Thanksgiving is here and this Saturday we have arraigned a fine line up of wines to match heavy feasting.  Come pick something out to go with the holiday meal.  And don’t forget the Underberg.
 
Son of Man Sagardo Basque style Cider  $15
The 2018 Sagardo is the result of an exclusive collaboration between cidermakers Jasper Smith of Portland, Oregon and Guillermo Castaños of San Sebastian, Spain. Made from fruit grown in the Hood River and Willamette Valleys, the cider is spontaneously fermented by native yeasts and bottled unfiltered and unfined.  It ferments for four months in massive kupelas (American oak foeders) before it’s ready to drink.  It is a thirst quencher with clean, bright acidity, a touch of salinity and a soft tannic structure. Aromas of pineapple and tropical fruit lead to fresh green apple on the palate, before a gently astringent finish. Shake well to reintegrate the fine lees before serving.  At 6% alcohol you can drink both before and during the meal.
 
2018 David Hill Estate Gewurztraminer  $21
Intentionally picked to retain acidity, this Gewürztraminer is crafted in a dry Alsatian style, which enhances the subtle spice aromatics of fennel and clove. On the palate, flavors of peach skin and honeydew contribute to a crisp clean finish.  It makes for a beautiful food pairing wine.

2016 Erste + Neue Kaltereresee Leuchternburg  $16
Schiava (Vernatch)
A light-bodied red with lots of cherry flavors and soft tannins from the German speaking part of the Tyrolian Alps. This is a single-vineyard wine made from Venatsch (Schiava) the smaller berried cousin to the Edelvenatch.

2015 Chateau de Javernand, Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes  $21
Gamay
This high-toned Beaujolais comes from the oldest vines on the estate.  It is a rich and full-bodied wine with plenty of the bright, full concentration that comes from old vines. At the same time, it has attractive layers of ripe plum and blackberry fruits.
 
2014 Château de Caraguilhes Corbiers Rouge $16
The Caraguilhis rouge is a delicious organic red showing juicy red and black fruit-flavors with a soft texture made from Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes. Corbieres is in the Pyrenean hill country where little other than grapes grow due to the exceptionally dry conditions.  It is packed with character, warmth and a soft, enticing texture, this fantastic organic wine has great depth and intensity. With juicy ripe red and black fruits comes subtle hints of wild herbs and sweet spice, along with a gentle savouriness from Mourvèdre in the blend. This is full of Gallic character and rustic charm.  Pass the Gravy!

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.