Saturday, we have collected an array of French wines a bit off the beaten path of wine importing.  We have a Sauv Blanc from Duras in the South West, a Mondeuse from Savoie in the French Alps, a Grenache/Syrah from Minervois in the Languedoc and a pair of small estate Bordeaux, just because we like to drink Bordeaux every chance we get.   It’s a perfect line up for our damp Fall weather.
 
2017 Secret de Berticot, Cotes de Duras  $11
Sauvignon Blanc
The Berticot is a very smooth and silky Sauvignon Blanc.  The nose reveals boxtree, citrus and exotic fruits aromas. The palate is full-bodied and fresh, with grapefruit and lychee notes.  12% alcohol by volume
 
2016 Adrien Vacher Mondeuse Cuvee Reservee  $13
100% Mondeuse from a small Family run winery in the French Alps.  This lighter bodied red has aromas of black fruit (black currant, blueberry, blackberry) with a note of pepper on a nice finish. 
 
2017 Château Touril La tour du Touril Angela Rouge Minervois   $11
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
A friendly and juicy Languedoc  red from this small family estate.
 
2014 Château Lalande de Gravelong Médoc  $17
50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
The vineyards of Lalande de Gravelong are made up of 30-year-old vines planted on it gravel clay soil. The wine has aromas of ripe red fruits, plum and black cherry. Deep and fresh flavors of ripe plum, fruitcake, and black cherries are highlighted by notes of cedar and spice that accent its rich texture and well-integrated tannins. 13% alcohol by volume
 
2015 Château Franc Grâce-Dieu, St. Emilion Grande Cru  $32
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc
A rich and complex Bordeaux with a lot of leathery & mineral richness.

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.