The Equinox is approaching, that pivotal point where the day equals the night.  The weather this last week has been echoing the season, switching back and forth between sun and rain. September is like wine, balance is everything.  And this weekend we are putting on a balancing act as we taste our way through Bordeaux.

Saturday we will be jumping back and forth across the Dordogne river as we sip our way through some Bordelaise Beauties. In the Right Bank, Merlot dominates the vineyards, in the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon plays a larger role. Come find out which side you are on.   We have two fine examples form the excellent 2010 vintage that you won’t want to miss.  We start at 2pm.

Sunday, we are pitting two right bank blends up against each other.  We’ll taste two Merlot heavy blends, one from France, and one from California. Who will win this Merlot smack down – come see which side of the pond offers the most pleasure.  11 to 5.

2011 Château De Fontenille, Bordeaux  $14
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet
A good basic Bordeaux with red fruit aromas, a clean and sturdy palate with a long lingering of flavors.

2014 Bonny Doon $$&*#!! Merlot  $11
76% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 2% Grenache & Mourvedre
A riff on the movie Sideways, this Doonish blend is as playful as the back label and the wine maker himself.

Sunday is also the Artist Reception for our new show Blurred Edges / Distant Dreams by Jeanne Waters.  Come meet the artist and talk to her about her work from 3 to 5.

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.