The weather is mixing it up this weekend in Madrona, but rain or shine we’ll have our nose in a glass smelling the rich bouquets of Spring.

Saturday, we’ll be pouring some of our new discoveries from Portugal, Italy, Slovenia and France whose aromas just jump from the glass. That starts at 2.  Come get a jump on it.

Sunday, we have two West Coast blends that are nothing to sniff at.

2014
Bonny Doon
Vin Gris de Cigare       $15
35% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 12.5% Roussanne, 8% Carignane, 16% Grenache Blanc, 8% Cinsaut, 1.5% Marsanne, 1% Couniose.
“The wine does not overwhelm one with fruitybombasticity; its charms are seductively subtle. Discreet nose of alpine strawberry, evolving into a refreshing mintiness with additional air and warming. On the palate, a beautiful natural crispness and a great sleek and savory texture, in virtue of the extended lees contact/bâtonnage the wine received.” 

2011 Memaloose York’s Reward $13
46% Primativo, 42% Barbera, 12% Dolcetto
Named after Louis and Clarke’s unappreciated slave, this is a palate-cleansing blend of Italian varietals from a cool vintage. The grapes were grown in Idiot’s Grace Vineyard in Mosier, OR, and aged in neutral oak. The wine is fruity and tart, well suited for standing up to most dishes and opens up nicely as it breathes.  Was $20 now $13

They’ll be open all day so stop on in.

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.