This Saturday we are tasting wines from two local boutique wineries. :Nota Bene Cellars is a Seattle winery run by winemaker Tim Narby, who has been making wine for three decades. Cedergreen Cellars based in Kirkland is run by Kevin & Julie Cedergreen who have made wine in both Washington and New Zealand. Both wineries make full Washington wines that we think you’ll like.
2015 Cedergreen, Sauvignon Blanc $14
100% stainless Sauvignon Blanc from Spring Creek vineyard near Benton City. The wine shows a New Zealand influence. It is crisp, clean and delicious with an aromatic mélange of star fruit, Bartlett pear and pippin blend seamlessly with an intriguing minerality.
2013 :Nota Bene, Chardonnay $20
This barrel fermented Chardonnay comes from Conner Lee Vineyard is aged 10 months in barrel sur lie with batonage, and full ML fermentation. It has lovely aromas of Asian pear, apple, white peach and vanilla. The palate is lush and lavish, followed by a lingering, persistently minerally finish.
2011 :Nota Bene Una Notte $23
72% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre
This Southern Rhone style blend comes from Stone Tree & Heart of the Hill vineyards. It is full of strawberry and raspberry fruit in the bouquet, followed by juicy, spicy darker fruit and good structure.
2012 :Nota Bene, Miscela $20
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 3% Malbec.
Miscela is Italian for blend. As the name suggests, this is a blend of miscellaneous varieties sourced from five different vineyards. It has aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum, with scents of rose, sweet tobacco, cedar, rosemary and sage. The medium-bodied flavors are supple, yet deep, with notes of red licorice, medium roast coffee, pressed berries, and roasted nuts.
2008 Cedergreen, Merlot $36
From Conner Lee and Clifton Hills vineyards, the Merlot sees 20 months in barrel with 50% in new French oak. “Whipping boy or muse, sinner or saint. Merlot is the way of wine. Subtle power, spice and aromatics transport you from the table to the land. Dark fruit, dust and a dry breeze spiral over the palate, beginning a conversation that will last for years.”
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.