It’s been hot for WEEKS – time to sit on the back deck and relax the weekend away, for tomorrow it will be Monday and back to the salt mines. These two “porch pounders” are perfect for a sunny afternoon in the shade. Come taste.

Las Lilas Vinho Verde    ($9)
Louriero and Treixadura
More than just a pretty label, the Las Lilas has good intensity, white fruits with floral notes. Elegant and fresh. 10% alcohol by volume

2012 Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Tinto    ($9)
A steal of a little Portuguese red that delivers a lot for a little. Nice delicate scents of berries, with underlying tobacco, well integrated acidity with a palate of berries, with a soft 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.