Picnic season is here, and it’s time to get ready for it.  So this Saturday, to the first person who buys a mixed case of wine, we are offering a free picnic basket or a 6 glass set of Lustau Sherry glasses and a bottle of their Puerto Fino Sherry.  Or, buy two cases and take them both home.    We’ll also be tasting a lineup of great wines to fill out your picnic basket, barbecue or Saturday afternoon.  Stop by the shop and have a sip.
 
2013 Christian Ninot, Bourgogne Blanc “Les Pellans”  $20
Chardonnay
This White Burgundy from the Côte de Beaune has lively aromas of flowers, ripe fruit and nuts. The wine is full-bodied and round with nice acidity and a long finish. Who doesn’t like Chardonnay?
 
2016 Illahe, Viognier  $18
This Willamette Valley Viognier leaps from the glass with expressive stone fruit, and floral aromas of apricot, tangerine, honey blossom and wet stone. The palate is layered with peach compote, banana peel, and lavender with a touch of uncrushed peppercorn. The wine is steel-fermented to preserve the grape variety’s food-friendly acidity and an off-dry palate.  Organic. 12% alcohol by volume
 
2017 French Pool Toy Rosé $10
The FPT is an unpretentious, easy drinking Rosé in a plastic bottle.  As the name implies, it is perfect for poolside, but also great for picnics, the beach or just playing catch.
 
2010 Castello di Monsanto, Monrosso  $14
80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Merlot
This Chianti is a great value everyday red. It opens with a fragrant cherry bouquet with a hint of apple. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, juicy, and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a mild oak infused black cherry, with hints of plum, black pepper and a touch of black currant. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are nicely prolonged.  Was $17 Now $14 
 
2012 Monteabellon, 14 meses en Barrica Ribera del Duero $20
Tempranillo
A full rich Ribera Red, the Monteabellon comes from vineyards located at higher altitudes with sandy loam soils with clay and limestone content.  This Crianza sees 14 months in barrels.  It is as smooth and silky as a summer afternoon.  Was $24 now $20

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2pm until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5pm.