As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-7pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

2011 Esporao Alandra                        ($8)
Antão Vaz, Perrum and Arinto
Fragrant and elegant with floral as well as lime and other citrus aromas and full dry fruit. A lovely little wine from Portugal.

2010 Duvernay Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes        ($13)
Grencahe, Mouvedre, Syrah
A big and rich old vine Rhone that packs a lot into a very small price. “Very beautiful steady and dark dress, in the reflections garnet. Nose of black fruits, very mature cherries, with aromas of licorice, ‘zan’ and spices (cloves and nutmeg). The mouth is dense with silky tannins and a beautifull minerality.”

2010 Terre del Barolo Nebbiolo d’Alba            ($15)
A full structured Nebbiolo that drinks above its price. Chewy tannins mixed with red cherries and floral notes.

And a special treat not yet released by the winery, but a pre-release sample:

2010 Baer Winery Ursa
42% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley

As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-5pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

2011 Salvard Cheverny    ($15)
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay
A good crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire that is rounded out by the Chardonnay. Nice grassy and citrus notes.

2010 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne    ($18)
Piedmont
A classic bright red cherry Barbera with integrated acidity and smooth tannins.

2009 Ransom Pinot Noir    ($20)
Light and snappy, with a tangy edge to the red berry and currant flavors, sliding through the finish on a bed of fine tannins. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator
Organic

2009 Animale Petite Sirah    ($26)
Yakima Valley
Washington State
Medium-bodied with flavors of ripe plum, berries and dark chocolate.
Unfined and Unfiltered

As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-7pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

NV Alvise Lancieri Prosecco    ($14)
A very crisp Prosecco with good body.
Please note: we will be opening the Prosecco at 2PM so the bubbles don’t de-bubble throughout the day

2009 Kestral Red Table Wine    ($16)
36% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 8% Mourvedre
Ripe dark fruit along with notes of tobacco, dried herbs, cedar, and vanilla.
Normally $22 but on deal for a short while.

2009 Borgo Scopeto Borgonero    ($20)
60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah
A reserve wine aged for 18-24 months in cask and 8 months in bottle. Very intense, broad, refined and captivating, with notes of leather and tobacco.
Was $34 Now $20

2001 Viña Santurina Gran Reserva    ($30)
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
A still youthful Gran Reserva with lots of well-developed fruit.

Thursday, December 16^th

5:30-7:30pm

With maker Steven Westby

Witness Tree Vineyard is a 100-acre estate in the Eola Hills of the Willamette Valley named for an ancient oak which towers over the vineyard. Steven Westby is the winemaker and vineyard manager for Witness Tree and can often be found on a tractor or out walking the vineyard, checking on the crop. His use of low yields in the vineyard and minimal handling in the winery create wines of depth, elegance, concentration, and character. Come give them a sip.

2010 Witness Tree Pinot Blanc $15
Pinot Blanc is grown in very small quantities in the Willamette Valley. Witness tree has two and a half acres in production. This limited bottling offers delightful fruit flavors reminiscent of apple and pear, balanced beautifully by a crisp refreshing acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Chardonnay $15
The Witness Tree Chardonnay is a blend of estate-grown Davis 108 clone, coupled with a bit of Dijon clone fruit farmed at the Stand Sure Vineyard. Upon opening the wine brings intense aromas of pineapples, mangos and other juicy tropical fruits. As it is a cooler vintage, the acidity is a bit higher-toned, yet in complete balance with fruit and alcohol content. In the mouth the wine shows exceedingly vibrant acidity balanced by a rich, very full mouth-feel of more tropical fruit, butterscotch and a kiss of toasted French oak.

2010 Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir $25
Deep garnet in color, the Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir is powerful and yet full of grace with aromas of dark, primary fruits with intense perfume and spice driven qualities. On the palate the wine is round, full and satiny with notes of black cherries, rhubarb, dried herbs and baking spices. The finish is fresh and clean with well-integrated tannins and acid. Though drinking well in its youth, it will definitely reward the patient cellarer.

2012 Witness Tree Dolcetto Remari $20
The Dolcetto comes from a 1.6 acre site exhibiting big grapey, sassy flavors! Its considerable “slurpy factor” makes it a wonderful cocktail wine, while its natural acidity gives it the power to pair exceptionally well with all kinds of cuisine. It is an interesting twist on the Piedmonte varietal. Only 48 cases were made.

We still have a few spots for our Grower Champagne Tasting this afternoon at 5:30pm.

$20 per person (plus tax). $15 (plus tax) for Wine Club Members and one guest. AND any wine ordered or purchased during the tasting is 10% off.

Here is what we will be tasting this afternoon:

Champagne is a world ruled by the big houses that buy juice from a lot of different growers and blend it to make consistent wines that vary little from year to year. Grower Champagnes or Farmer Fizz on the other hand are wines made by small estates that grow their own grapes, make the wine themselves and blend out of their own stocks. The wines are more distinct, personal, and surprisingly delicious.

Sunday evening, we’ll be pouring a selection of these special wines. Champagne lover and aficionado, Leanne Beane will be with us to share her knowledge and enthusiasm. We’ll also have light appetizers to accompany the wines. We’ll also be offering 10% off all wines purchased that evening. It’s a great start to the holidays.

R. H Coutier Brut Tradition Grand Cru — $45
Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Organic
Produced entirely from Grand Cru grapes the Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose.

Etienne Chére, Brut Traditions — $48
Valee de la Marne
40% Chardonnay, 30 % Pinot Noir , 30% Meunier
Etienne Chéré vineyards have been passed down in the family since the late 1800’s. Their Brut Tradition, mainly from the 2006 harvest, is a good, well-structured Champagne is very expressive with a full body, and notes of vanilla and wiffs of smoky brulee.

José Michel & Fils Brut Tradition — $40
Moussy, Côtes des Blancs
60% Pinot Meunier, 40% Chardonnay
Michel’s Brut is composed of reserve wines that are 5 or 6 years old. The wine has great toast on the nose, along with ripe but crisp lemon and some orange zest followed by a full bodied mouthfeel and a long finish.

Alain Bailly Grande Reserve Brut Holiday Special Pricing — $30
Serzy-et-Prin Marne
60% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Sixth generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has a golden tint, fine mousse, very full bouquet mingles toast, figs, fresh bread, and structured vinous aromas full of richness and freshness.

Colin, 2004 Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru — $60
Colin is a family run Estate with a total of 30 acres. The grapes from the 2004 Blanc de Blanc come from Grand cru vineyards in Cramant and Oiry. This vintage has a pale gold colour and a light and subtle nose, with white fruits and flowers flavour. It seduces with its fresh and fruity palate. A pleasant champagne, sagely measured. –Hachett Guide

Champagne is a world ruled by the big houses that buy juice from a lot of different growers and blend it to make consistent wines that vary little from year to year. Grower Champagnes or Farmer Fizz on the other hand are wines made by small estates that grow their own grapes, make the wine themselves and blend out of their own stocks. The wines are more distinct, personal, and surprisingly delicious.
Sunday evening, we’ll be pouring a selection of these special wines. Champagne lover and aficionado, Leanne Beane will be with us to share her knowledge and enthusiasm. We’ll also have light appetizers to accompany the wines. We’ll also be offering 10% off all wines purchased that evening. It’s a great start to the holidays.

Space is limited so please call or email us to save you a spot.

R. H Coutier Brut Tradition Grand Cru — $45
Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Organic
Produced entirely from Grand Cru grapes the Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose.

Etienne Chére, Brut Traditions — $48
Valee de la Marne
40% Chardonney, 30 % Pinot Noir , 30% Meunier
Etienne Chéré vineyards have been passed down in the family since the late 1800’s. Their Brut Tradition, mainly from the 2006 harvest, is a good, well structured Champagne is very expressive with a full body, and notes of vanilla and wiffs of smoky brulee.

José Michel & Fils Brut Tradition — $40
Moussy, Côtes des Blancs
60% Pinot Meunier, 40% Chardonnay
Michel’s Brut is composed of reserve wines that are 5 or 6 years old. The wine has great toast on the nose, along with ripe but crisp lemon and some orange zest followed by a full bodied mouthfeel and a long finish.

Alain Bailly Grande Reserve Brut Holiday Special Pricing — $30
Serzy-et-Prin Marne
60% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Sixth generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has a golden tint, fine mousse, very full bouquet mingles toast, figs, fresh bread, and structured vinous aromas full of richness and freshness.

Colin, 2004 Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru — $60
Colin is a family run Estate with a total of 30 acres. The grapes from the 2004 Blanc de Blanc come from Grand cru vineyards in Cramant and Oiry. This vintage has a pale gold colour and a light and subtle nose, with white fruits and flowers flavour. It seduces with its fresh and fruity palate. A pleasant champagne, sagely measured. —Hachett Guide