This Saturday we’ll be tasting some distinctly French wines form importer Kysela Pere et Fils. The wines are true to type and classic in their flavors; focused and on target. They also offer a lot of wine at a reasonable price. Come have a taste with us.
2011 Chateau Suau Bordeaux Blanc $13
55 % Sauvignon, 35 % Sémillon, 10 % Muscadelle
The vineyard is situated in the appellation Cotes de Bordeaux Cadillac. They make mostly red wines with only 10% being Blanc. This wine reveals complex aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and pineapple. It’s refreshing and expressive. This wine has excellent depth of fruit as well as a long finish with a nice acidity.
Charles Duret Cremant de Bourgogne $20
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Delicate, long-lasting bubbles are proof of this traditional method, bottle fermented, quality sparkling wine from Burgundy. It has fresh, fruity flavors with a hint of hazelnuts on the finish.
2011 Castelmaure Cote 125 Corbieres de Durban $13
50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Castelmaure is a Co-op founded in the 1920’s and today consists of 65 members. The winery is located in the village of Durban, which will soon become an official Cru together in Corbieres. The Serre mountain in the south protects the little plateau of Castelmaure from the off weather patterns of the Mediterranean Sea. Notes of brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, and black pepper combine in this authentic French country wine, along with aromas of Garrigue (rosemary, thyme and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well.
2012 Alain Jaume, Haut de Brun, Côtes du Rhône $14
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
The Domaine was founded in 1826 by Mathieu Jaume. Alain Jaume now runs the Domaine with the help of his two sons Sébastien and Christophe. The aromatic range of the wine goes from fresh berries (wild raspberry, blackcurrant, blackberry) to spices. The palate is big and full-flavored, with silky-smooth tannins. The finish introduces touches of licorice and pepper. The wine really over delivers for an entry level Côtes du Rhône.
2010 Alain Jaume, Rasteau, Les Valats $20
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Rasteau became a Cru with the 2009 vintage, and the Les Valats rises to the occasion. The wine has aromas of fresh red berries. On the palate, the richness of the fruit and tannins harmonizes with the roundness of the wine. The finish is long, with spicy touches and minerals notes. It is complex and speaks of place.
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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.