We are opening some very tasty bottles as we lead up to Christmas. Stop on by for a taste and get in a little last minute present shopping.
Thursday 12/20
2016 Allegrini, Valpolicella $15
65% Corvina/Corvione, 30% Rondinella, 5% Molinara
Classic Valpol that manages to be rich without trying to be Ripasso. The Allegrini has fragrant fruit with prominent notes of cherries, echoed by fresher hints of pepper and aromatic herbs, typical of Corvina and Corvinone, the historic varietals of this appellation.
2013 Barao de Vilar Statement LBV Porto $20
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 of strawberry jam, medium bodied and sweet with refreshing acidity and gentle tannins.
Friday 12/21
2015 Raeburn Russian River $20
Chardonnay
Classic California Chardonnay—elegant and expressive with bright fruit character, creaminess and toasty vanilla. The 2015 vintage is ripe, luscious with fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine beautifully complemented with toasted oak, vanilla, and hints of Crème Brûlée.
2015 Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo $23
A very serious wine at this level, as it has considerable tannic clout underpinning the fruit. Lifted aromatics, finely sculpted red fruits and firm tannins are front and center. Deceptively understated, the 2015 Langhe Nebbiolo packs a good bit of energy and intensity into its mid-weight frame. The Langhe Nebbiolo is Barbaresco juice given a shorter aging time of five months in tank and five months in cask.
Saturday 12/22
2017 Bethel Heights Pinot Gris $25
One of the best Pinot Gris that I’ve tasted in a long time. Bone dry and crisp with aromas of nectarine, apricots, and peach, with hints of breadfruit and cardamom. The palate shows the full, supple fruits of a warm vintage without losing the purity and elegance characteristic of our estate. The languid and expansive texture of the wine is pitched against a bright core of acidity, building tension and energy. Organic
2016 Pignan Châteauneuf du Pape $37
64% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, 11% Cinsault, Counoise, Terret Noir
The Pignan has an attractive bouquet of black cherry fruit, loamy soil and foresty aromas in addition to plenty of glycerin, body and freshness. There is no evidence of oak as it is aged primarily in foudre. This generous wine combines sweet to strength and fullness to power.
2015 L’Ecole Perigee $47
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot
From the older blocks of Seven Hills Vineyard, Perigee shows its characteristic cedar and black plum structured elegance. Alluring aromas of blueberry, cigar box and herbal flavors are accented with notes of cassis and earth, on a fine tannin finish.
Sunday 12/23
2016 Dellas, Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes $23
Syrah
The charming, quaffable 2016 Crozes Hermitage les Launes features plenty of cherry fruit, medium body, supple tannins and a juicy, mouthwatering finish. It should drink well for the next few years.
2014 JB Neufeld Yakima Valley Cabernet $36
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc
A three vineyard blend in JB’s Yakima Cabernet. A full-fisted but not heavy-handed Washington Cabernet.
Monday 12/24
2013 Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo $45
Nebbiolo
Wild berry, crushed herb, violet and baking spice scents lift out of the glass along with a whiff of menthol. Focused and elegantly structured the delicious palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon, sage and white pepper, while refined tannins and bright acidity provide supple support and impeccable balance. –95 pts Wine Enthusiast.
2015 Olivier Dumaine, Saint Joseph $30
Syrah
From 50 year old vines, the St Joe has aromas of black fruits, and a bit of earthiness, the supple palate shows black berry fruit, tar, and a note of varnish with dark 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.