We are as busy as Santa’s elves this coming week at Madrona Wine Merchants. But we have time to pop the corks on a few wines that we think might make great gifts or go with that holiday dinner. Here is what we have planned but we will be opening things throughout the coming week so keep your eyes open.
Saturday
2020 Col Sandago, Wildbacher Brut Rosé $22
A distinct bubbly from Northern Italy. Delicate, fresh and alarmingly easy. Pale pink, laced with cherry and black forest fruits, a twist of bitters and a suggestion of fragrant rose.
12% alcohol by volume
2020 Juan Gil “Bluegray” Priorat Red Blend $22
40% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% Cariñena (Carignan), 20% Syrah, 10% Merlot
From Priorat’s blue slate soils, this Tinto is very much alive with aromas of blackberries and cherries and delicate notes of nutmeg and star anise on the nose. The wine is very elegant with well integrated tannins with dried Mediterranean herbs such as thyme with a lingering finish.
2018 Maison Brotte, Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hauts de Barville $42
70% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah
Rich symphony of red fruits (strawberry dominates), spices, truffles and guarrigue. Rich and unctuous, with long lasting aromas of red fruits and spices, the cuvée will seduce the amateurs of fruit in its youth, and those who will age the wine (up to 10 years) to savor its full potential and unique truffles and garrigue notes.
Kopke, 10 year old Tawny $20
A blend of different vintage, barrel aged tawny ports with the average age being 10 years old. Elegant and complex, it shows aromas of spice, with prevailing notes of dried fruit and elegant hints of wood and honey. Smooth and round on the palate, it shows complexity amidst intense flavors of dried fruit.
The 375 ml bottle would fit nicely into someone’s stocking.
Sunday
2013 Vinosia, Rajamagra Taurasi Reserva$55
Aglianico
Looking for a special present? This top of the line bottling from Vinosia fits the bill. Taurasi is to aglianico what Barolo is to nebbiolo. Made with grapes from the village of Paternopoli, it is a deep and long-lived Taurasi. Full bodied, intense and complex with flavors and aromas of blackberries, sour cherries, vanilla, and leather with notes of cocoa, espresso on the finish. The wine is 10 years old but will last much longer.