Despite the warm weather it has been a harsh week in Madrona. This weekend it looks like the rain is back.. Time to zip up that Gore-tex, and shake out the umbrella and come with us as we taste our way through some Côtes du Rhône.
Saturday we have a Full Rhône line up that shows the diversity of the region.
2015 Domaine Montmartel, Côtes du Rhône Blanc
2014 Marrenon, Doria Luberon Blanc
2013 Domaine Notre Dame de Pallières, Rasteau
2013 The Domaine de Fayolle, Crozes Hemitage
2012 Domaine Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape
Sunday we’ll be pouring a pair of Côtes du Rhnes from Famille Sadel as well as one of our favorite value Bordeaux.
2014 Famille Sadel, Cotes du Rhone Blanc $15
60% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 15% Viognier
A nose of fresh and delicious scents of exotic fruits and white peaches. Well-balanced on the palate with nice acidity and delicate flavors of pineapple delivering a long and refreshing finish.
2014 Famille Sadel, Cotes du Rhone Rouge $15
80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre
The vineyards are not far from the Dentelles de Montmirail with vines are planted on stony hillsides and terraces with pebbly soil. This outstanding 2014 has a concentrated scent of old vines offering a combination of raspberry and blackberry aromas. The flavor is rich, round, and well balanced providing a long and smooth finish.
2012 Maison Givas, Montagne Saint Emilion $18
60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot
This St. Emilion satellite drinks way above its price. Blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry notes combine with cedar and vanilla undertones, smooth tannins and good finish. Great by itself or with cheese, red/white meats, rich pasta and vegetable dishes.
Our Sunday evening Burgunday Tasting has been Canceled until some time when the Seahawks aren’t playing with the pigskin.
Starting this week we will be open on Tuesdays noon to 7pm until New 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.