rôl $23
The Ròs di Rôl
is made from their best Merlot grapes.  The wine has an incredibly intense reddish-purple hue. A rich and complex bouquet submerges the drinker with notes of cherry, cocoa and leather. The long and soothing finish completes the wine’s well-founded structure. It is 22 years old and just coming of age.

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.