This Saturday we are crusin’ down the coast and tasting some rich and robust wines from Washington, Oregon and California.  We gathered up wines that have full body and a lot of finesse.  We also managed to get a little special pricing for today’s tasting.  Come sample what the Pacific Coast has to offer.
 
2015 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Gris The Orchards $14
Located in Rickreall, Oregon just north of Salem, Left Coast Cellars is an estate winery with several distinct vineyards.  Originally planted in apples by the settlers of Holmes Gap, the Orchards block is now Pinot Gris vineyards.  The 45th parallel certainly does agree with this Gris. The wine has aromas of roses along with a citrus spiciness.  Citrus, straw and green apple unite in a harmonious balance that lingers long.
 
2014 Dunham Cellars, Three-Legged Red.  $20
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Syrah
The 2014 is an above average version of the Red Table from Dunham Cellars. The wine has aromatics of smoked brisket, creosote, black cherry and anise. The flavors are reminiscent of red cherry, anise, red currant and black olive. Lithe and polished, it finishes with a smooth mouthfeel.

2013 Fidelitas, 4040 Red $25
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Fidelitas is a heavy hitting winery created by Charlie Hoppes focusing on Bordeaux varietals.  A plush Red Mountain Red, the 4040 has aromas of bright raspberry, red  cherry,  and  cola,  vanilla, sweet tobacco, and brown sugar. The palate has silky firm tannins, and red berries.
Was $30 now $25

2013 Dunham Cellars, Syrah $35
Dunham Cellars longtime winemaker Daniel Wampfler created this Washington Syrah from a blend of Lewis, Kenny Hill, XL & Phinny Hill vineyards, combining the state’s different growing regions.  The wine is loaded with aromas and flavors of red cherry, black raspberry, coffee grounds and sagebrush.  It has a wonderful tannic mineral streak that cuts through the richness.  It is a classic example of Washington Syrah.
 
2013 Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx Red $30 (special tasting price)
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel, 4% Petit Verdot
Paraduxx is Duckhorn’s Napa winery on the Silverado Trail that focus on blending. Blended around a core of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a structured and age-worthy expression of Napa juice.  Aged 18 months in oak (95% French, 5% American) of which 50% is new and 50% second use.  The nose offers deep, concentrated aromas of blackberry cobbler and rich brambly fruit. The palate is soft and rich, with balanced tannins framing lush layers of blueberry, blackberry and spice, all of which carry through to a long, supple finish.  Usually $48 we got a limited time price today on the Duxx.

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.