locus noun, [loh-kuhs]. 1. a place; locality. 2. a center or source, of activities or power.
 
locus wines: Producing wines from varietals that best showcase their native climate and soil & the newest winery in Madrona.
 
Locus is run by Rich Burton & Ton Yazici, two Madrona residents (their tasting room in an unmarked garage on Madrona Drive.)  Together they search out distinctive fruit from both touted and obscure vineyards in Eastern Washington.  While they are still new at the business, the results are more than promising.  Come try their new releases this Saturday. 
 
2014 Locus, Dineen Vineyard Sémillon  $15
A single vineyard Semillon with full and lush fruit with a suede texture and notes of nutmeg and citrus. This year’s release has a smokiness that hangs around at the finish of the wine. 

2014 Locus, Rosé  $15
35% Mourvedre, 33% Cinsault, 32% Grenache
A very delicate dry rose that pulls off a balancing act between the classic Provence varietals.  Nice floating notes of lemon peel, rose petals, tangerine and rhubarb.

2013 Locus, Yakima Valley Rhone Blend Red $23
68% Syrah, 32% Grenache
A Rhone style blend with a big garrigue bouquet of sage & lavender and deep forest.  The palate has juicy fruit notes of blood orange and maraschino cherry, white pepper and a cardamom spicy finish.

2012 Locus, Stonetree Syrah $25 
Born and bred in the Wahluke Slope AVA near Mattawa, Washington, these grapes come from the Stonetree Vineyard. Stonetree’s name comes from the large number of petrified tree fossils found in the surrounding hills. The climate and the soil produce a singular fruit-forward Syrah, full of kirsch and blackberry jam along with notes of underbrush, eucalyptus, a touch of spice and a rich velvety finish.

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.