This year more than ever, most of us won’t be making any trips to see friends and family.  If so, you may be thinking about sending a bottle of wine to those who you wish you could be with for the holidays. 

Being a retail business and regulations being what they are, Madrona Wine is unable to ship to most states.  You however, being an individual, can ship to most states and not only do we have the bottles to send, we also have some boxes to ship them in.  (No, the shipping isn’t free. Yes, this is more work than clicking on a website.)

The Postal Service will not ship wine at all (again more regulations), but UPS and Fed-Ex will.  Want to know if you can ship to a given state?  Just call up your closet UPS Shipper. 
Try:

• Postman on MLK & Union (206) 257-4623
• UPS Store on Broadway and Union (206) 324-5600
• Postal Plus on 12th and E Denny (206) 324-0181

Cardboard shipping box with recyclable formed cardboard bottle shields approved for all major shippers.

1-pack                         $5.00
2-packs                       $6.00
3-packs                       $7.00
4-packs                       $8.00

May your holiday season be festive.
 
Jim and Mark
Madrona Wine Merchants

We covered Oregon pretty well before Thanksgiving, so here is our list of full, rich reds from our side of the Atlantic.  Good wines as we head into the cold and dark.

2017 Four Vines, Old Vine Zinfandel   $14
A full-bodied Central Coast Zin at a good price.  35-to-80 year old vines. Dark berry notes, a hint of spice, ripe plums and black & blue berries.

2017 Basel Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon  $19
This Cabernet delivers strong nuances of black cherry, stewed fruit, cola and black currant on the distinctive nose. The aromatic, jammy notes are supported well by hints of eucalyptus, mint and pencil shavings.

2017 Gray, Syrah  $17
This 100% Syrah with fruit from the famed Den Hoed Vineyard, was crafted by Kerloo Cellars Winemaker Ryan Crane. It full of dark dry fruit with a bit of earth and spice.

2018 Newsprint, Columbia Valley Malbec  $18
The intense vineyard heat on these berries has yielded a muscular, but not aggressive, wine. Your mouth will be coated with the concentrated flavors of juicy black berry right from the get-go. As the flavor lingers, black pepper and spice will envelop your mouth.

2018 In Sheep’s Clothing, Cabernet Sauvignon  $19
Made in Oregon with Washington fruit from Waluke Slope and Red Mountain fruit, the wolf has lots of cassis, blueberry and black cherry flavors, good acidity and integrated anise, thyme and bay leaf notes.  Not bad for under $20

2018 Gilbert Cellars, Allobroges  $24
37% Syrah, 36% Grenache, 27% Mourvedre
Very floral with pomegranate and bright tropical fruit notes on the nose. The palate is light to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity in the mid-palate that carries thru to the finish. The tannin is rounded out in the attack with just a slight astringency due to the wine’s youthfulness.  Vegan

2014 Darby, Chaos  $25
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec
This Cabernet-based blend is rich and impressively structured, with savory blackberry aromas and accents of dark cherry, currant, anise, and cedar. Gains depth while holding focus and persistence.  Was $35 now $25

2013 Fall Line, Cabernet Sauvignon  $25
Fall Line’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon consists of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Boushey, Artz, and Red Willow Vineyards. The wine has aromas of graphite, herb and red and black fruit lead to a soft palate backed by fine grained tannins.

2018 Orr, Columbia Valley Grenache  $25
91% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Syrah
Rustic and approachable, this hand-picked Grenache was fermented with a touch of Mourvèdre and Syrah and aged in mature French oak. The color is violet ruby and the nose is full of fresh raspberries, pomegranate, plum and black tea. It’s vibrant and lively all the way through to the lifted and mouth-watering finish.

2018 Orr, Columbia Valley Merlot  $25
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Erica’s first Merlot under her own label.  Only 240 cases made.

2016 Animale, Petit Sirah Reserve  $26
Aromas freshly picked blackberries and plums, with exotic hints of menthol, dijon mustard, clove, honey, and orange blossom.  Flavors of blackberry syrup, Italian prune, and dried currant are complemented by the refreshing tangy acidity of pie cherries, pomegranate and citrus peel.  The finish is brambly, offering sensations of black tea and cocoa powder.

2017 Animale, Cabernet Franc  $26
No oak, all stainless steel aging.

2018 Cadence, Coda  $28
37% Cabernet Franc, 29% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot
Rich, deep, expressive nose of dark cherries, minerals and pencil shavings. Very Euro in the best sense of the word. The palate is broad, silky and complex, in part owing to the wonderful texture of Cabernet Franc. Beautifully balanced acidity makes the wine come alive, coupled with the firm, fine tannins.

2016 Dry Creek Vineyard, Old Vine Zindandel  $29
78% Zin, 19% Petite Sirah, 3% Carrignan
This vintage presents enticing aromatics of raspberries, cherry and a hint of toast and black pepper. On the palate, brambly flavors of ripe boysenberry and spicy dark chocolate come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by notes of berry syrup and mocha. The tannins are silky and smooth to lend a round, rich mouthfeel.  Dry-farmed Hand-Picked

2017 Meadowcroft, Napa Valley  $26
Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark,  ripe  berries  with  a  hint  of  olive  and  dried  fig,  this structured  and  concentrated  cabernet  sauvignon  shows classic Napa Valley style.   Flavors of dark chocolate and cigar box shine through the structured, mouthfilling tannins.

2018 Elephant Seven, Yellow Bird Vineyards Grenache  $30
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Aromatics of wild flowers, garrigue, and Asian spices. A dense mid-palate with notes of red fruits, kirsch, orange peel, and cured meats, all complimented nicely with a dusty minerality. Seamless and elegant with a long expressive finish.

2017 JB Neufeld, Yakima Valley Cabernet  $36
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
A four vineyard blend in JB’s Yakima Cabernet. A full fisted but not heavy handed Washington Cabernet.

2017 Elephants Seven, Yellow Bird Vineyard Syrah  $38
93% Syrah, 7% Viognier
A bright bouquet of lavender, bergamot, and cassia bark. Wet stone, white pepper, and nutmeg accent a core of blueberry and bramble fruit. Expansive and concentrated without overripe fruit and intrusive amounts of new oak. The long, expansive finish is driven by natural tannins and acidity.

2017 Tranche, Cabernet Franc  $40
Floral and herbaceous on the nose with lifted aromas of rose petal, lilac and sage. The wine plush and dense on the palate, layered with dark, seductive flavors of blueberry, licorice and cassis. Herbaceous notes of fennel, black tea and tobacco combine with soft, fleshy tannins and a graphite-like minerality

2018 Woodward Canyon, Artist Series Cab  $55
complex nose of spiced black fruits, herbs, and lead pencil, that integrate beautifully with the subtle attractive oak. In the mouth, the wine is rich and elegant, showing ripe fruit, nice balance, and proportion, with herbs, and tobacco. Integrated tannins enhance the texture; the finish is complex, generous, and long.

2014 Dry Creek Vineyard, The Mariner  $60  Magnum  1.5 liters 
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
This delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend comes from several prized estate and hillside vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. At first swirl, the wine displays aromas of blueberry, vanilla and cherries. Several more minutes reveal hints of clove, cinnamon, black licorice and mocha characters. The palate has dark berry flavors along with cedar sweetness and cassis. It finishes with black pepper, boysenberry and a hint of barrel spice. Good acidity will help this wine to age beautifully for years to come.  Was $95 now $60

2016 Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon   $65
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is ultra-concentrated with dense black fruit, anise, roasted coffee, ripe blueberries, cedar box and graphite. A fresh and focused wine with creamy texture and a long luscious mouth feel with dusty earth, baking spices, sweet vanilla and fresh fig notes.
MAGNUM (1.5 Liter)  $130

2015 Corliss, Red Blend  $75
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
The 2014 Corliss Red Wine needs one hour decant to fully express itself, the wine slowly unveils ripe blueberry compote, sagebrush, Turkish coffee and shades of black licorice candy that all meld together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and decadent, while also elegant. With a soft mouthfeel, this gracefully glides across the mid-palate revealing copious dark and blue fruit flavors with chocolate covered espresso bean. Marvelous now, this beautiful red blend will have a long life in the cellar.

2012 Woodward Canyon, Old Vine Cabernet  $110
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
From 40+ year old vines, this old guy has aromas of cedar, baking spice, graphite and cassis.  Flavors of black fruits blend beautifully with the exotic spice of new oak.  The texture is silky yet firm with integrated tannins offering a rich, lingering finish.

Holiday Hours
(now until New Years)
Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Open Thanksgiving Day, Noon to 3PM
(for those last minute emergencies)

Looking for a little inspiration?  We been collecting our email on our web site so you can browse by category  They are on the right hand side at the top of the page.  Some of the wines might be gone and other new ones might have arrived, but at least it will get us started in the right direction.

Looking for a special bottle here’s one we inadvertently left off of last Saturday’s email.

2009 Louis Latour, Château Corton Grancy Grand Cru  $125
Part of the Latour empire, this Grand Cru is a beautiful red with ruby highlights. A complex nose revealing an earthy mix of red fruit, spice and licorice. Rounded in the mouth with the same juicy flavors as on the nose rounded out with hints of coffee.  The wine is harmonious with supple tannins.

Thanksgiving promises to be smaller and more low key in 2020, but we hope all of you will have a delicious and festive celebration.

Jim & Mark
Madrona Wine Merchants

The Holidays are here and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Madrona Wine will now be OPEN on Tuesdays from next week until New Years.  Our Thanksgiving feasts may be smaller this year, but the upside is that you don’t have to hide the good wine from the unappreciative guests.  Pick out a good bottle to celebrate with.Here’s a few Pinots to ponder.

Pinot Noir

We have a lot of Pinot Noirs to choose from.  Take your pick from Burgundy, the Willamette Valley or elsewhere.

2015 47 Anno Domini Sottovoce Pinot Nero  $16
The olfactory impact is elegant and complex, the Pinot Nero Sottovoce is the perfect combination of fruit sensations red (cherry, blackberry, currant) and those of maturation in wood with refined notes tobacco, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla.

2018 Guillaume, Pinot Noir  $18
ignoble Guillaume’s gorgeous, soil-driven 2017 Pinot Noir gleams a transparent garnet color from the bowl followed by aromas of earthy cranberries, geranium, rhubarb, and soft limestone minerals. Brisk acidity and savory tannins frame the wine’s crunchy core of red Pinot fruit, which transitions mid-palate to reveal fascinating suggestions of blood oranges, Earl Grey tea, and damp, calcareous earth. Fine tannins sneak in as the wine finishes crisp and crunchy, with layers of bright red berry and cherry fruit lifted by a persistent clay-limestone mineral undercurrent.

2018 Roots, “Klee” Pinot Noir  $19
In homage to one of winemaker/owner Chris Berg’s favorite artists, Klee is named for the famous Baus Haus artist Paul Klee. The 2018 is vibrant and layered; the hallmarks of Oregon Pinot are all here: dark/sour cherry, plum, cola, soil, delicate body, bright acid, fine tannins. Remarkably complex at a great price.

2017 Esmonin, Les Genevrieres Rouge  $25
Sumptuous aromas of red berries and cherry are supported by light notes of wildflower. On the palate, there are flavors of red fruit, spice and floral accents. The tannins and acidity provide a delightful structure..

2015 Maréchal Bourgogne, Cuvée Gravel  $33
A beautiful Cote de Or Pinot full of lovely rose aromas and raspberry and cherry flavors, smooth tannins and long finish. A great Burgundy value.

2016 Château de Marsannay, Marsannay  $36
I love the balance in the 2016 Marsannay, which has a solid bouquet of passion fruits, wild strawberries, violets, and leafy herbs. It’s fresh, medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has integrated acidity, all pointing to an outstanding Marsannay to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years. — Jeb Dunnuck.

2017 Lingua Franca, Anvi Pinot Noir  $37
Avni Pinot Noir reflects its Eola-Amity Hills fruit, born of volcanic soils on hillside vineyards and sourced primarily from neighbors in Hopewell. The wine is medium intense, complex with floral, mineral and red cherry, black plum fruit tones and a long round finish.

2016 Meyer-Näkel, Spätburgunder  $40
A beautiful Pinot Noir from an award-winning winemaker.  Light, mineral driven and elegant.

2016 Xavier Monnot, Maranges 1er Clos de la Fussiere  $40
A lovely bottle of 1er Cru red Burgundy from a monopole vineyard in the oft overlooked QPR village of Maranges. Lovely perfume of blue and black fruits, fresh cut flowers and candied violets leads to a mineral-inflected palate of ripe fruit, sweet spice, and fresh earth. Fine vibrancy gives lift to the complex palate and the firm tannins need only a little time in decanter (or 2-3 years in cellar) to smooth out.  Was $52, Now $40

2018 Patricia Green Cellars, Marine Sedimentary Pinot Noir  $42
Refined and multilayered, featuring raspberry and blueberry flavors that show poise, laced with black tea and crushed stone notes, building tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029

2013 Mischief and Mayhem, Nuits Saint Georges  $45
A couple of Brits go to Burgundy and open a Winery.  Their Nuits St. Georges is well-structured, rich, with a good tannic grip and mineral and earth components. Ripe black fruit notes, especially blackcurrant and blackberry, along with hints of spice, dark chocolate, black tea, dark toffee and graphite. The finish is intense and firm, yet ripe, powerful and long. Was $90 now $45

2015 Bouchard, Gevery Chambertin  $58
Bouchard vinifies 10.4 hectares of village vines in Gevrey, and does the vineyard work for just over half of this total; fermented with 30% whole clusters. The wine exudes an intense, perfumed bouquet with fruit aromas and an animal touch. Nice structure. Was $68, now $58

2012 Domaine Faiveley, Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru “Les Porêts Saint-Georges”  $79
Aromas of black cherry, menthol and sweet oak, lifted by top notes of rose petal and violet. A step up in flavor and depth from the foregoing Nuits samples, showing lovely cut and lift to the perfumed flavors of sweet black cherry and menthol. At once chewy and refined, finishing with ripe tannins, attractive salinity and lingering perfume.

Gamay is the grape of Beaujolais and it makes a great go to dinner wine, with Thanksgiving coming up we present our current stocking along with an Oregon version.

2020 Bulliat, Beaujolais Nouveau  $15
The New Nouveau from a quality, organic, Morgon producer is just off the plane.  Organic & Biodynamic

2018 Franck Decrenisse, Coteaux du Lyonnais  $15
Fruity, savory and expressive wines from Gamay vines that are over 60-years-old. Bright youthful aromas of red berries such a cherry and fruit compote continue on the palate with quite some depth.

2018 Dupre, Beaujolais-Villages  $15
Single-vineyard Gamay from vines planted in 1940. The wine has a good concentration full of red fruit and drying tannins.

2018 Domain des Grand Rocs, Juliénas  $15
Cru Village Beaujolais at a very pleasant price.  Medium-bodied cherry and berry fruit layered over a mineral backbone.

2019 Christophe Lapierre, Chénas Domaine de Chênepierre  $18
Super pretty, floral Beaujolais from a producer specializing in old-vine Chénas.  This wine has a “warm” personality that includes fruit and spicy aromas. The palate is full and fleshy, with a great structured.

2015 Stephane Aviron, Morgon Côte du Py  $15
Sourced from the slopes of an 1150-foot inactive volcano that is regarded as one of the top terroirs in all of Beaujolais. Black raspberry, cherry, and violet aromas, along with suggestions of smoky minerals, baking spices and licorice. Concentrated yet lively and precise, offering bitter cherry, blue fruit and floral pastille flavors enlivened by a snap of juicy acidity. Turns sweeter on the long, penetrating, floral-driven finish, where slow-building tannins lend shape and gentle grip.  Was $20 now $15

2018 Domaine de Bel-Air Morgan les Charmes  $20
Some deeper aromas here with darker fruit and mineral notes, leading to a palate that has impressive density and rich dark berries. Long, stony finish. Really rich. Organic.

2018 Bulliat Morgon Nature  $25
No sulphites were added to this wine from Morgon, but it doesn’t show it. It shows just pure rich fruit.  Aromas and flavors of stone fruit, pomegranate, and blueberry.  Silky texture and long finish.  Organic, No Sulphites Added.

2017 Brick House Gamay Noir  $32
Brick House Gamay is obscenely good, adding a forward character to the typical crushed berry core. Hints of incense and cracked pepper add lift. Biodynamic.

The Holidays are here!

We will be open Tuesdays starting next week and continuing till New Years.

And as always, Mark will be here on Thanksgiving Day from Noon-3PM for those last-minute wine emergencies.

Holiday Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Here’s our selection of Nebbiolo from the top two DOCGs in Piedmont.  Some of these wines we have a good supply of, some only a bottle or two.  These wines really develop with age, so it is worth a look at the older vintages.

2017 Villa Rosa, Barbaresco   $20
This young Barbaresco has more secondary notes than a Langhe Nebbiolo, but you have to wait on the fruit to come out.

2014 Covalli, Barolo  $23
Covalli is the second label of Sordo, and most of the juice here is declassified “Cru” fruit. Raised in neutral/very old Slavonian casks, this beauty shows layer after layer of traditional Nebbiolo character.  “Dried strawberries, candied orange peel, cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body, medium-chewy tannins and an acidity-cut finish. Drink now. 91 points.” -James Suckling

2014 Pasquale Pelissero, Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco  $27
A family estate, single-vineyard Barbaresco that comes from an 8-hectare parcel at about 400 meters above sea level and is aged mostly in large botte.  Plum, cherry, licorice and leather notes on a broad frame. Tight and dense, with a lingering, fresh finish.  Was $40 now $27

2015 Casetta, Barbaresco  $32
Since 1725, the Casetta family have been making Barbaresco wine from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the winery’s estate vineyards.   Notes of tanned leather and dried herbs. Full-bodied cherry fruit with a firm grip on the palate from the tannins.

2013 Terre di Bo, Barolo  $35
Extremely full and dry. Notes of red berries, strawberry, cherries, rose, vanilla, tobacco and cinnamon.

2010 Fontafredda, Barolo  $37  500ml
A great deal on an aged Barolo.  Not too heavy, but loaded with black fruit flavor and some tarry notes. Supple and full-bodied with dried herbs.

2015 Fratelli Revello, Barolo  $38
The dark-berry, strawberry and charcoal aromas are impressive. Full bodied and totally integrated with wonderful presence and composure of fruit and tannin balance. Lovely finish. Lingers. — 95pts James Suckling

2011 Bergadano, Barolo Sarmassa  $40
Founded by Enrico Bergadano in 1974, this estate is now managed by son Piercarlo who farms two hectares of vines in Barolo, Monforte and Novello. This is the family’s top wine, with fruit harvested from the celebrated Sarmassa cru. It shows incredible density and elegance with bright aromas of wild berries, white truffle and licorice. The drying tannins are tight and firm.  Was $50 now $40

2014 Bricco Giubellini, Barolo  $42
Bricco Giubellini is the highest vineyard (530 m.) in Monforte d’Alba, renowned village of the Barolo area. And it is also the smallest, with not even one hectare of vines which are organically farmed.  The 2014 is fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated. Bright raspberry, lavender and violet notes unfold effortlessly in a translucent, nuanced, Barolo loaded with personality.

2014 Luigi Pira, Serralunga Barolo  $42
A firm and juicy 2014 with leather, light tar and dark-berry aromas and flavors. Medium body. Fresh finish.  The flavor is persistent and supple with a good balance between tannins and acidity.

2009 Franco Morlino, Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata,  $43
In the glass the Barolo Rocche has a clear bright garnet red color with orange reflections. Intense fruity and wooden bouquet. It has a wide, persistent mellow taste, well-structured, pleasantly sweet, with a balanced tannin aftertaste.  Was $55 now $43

2010 Vinchio-Vaglio Serra, Barolo  $43
A solid Barolo with a bit of age with an intense, extraordinary complex bouquet, with clear notes of violet, goudron and vanilla and a garnet red color with orangish reflections; its taste ample, warm and caressing.

2010 Malvira, Roero Trinita  $45
Not Barolo but seriously delicious.  From 25-35 year old vines in the Trinita and Renesio vineyards planted at 300 meters above sea level.  Aged for 20 months in 450 liter casks. Wine rests in bottle for an additional 12 months prior to release.

2014 Renato Ratti, Barolo Marcenasco  $45
The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. The fruit almost appears to be on the ripe side, yet the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo. In the mouth, Marcenasco is a bit thinner than your average vintage, and it has touches of sour cherry fruit on the close.  91pts Parker.

2008 Sorelle de Niccola, Barolo Reserva Vigna della Serra  $46
2008 is a prime example of traditionally styled Barolo, still brimming with life and loaded with all the earthy goodness that makes Barolo so special. An assortment of age-related “secondary” aromas of leather, sandalwood, and tobacco are starting to creep in and flank the fruit notes of dried black cherry, tiny wild strawberries, red currant, and orange peel. The medium-plus-bodied palate is firm and fine, with mouthwatering “cut” and tremendous aromatic persistence on the finish.

2014 Giovanni Rosso, Serralunga d’Alba Barolo  $48
Deceptively medium in body, the 2014 packs quite a bit of punch, with plenty of Serralunga tannin enshrouding the fruit. Smoke, scorched earth, and licorice add to the wines virile expression of Nebbiolo. There is quite a bit to admire in this overachieving, village-level Barolo.

2015 Massolino, Barolo  $54
Very fresh and attractive Barolo with abundant red cherries and a wealth of sweet, rose-petal aromas, too. The palate has a very plush, fleshy and juicy core of fruit in the red-cherry zone. The tannins are velvety and long. One of the more approachable 2015s.

2010 Cantina del Pino, Barbaresco Albesani  $110  1.5 liters
This single vineyard Barolo from a great vintage is a very different wine with a softer, broader approach in the mouth layered by more spice and dark fruit. The wine’s structure is defined, firm and enduring. The fruit is immediate and inviting.  Drink 2016 to 2028 — 93pts Wine Advocate

2010 Livia Fontana, Barolo Busia Reserva  $70
This Barolo Bussia Riserva has great harmony, strength and full flavor as well as an earthy, mineral-rich character.  The aroma is very intensive with berry notes, and the color is garnet red.  The wine is drinkable immediately, but has fantastic aging potential and will develop well over many years.

2008 Borgogno, Barolo Le Teorie  $80
A special bottling of the 2008 Barolo The le Teorie is from Cannubi, Liste, Fossati and San Pietro delle Viole. After at least four years aging, it is bottled and labelled and is ready to stimulate intellectual reflection. A wine which at table can stimulate discussion of the most refined topics.  6 different labels take your pick or get the set.  The regular bottling of 2008 got 92pts Vinous

And here is one we left off the everyday list on Thursday.

2018 Orsolani, Achini Sparsi  $16
85% Barbara and Nebbiolo, 15% Native Grapes
An easy going wine that is respectful to the local traditions.  good ripeness of the fruit, elegant aromas of black cherry, small red fruits such as currant, floral notes and a light memory of plum jam, austere balsamic notes but integrated in a balanced way with a noble and immediate tannin, pleasantly confused with a final sensation of sweetness.  Organic

Our Fall Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon-6PM

Here’s a list of our current “everyday” Piedmont wines.  Barbaresco and Barolo will have to wait until Saturday.

2018 Corsini Langhe Bianco  $16
Arneis, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
This unique white blend from the Langhe immediately impresses with an engaging array of apple, pear and gooseberry aromas and a bright palate of layered fruit and crisp acidity.  Over delivers.

2017 La Battistina Gavi  $15
100% Estate Grown Cortese
Lively straw color with slight greenish tint. Rich pear and peach flavors complimented by zippy acidity. Well-balanced with weight on the palate and a nutty finish.

2018 C’ Gialla Roero Arneis  $15
More floral than most of the Arneis that you’ll find out there, with that nice hint of almond that we look for in a good Arneis. Hints of white and citrus fruits, notes of savory and freshness. Farmed naturally without the use of herbicides or pesticides.

2019 Malvira Roero Arneis  $15
Lifted and fresh on the nose with notes of white blossoms and snappy fruits. On the palate, the wine gives way to stone fruits and hints of melon before finishing with a zip of refreshing acidity. The finish is clean but long and showcases this classic vintage perfectly.  Was $25, now $15

2017 Corsini Barbera d’Alba  $16
From their estate vineyards Corsini’s Barbera d’Alba is a typical Piedmontese Barbera with fresh cherry fruit and a striking underlying acidity

2019 Viberti Barbera d’ Alba La Gemella  $15
La Gemella was created to honor the winemaker’s mother. This Barbera has expressive floral tones of wild rose, fresh berries and crushed mineral. Full-bodied layers of blueberry, licorice, and earth are perfectly balanced with a vibrancy of acid, silky tannins.

2017 Boschis Francesco Dolcetto Dogliani  $17
A dry and intense Dolcetto delivering wonderfully earthy flavors in addition to the classic red fruit. Dark red berries, iron, smoke and leather all inform the superb finish.

2019 Ca’ del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo  $15
A vibrant, medium-bodied red from Piedmont with no oak contact. This wine features bright cherry along with the earth and tobacco finish of good Nebbiolo. Zingy acidity and granular tannins make this versatile pairing.

2018 Corsini Langhe Nebbiolo  $19
From two different vineyard sites—one is within the Barolo appellation and the other is just outside the appellation limits. This wine has red fruits, pretty florals and spicy aromatics dominate the nose while the palate is well-structured with a nice fruitiness through the middle. The palate has a light hit of blood orange in addition to minerals and a forest floor note.

2016 Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo  $25
A very serious wine at this level, as it has considerable tannic clout underpinning the fruit. Lifted aromatics, finely sculpted red fruits and firm tannins are front and center it packs a good bit of energy and intensity into its mid-weight frame. The Langhe Nebbiolo is a tank of Vie Erte Barbaresco juice given a shorter aging time of five months in tank and five months in cask.

Our Fall Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

And some very nice Cru Wine from the Rhone Valley.

Cru Côtes du Rhône
plus a few whites and some local alternatives.

2016 Les Collegiales, Vacqueyras  $22
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Carrrignan
An earthy Vacqueras with  aromas of ripe fruit, blackcurrant coulis, strawberry jam, spice, and violets. The wine is quite smooth on the palate, with rich tannin and an attractive licorice flavor.

2018 Roucas Toumbs, Vaqueyras La Grande Terre  $25
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre.
Heady fruit, licorice and violet aromas are complicated by allspice and smoky mineral nuances that build steadily in the background. The mouth offers appealingly sweet cherry cola and blueberry flavors that are sharpened and given backbone by a spine of juicy acidity. Plays richness off energy with a steady hand and finishes impressively long and gently tannic.

2016 Les Couventines Gigondas  $28
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Les Couventines is the product of a group of cooperatives in the Southern Rhone that pool their resources under the name Vignerons du Soleil. The Gigondas has a nose of ripe baked cherries with licorice and vanilla undertones. The plate is hedonistically full of jammy black cherries, black berries and raspberries layered with peppercorn, fresh hillside herbs and anise.

2017 Moulin de la Gardette Gigondas Cuvée Tradition  $35
80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault
The Cuvée Tradition is rich and luxurious with soft tannins and a long finish. A nose of herbs, plums and warm rooftops, then a supple almost gamey palate, with hints of aniseed on the finish. A lick of Mediterranean rusticity adds texture and color to the impeccably ripe black fruit.  Organic

2017 Domaine de 3 Cellier Alchimie, Châteauneuf du Pape  $36
74% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 5% Vaccaresse, 5% Counoise
Licorice, black cherry and spice with a hint of smoke on the nose. The wine is medium bodied, forward, fresh sweet and tart, with plenty of spiced, dark red fruits in the finish.

2015 Château Vaudieu Châteauneuf du Pape  $40
80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
Richly layered, with hedonistic fig, boysenberry and raspberry confiture flavors that roll over each other while mouthwatering anise, fruitcake and black tea notes chase from behind. Best from 2020 through 2040.  Was $50 now $40

2015 Domaine De la Biscarelle, Châteauneuf du Pape  $39
The 2015 version is absolutely superb, offering up a nascently complex bouquet of dark berries, balsam bough, pepper, roasted meats, a touch of garrigue, complex soil tones, sweet, soft, strawberries, kirsch and raspberry notes on the nose and palate from the start to the finish.

2016 Mas de Boislauzon, Chaussy-Laget  No.6 Châteaunuef-du-Pape  $40
70% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre
Mas de Boislauzon is managed by Daniel Chaussy and Christine Chaussy, brother and sister are the sixth generation in their family to manage Mas de Boislauzon.  Biodynamic

2016 Bonpas Bonus Passus, Châteauneuf-du-Pape $40
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Delicate aromas of stewed stone fruits, red berries, cherries. Features nuances of stone fruit such as plum and sour cherry combined with notes of light tobacco and spices to lend great complexity to this wine. This ensemble of flavors, with affirmative, well-integrated tannins results in a lengthy finish.

2009 Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape  $140
Made from this estate’s classic blend, it possesses soft tannins as well as a silky, open-knit seductiveness, a dense plum/purple color and a beautiful perfume of smoky Provencal herbs intermixed with grilled steak juices, garrigue, kirsch and blue as well as black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, unctuously textured, and silky smooth (the latter characteristic being somewhat atypical for a young Beaucastel WA 94pts

2012 Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape  $130
The 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape offers a full-bodied, decadent style to go with awesome black and blue fruits, garrigue, licorice, crushed flowers and violets. The purity here is truly something, and it has fabulous mid-palate concentration, building tannin and massive texture. Given all of the fruit and texture here, it will no doubt drink well in its youth, but it should still be alive and kicking after two decades as well.  96pts WA

Rhone Whites

2019 Vignobles Des Doms, Côtes du Rhône Blanc  $13
60% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier
A balanced CDR Blanc has light floral aromas paired with citrus and white peach.  It’s medium body is kept fresh with come fresh acidity.

2018 Domaine de Pentelines, Clara  $22
20% Clairette, 20% Marsanne, 20% Rousanne, 20% Grenache, 20% Ugni Blanc
A Rhone white that rivals many CNDP Blancs.  Savory notes of beer hops, fresh tarragon, and green peaches lift  from the glass. The palate offers a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of apricots, grilled apples, and whipped cream that linger through on the long finish.

2017 Domaine Belle Les Terres Blanches  $21
70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne
Crozes-Hermitage
A bright style, with a wet stone note running under the mix of white peach, verbena and yellow apple fruit flavors. Light honeysuckle and chamomile accents show on the finish. Organic

2016 Domaine Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc  $30
25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 25% Roussanne, 25% Bourboulenc
Nose of exotic fruits and white flowers Mouth marked by its roundness, finesse and its final mineral.   Orange sherbet aromas give way to mixed citrus, but they’re all backed by zesty, briny complexity and fabulous length.

Local Variations

2018 Orr Grenache  $25
The 2018 Grenache was hand-picked and fermented with a touch of Mourvèdre and Syrah and aged in mature French oak. The color is violet ruby and the nose is full of fresh raspberries, pomegranate, plum and black tea. It’s vibrant and lively through to the lifted and mouth-watering finish.

2018 Gilbert Cellars Allobroges  $24
36% Grenache, 37% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre
Very floral with pomegranate and bright tropical fruit notes on the nose. The palate is light to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity in the mid-palate that carries thru to the finish. The tannin is rounded out in the attack with just a slight astringency due to the wine’s youthfulness.  Vegan

2018 Elephant Seven, Yellow Bird Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla  $30
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Aromatics of wild flowers, garrigue, and Asian spices. A dense mid-palate with notes of red fruits, kirsch, orange peel, and cured meats, all complimented nicely with a dusty minerality. Seamless and elegant with a long expressive finish.

Our Fall Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Red Rhone wines are some of the best value and most versatile wine we have in the shop.  Generally, they are made from Grenache blended with number of other red grapes (Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre).  Here is a listing of some of the wines we stock along with a few others from a bit farther south.

2018 Vignobles Des Doms, Côtes de Rhône  $12
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
A great value CDR.  Very fruity and spicy wine (pepper) on the finish; round with good persistence.

2014 Domaine De Cristia, Les Garrigues Cotes du Rhone  $12
100% Grenache
From 50-55 year old vines from a top Côtes du-Rhône vineyard, with red clay and rocky galets soil.  Rich and concentrated, it is more than you would expect from a Côtes-du-Rhône, aged half in cement and half in one to three-year-old barrels for 9 months.  Organic  Was $30 Now $12

2016 Terrs d’Avignon, Côtes du Rhône  $12
48% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 8% Carignan, 6% Cinsault, 3% Mourvèdre.
The Côtes du Rhône Blend Cuvee Kermit Lynch is made by Jean-François Pasturel with a traditional vinification, with only natural yeasts, in temperature-controlled, cement vats.  Aromas of ripe dark fruit (raspberries, blueberries), spicy flavors of licorice and wild herbs -thyme, especially – rocky minerals.

 2017 Fond Croze, Cuvee Confidence Côtes du Rhone  $13
709% Grenache, 30% Syrah
A rustic CDR with notes of forest floor, black fruits, blackberries and cassis followed by peppery notes and leather.

2018 La Montagnette, Côtes du Rhone Villages  $14
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, , 5% Mourvédre, 5% Carrignan
A non-interventionalist CDR. no cultured yeasts, no filtration, no fining, no enzymes, no SO2 on the grapes at harvest (or during the vinification), only a little bit for bottling, just great tasting Rhone wine.

2016 Anne-Sophie Pic & Michel Chapoutier, Côtes-du-Rhône  $14
Grenache and Syrah
A joint project between a famous chef and a famous winemaker.  Very bright & snappy, aromas of red fruits (mainly morello cherries) and spices (liquorice, grey pepper).  The tannins are firm and silky and the wine has a great structure. Was $18, now $14

2017 Domaine De l’Espigouette, Côtes du Rhone Vieilleis Vignes  $15
70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvédre, 5% Carignan, 5% Cinsault
An old vine CDR with aromas of dark cherries, clove and spice. Medium to full-bodied. Balanced, long and classy. Organic

2019 Ferraton, Samorëns Côtes du Rhône  $15
85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault
A little bit meaty, a little bit spicy, a little bit peppery and a lot bit tasty.

2015 Château Cazevieille, Saint Chinian  $15
Syrah, Grenache
On the nose, this wine reveals small, black, fruit and garrigue aromas. It is dense and concentrated on the palate and unveils hints of cocoa and mocha. It has a wonderful structure with smooth tannins and a long, spicy finish.

2017 Mas Carlot, Costieres de Nimes Générations  $11
55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre
Blackberry and cassis on the nose, it’s full-bodied and densely concentrated but bristling too, shaded by mineral, crushed earth and a lingering spray of garrigue. Firm tannins grip the finish.

2014 Michel Gassier, Nostre Pais Rouge, Costières de Nîmes  $15
35% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
One of the bigger, richer versions of this cuvee with terrific notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, roasted herbs and licorice. It has serious mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and present, yet ripe tannins.  Organic.  Was $19 now $15

2018 Domaine de Mougin, Vin de Pays de l’Aude  $12
20% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 30% Merlot, 15% Marselan, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
This bathtub blend is a great value.  Dark berry fruits (black currants, blueberry) with hints of violet& spice.  Full-bodied round wine with lively acidity, dark berry fruit notes & balanced tannins on the finish.

2018 Château Mourgues de Grès, Galets Rouges  $12
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir, 5% Mourvède, 5% Marselan
Galets are the round rocks that characterize the vineyard’s soil bringing out a richness while the Mediterranean Sea nearby allows for a great freshness. Notes of blackcurrant, backed up by perky tannins.

 2016 Domaine de Mayol, Luberon Rouge  $14
Syrah, Grenache, Old-vine Carrignan
Set slightly apart from the Rhône Valley, the Luberon region enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. This red Luberon is smooth and fruity on the palate, hints of ripe berries, such as strawberries and blackberries. The complexity and the power of Syrah and Grenache add a sensual texture and good length.

2018 Grand Caumont, Corbieres  $15
45% Carignan, 40% Syrah, 15% Grenache
Intense & powerful with black berry fruits, violet & pepper aromas. The palate is dominated by dark berry fruit flavors; this wine is well balanced & structured with good length & a lingering finish.

2018 Feline, Lanquedoc Rouge  $15
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
This smooth and silky Languedoc Red is hard not to like.  Lots of red fruit flavors and a spicy finish.

2017 Château des Adouzes, Faugeres Le Tigre  $17
35% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Le Tigre shows cassis and raspberry with hints of pepper and spice on the nose. The palate is structured and smooth with fresh fruit flavors. Nice acidity provides freshness on the finish.

Our Fall Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Sometimes 750ml just isn’t enough.  Here are some of our larger format bottles for that special gift or occasion, or when you just want an extra glass.

One Liter

2018 Torre Gajo Pinot Grigio Della Venezie $11
Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adage. Good body and crisp spicy fruit.

2018 L’Archetipo Litrotto Bianco     $20
Marchione, Verdeca Fiano, Falanghina
Scents of citrus, yellow fruits and aromatic herbs are wrapped in a marine and Mediterranean breath. The taste is fresh and delicate.  Organic/Biodynamic

2019 Licence IV Rosé  $20
80% Grenache, 20% Merlot
The pale salmon hue belies a beckoning bouquet of pink grapefruit and strawberry blossoms. Classic flavors of tangy watermelon and all spice showcase delightful freshness. With a vivacity that features a racy acid profile, this rosé graces the palate with blood orange zest and saline minerality on the finish.

2018 Torre Gajo   $11
Montepulciano
Torre Gajo is produced by a cooperative of growers located in Abruzzo. The wine has aromas of cherry and light spice with a palate of smooth, juicy red fruits and light earthiness on finish.

2017 L’Archetipo Litrotto Rosso  $19
30% Montepulciano, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Primitivo, 10% Susumaniello
The Litrotto spends 36 months in steel tanks. It has a fine and quite intense fruity and mineral nose. This red blend is balanced, quite tannic, fine and quite tasty. Bio-Dynamic

2017 Giá Langhe Rosso  $18
Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
The Giá is an easy going Langhe Rosso in a liter bottle meant for everyday enjoyment. The wine has red fruit and violet aromas with ripened plums and cherries. The palate is fruity, and smooth with a focus on dark red fruits.

Magnums  (1.5 Liter)

2018 Domaine Montrose Côtes de Thongue Rosé  $25
65% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Montrose is located in the Languedoc region of Southern France, 15 km away from the Mediterranean coast. Red berries and peach flavors with spicy overtones. Elegant wine combining roundness and freshness.

2019 Rezabal Txakoli Rezabal Rosé  $30
Hondarrabi Belza
This vivacious rose from the Basque region in northern Spain has lip-smacking acidity, wild strawberry, sea salt and fresh grapefruit impressions that make for a delicious thirst quencher.

2015 Bousquet Malbec $20
A big bottle of big wine, punchy and grapy on the nose, this bright Malbec feels edgy. Flavors of spicy black cherry and kirsch finish solidly, with a hint of chocolate flavor.  Organic

2005 Sant’Elena Venezia Giulia  $30
Cabernet Sauvignon
A savory style Cabernet with a bit of age on it.  Red currant and berry fruit with notes of fresh earth and dried tobacco spice with some tannins still on the finish.  Drinking great.

2009 Tenuta Rapitalà Hugonis  $65
50% Cabernet, 50% Nero d’Avola
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d’Avola, this offers notes of rich chocolate fudge, cherry, blackberry, spice and tobacco. It offers firm but velvety tannins, with a long, fresh endnote of ripe berry fruit.

2014 Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner  $60
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
This delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend comes from several prized estate and hillside vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. At first swirl, the wine displays aromas of blueberry, vanilla and cherries. Several more minutes reveal hints of clove, cinnamon, black licorice and mocha characters. The palate has dark berry flavors along with cedar sweetness and cassis. It finishes with black pepper, boysenberry and a hint of barrel spice. Good acidity will help this wine to age beautifully for years to come.  Was $95 now $60

2016 Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  $130
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is ultra-concentrated with dense black fruit, anise, roasted coffee, ripe blueberries, cedar box and graphite. A fresh and focused wine with creamy texture and a long, luscious mouth feel with dusty earth, baking spices, sweet vanilla and fresh fig notes.

Jeroboam (5 Liters, i.e. 6.66 bottles)

2013 San Felice Chianti Classico  $140
80% Sangiovese, 10% Pugnitello, 10% Colorino
Aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and sweet violets,  Dry and medium-bodied, it is smooth, rounded, and well-balanced with a savory palate.  Get the Party started right.

Our Fall Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM