This Saturday we breath in a breath of fresh air from France.  Lively Bubbles, a crisp white, a Rhone red, a beautiful Bordeaux and a dark Malbec.  Swing by the shop for a sip.

Veuve Moisans Brut, Blanc de Blancs $12
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
An elegant, lively Blanc de Blancs with a fruity, floral nose and complex, elegant flavors. Its lively qualities are the result of a lengthy aging process with the grape pulps. It shows a w well balanced acidity and gives a smooth long finish.
 
2017 Chateau Vignol, Entre deux Mers $14
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris, 15% Sémillon, 10% Muscadelle,
The Vignol is full of apple and pear flavors. Its crisper side offers a more lemon and tangy citrus character. These two elements are coming together in a balanced wine.
 
2015 Joseph Castan, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Plan de Dieu $15
Grenache and Syrah
The Castan Plan de Dieu is a very harmonious Côtes du Rhône with fine, dark fruit flavors and spicy notes from a lesser known (so good value) appellation. Its palate offers black berries, spices and herbal hints. Its texture is pleasantly structured and round on the palate. The tannins are soft and initiate a fruity finish.
 
2015 Château Les Hauts de Plaisance, Haut Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
This second wine from Château Pontoise Cabarus has a complex aromatic nose of red fruit, berries, coffee, and spice. The palate has a delicious balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity this wine tastes of cherry and blackberry, with a hint of coffee and chocolate.
 
2014 Château Eugénie,  Cuvée Réservée de l’Aïeul, Cahors  $20
90% Malbec, 10% Tannat
The “black wine” of France, this Malbec from Cahors is aged eighteen months in barrel, giving an aromatic complexity (notes roasted, vanilla, dark chocolate, very ripe black fruit, violet), The palate has a “gentle power” of velvety tannins, concentrated, and full of fruit and freshness.  13% alcohol by volume

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.