This spring we met Jean-Babtiste Delpey from H Wines a small local importer of French wines and we liked what we were tasting.  As summer rolls into full gear, we thought that we would share them with you.  This Saturday join us and Jean- Baptiste and taste some of the wines from his portfolio.
 
2012 Domaine Thierry Mosny, Montlouis sur Loire, Les Graviers Sec  $18
Chenin Blanc
The Les Graviers is from 30-years-old vines from a village in the Loire.  Although dry, it is a mellow and fruity wine that leaves an impression of fullness in the mouth with floral and fruit aromas. The wine is left on its lees for months lending the wine extra body and flavor with just the right amount of acidity and a long finish.
 
2013 Domaine Changarnier, Monthélie Blanc  $33
Chardonnay
The Monthélie Blanc comes from a growing area of 73 acres in this village of the Côte de Beaune.  White Monthélie is close cousin of Meursault.   The wine is aged in barrels for 12 months (15% new).  The nose offers hints of white flowers, Pippin Apple and exotic fruit with a vanilla accent.  The palate is lively with floral and hazelnuts note and a tense fruity finish.
 
2015 Bernard Magrez,  Bleu de Mer  $15
70% Grenache, 30% Cinsault
From the Languedoc this full rose has aromas of watermelon and cherry and focused flavors of tart cherry and berry that are framed by prickly acidity. The finish is but crisp and mouthwatering.
12.5% alcohol by volume
 
2011 Couly Dutheil,  Baronnie Madeleine, Chinon  $22
Cabernet Franc
Grown on a mix of limestone and clay soils in the Loire, the madeleine is a very seductive Cabernet Franc.  Firm, ripe and structured, this is a wine with a solid grounding in black fruits and tannins. It has a dry core and smoky flavors, with a blackberry juice note that offers a dense texture as well as aging potential.
 
2007 Croix Espérance, Lussac Saint Emilion  $31
Merlot
From a small plot in Lussac St. Emillon, the vineyard of Château La Croix de l’Espérance is located northwest of the Lussac village, planted on a clay and limestone plateau at 70 meters above sea level.
This full Bordeaux is hitting its prime with raspberry and plum fruit aromas and silky, round, full body and lingering tannins.  13% alcohol by volume

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.