This Saturday we are gearing up for the Fall weather with some big reds set to take the damp out of a dark evening.  Sunday is daylights savings.  Come get prepared.  We’ll start with a little effervescence to keep things light.
 
2013 Agusti Torello, Brut Reserva Cava  Penedes $20
Maccabeu, Xarello, Parellada
Agusti Torello Mata is one of the most respected cava producers in Spain, focusing solely on vintage dated Cavas and wines at the Reserva level and up.  The wine was traditionally vinified, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. After that, it was aged for a minimum of 24 months.  The disgorging date is printed on the back label.  The wine shows a lovely bead with bright, clean citric fruit flavors are juicy and ripe, with perhaps a hint of tangerine.
 
2015 Borgo Scopeto, Chianti Classico  $12
Borgo Scopeto comes from Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southern-most commune within the Chianti Classico zone. All vineyards at Borgo Scopeto are dry farmed from the day the vines are first planted.  Elizabetta Gnudi owns Borgo Scopeto, and she and winemaker Simone Giunti are responsible for all aspects of the production of Borgo Scopeto wines.  The Chianti Classico has aromas of fragrant purple flowers, ripe woodland berries and a whiff of pressed powder waft out of the glass. Bright and juicy, the savory palate shows crushed raspberry, fleshy Morello cherry, ground clove and a hint of coffee alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
 
2016 Croix Belle, Carignole Rouge Côtes de Thongue $10
65% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Carignan
Just outside the city of Montpellier lie the vineyards of La Croix Belle, a family owned and operated Domaine that traces it roots back to the region more than two centuries. Francoise and Jacques Boyer assumed control of the property in the late 70s with an eye towards making clean expressive wines reflecting the region. A lot of replanting was done, yields were lowered and modern winemaking techniques and facilities were adopted. It is a vibrant red with fresh berry notes and a delicious lively palate.
 
2015 Château Haute-Serre, Cahors Malbec  $25
90% Malbec, 10% Merlot
From Cahors, Malbec’s home on France’s beautiful Lot River, 2014 Château Lafleur de Haute-Serre Selection des Sommeliers Malbec is a brilliant dark red in the glass with fine aromas, concentrated fruit, and soft tannins on the palate. The 63 hectares of vines grow on slopes with clay limestone soil at an altitude of 300 meters–one of the highest vineyards in the appellation.
Very fine nose. In mouth, it shows its soft tannins. The concentration of flavors reminds one of redcurrant jelly. Fine structure and elegance. A very feminine wine.
 
2011 Barao de Vilar, Statement Late bottled Vintage Port $14
This unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage is aged over 4 years in oak barrels before bottling. It has a great variety of flavors, a strong wine with an attractive bouquet.  Strawberry jam, medium-bodied and sweet with refreshing acidity and gentle tannins.

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.