When we began putting the list together for this Saturday’s tasting we were focusing on delicious wines from around the world – distinct wines of place.  When we got the list compiled we realized that they were all either organic and biodynamicaly farmed (some certified, some not.)  Coincidence?  Conspiracy?  Naw, the planets were just in alignment.  Come taste the convergence.

2015 Bonny Doon, Picpoul $18
BDs Lip stinger is from their Biodynamically farmed Beeswax vineyard in Arroyo Seco, only a hop, skip and jump away from the cool breezes of Carmel.  “The nose of our Picpoul is maritime, coupled with a discreet suggestion of peaches, wildflowers and the (we really can’t help it, but it’s in there) ubiquitous fragrance of beeswax.”

2014 Reyneke, Vinehugger White $20
Chardonnay
Reyneke started in 1998 when Johan Reyneke Jr. took over the farming activities from his mother and produced the first wines on the family farm, in Stellenbosch.  Johan has moved to farming organically and finally to farming and producing his wines with biodynamic principles.  The nose presents lime zest, citrus aromas with tropical undertones and a touch of oak. The palate has a fresh acidity with some lovely texture and length. Flavors of fresh green apple and citrus continue on the palate to a floral fragranced finish

2015 Doamine Saint Nicolas, Reflets Pinot Noir  $21
From a Liore vineyard on southwest facing slopes with slate soils, the St Nick is a fresh tasting organic and biodynamic Pinot Noir.  The Reflets offers a bouquet of fine fruity and spicy notes with an elegance “all ligérienne”.  Ah, the French.

2014 Bastide Miraflors, Côtes Catalanes, “Vieilles Vignes”  $14
70% Syrah, 30% Grenache
Six week maceration, and old vine fruit explains the wine’s seriously intense fruit.  This Languedoc red has notes of violets, forest floor, black cherry jam and blackberries make an appearance in this medium-bodied, high-toned, dense, rich, complex, well-delineated red wine.  Organic

2014 Reyneke Vinehugger Red $20
80% Cabernet, 20% Merlot
Reyneke’s Red has aromas of clove and white pepper spice with layers of deep red cherry fruit. The use of the submerged cap ferment has resulted in a wine which has soft silky tannins making this wine very approachable in its youth. The palate shows lively red berry freshness with some good structure and a well-rounded 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.