Archive for Mark

Piedmont Selections

We love Piedmontese wines.  Here is a sampling of our current selections.

2017 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 with a lively straw color with slight greenish tint. Its rich pear and peach flavors are complimented by zippy acidity. Well-balanced with weight on the palate and a nutty finish.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2019 Viberti La Gemella Rosata  $15
100% Nebbiolo
Meaning “twin,” La Gemella was created to honor the winemaker’s mother, Maria, who is a twin herself. Expressive floral tones of wild rose, fresh berries and crushed mineral. The La Gemella is crisp and dry, extremely balanced with notes of sweet berries and zingy grapefruit.  12% alcohol by volume

2016 Corsini Langhe Rosso Matot  $13
60% Dolcetto, 30% Barbera, 10% Nebbiolo
The Rosso Matot is Piedmonte in a glass. Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo harmoniously blend together to result in a rustic wine that offers notes of bark, earth, currants and tobacco. Fresh acidity with a component of dill joining on the finish.

2016 Araldica Barbera d’Asti  $10
Aromas of dark-skinned berry, forest floor and clove are followed by a straightforward palate that offers plum, licorice and white pepper alongside soft tannins.

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

2018 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto D’Alba  $16
Red fruits, sour cherry, violet and hay: an aromatic range that reminds of summer walks in the mountains… and exciting vinosity that reigns in the cellar in September. Soft, open in the mouth and balanced, it has delicate tannins accompanied by fresh acidity.

2016 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.

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.

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.  Decant this one.  Was $40 now $27

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

2013 Rocca Giovanni Barolo  $35
Nebbiolo
Red berry, violet and baking spice are some of the aromas you’ll find on this elegant, balanced red. Savory and smooth, the silky palate doles out red cherry, strawberry compote, cinnamon and star anise, all framed by polished tannins and bright acidity. Was $50, now $35

Our Current Shop Hours

Wednesday – Sunday
Noon – 4PM

Rosé Rolling In

It’s a big Weekend. The Solstice is neigh,  Father’s Day is here, And they are running the Belmont Stakes this Saturday before the Kentucky Derby which will now be in September.   2020 has had some unexpected twists.  But one thing is certain.  You need some Rosé!  We got you.  Here are some of our new arrivals.

2018 Saget La Petite Perriere Rosé  $10
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful pale salmon shade. Easy going, fresh and clean with a soft, silky texture. Notes of raspberries, strawberries, red currants and violets. Made in a round, refreshing style that will be perfect for any summer setting.  12.5% alcohol by volume  Was $12  Now $10

2018 Âme du Vin Provence Rosé  $11
70% Grenache, 30% Cinsault
Âme du Vin (pronounced Ahm-du-VAHN) “Soul of Wine” embodies the sun-drenched beauty of Côtes de Provence with distinctive elegance. Expressive notes of fresh apricot, citrus and jasmine flower delight the senses, yielding an exceptional rosé with balance and length.  13% alcohol by volume
Was $15, now $11

2019 Trasiego Quartz Rosé  $11
100% Pinot Noir
A Chilian Rosé from the Leyda Valley,  where the cool ocean breezes keeps the grapes crisp and fresh. Fresh peachy aromas with citrus and red fruit flavors.  13% alcohol by volume

2019 Campuget Tradition Rosé  $11
70% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir
Always an easy go to, the Camuget has a light and fresh pink color. This has a particularly fruity taste of raspberries and strawberries, typical of the Campuget style, with good and refreshing acidity.  13% alcohol by volume

2019 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé  $13
67% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre
Soft, delicate pink. Subtle hints of peach, rose petal and pepper on the nose. Dry and complex, with intriguing notes of raspberries, fresh cherry, black olive, and fennel.  A great Rosé to enjoy on its own or with a wide range of appetizers, fish, poultry dishes and vegetarian fare.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2019 Domaine Poli Ile de Beaité Rosé  $15
Niellucciu
This Niellulcciu Rosé—from the Ile de Beauté IGP—is lovely and delicious. Herbal scents including thyme and lavender link up with white peach and pink grapefruit on a luscious and refreshingly juicy palate, leading to a long finish replete with reprises of the high-toned and pungent herbal essences.  This wine is bright and pleasing. Enjoy its aromas and flavors of earth and raspberries.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2019 Holloran Oregon Rosé  $16
100% Pinot Noir
Pretty strawberry aromas mix with bright raspberry notes on the nose, followed by a soft floral impression. The palate offers pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon and a hint of sour cherry, leading to a crisp, dry pure fruit finish.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2019 G. D. Vajra Rosa Bella Rosé  $17
Nebbiolo 90%, Barbera 10%
The 2018 Rosabella Rosato is a delicate and translucent wine, with a pale rose hue in the glass. Nose is floral, rich, with rose petals, raspberry, fresh strawberry and strawberry blossoms, cherry stone and a very distinctive signature of Nebbiolo. In the mouth, it discloses a lovely balance and texture, with aromatics of oriental citrus, strawberry, raspberry, orange blossoms and a hint of incense. It finishes long, soft and fruity.  12% alcohol by volume

2018 Domaine Pélaquié Tavel  Rive Droite Rosé  $18
60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Cinsault
Smooth, generous and fruity, with an amber-shaded color of incredible intensity.

2019 Sparkman Cellars This Old Porch Rosé  $22
TOP is bone dry, full of flowers and luscious red fruit flavors. It’s not from Provence, but is kinda intended to drink like it is.

2019 Moulin de la Roqu Les Hauts du Vallon Bandol Rosé  $22
52% Mourvedre, 22% Grenache, 26% Cinsault
Attractively structured with a layer of tannins from the Mourvèdre, this wine has bite as well as red-berry acidity. Richness gives the wine weight and makes it an ideal partner at the table.

2018 Domaine Gueneau Sancere Rosé Chavignolet  $25
100% Pinot Noir
This wine offers aromas of pear, apple, and red berries. On the palate, it is very soft and round, with a good minerality and aromas of wild red fruits and nice sweet notes.  13% alcohol by volume

And the 2019 Tranche Rosé is arriving this week as well!

Shop Hours

Wednesday to Sunday

Noon to 4PM

Some Fortified Favorites

When one thinks of fortified wines Port jumps to mind, but there are some other complex and delicious examples that often get overlooked.  Here are few from our shelves.

Ostinato, Marsala Secco  $13
Aged for more than two years in botti, without temperature control or topping up.  While fortified, the base wines were ‘alto grado’ (high grade), meaning they were harvested from later harvest, riper grapes.  The result is a young Marsala of high ‘vinous character’ and more complex flavors than is typical of the genre.  17% alcohol by volume 500ml

Ostinato, Marsala Dolce  $13
A sweet Marsala that is delicious, balanced and refined. It resonates with deep vinous character and is produced according to traditional methods that are now rarely seen in the appellation,  Very complex for the money.  17% alcohol by volume  500 ml

Belem, Madeira Meio Seco  $14
100% Tinta Negra
Aged for a minimum of three years in old oak casks, Belém’s Madeira – Meio Seco is ‘medium-dry’ and, at 17% abv, is notable for its vinous character and concentration. It is delicious as an aperitif or in cocktails, and it especially excels in the cook’s arsenal, ready to be deployed in marinades, glazes and reductions; for seafood, poultry or game — all while you enjoy a pre-prandial glass.   500ml

Mas Blanc, Hors d’ Age Banyuls  $24
Made from old-vine Grenache noir aged in demi-muid. The wine is a blend of three vintages with reserve wine from the previous blend of vintages in a roughly 2/3 to 1/3 proportion.  Balanced, poised and energetic, the specified vintages lend vibrancy and exuberance; with reserve wine depth and complexity. 17.5% alcohol by volume 375ml

Our Hours

Wednesday to Sunday

Noon to 4PM

Stained Savings

Wine comes in glass bottles and every so often one of those bottles breaks spreading it contents across the other bottles in a box.  If you have a warehouse full of wine these stained labels eventually stack up.  One of our suppliers had such a pile and they offered the wine to us at discount.  Realizing that you don’t drink the label, we went for it.  Here they are, limited quantities but good values..  First come, first served.

2016 Chateau Ducasse, Bordeaux Blanc  $10    SOLD OUT
60% Sémillon, 5% Muscadelle, 35% Sauvignon Blanc
The Semillon heavy Bordeaux blend is streaked with vibrant minerals, and has a juicy roundness.  Was $17 Now $10  Ten bottles available

2017 Averaen, Willamette Valley  $15     SOLD OUT
Pinot Noir
An Oregon project by 3 California winemakers.  The Averaen displays abundant berry and floral character, with vibrant spice accents adding verve. Seamless in texture and appealingly sweet, the 2017 finishes with impressive, juicy persistence and resonating florality. This is textbook Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at a great price. Now better. Was $20 now $15  Eight bottles available

2012 Luc Massy, St-Saphorin Baillival  $20       3 BOTTLES LEFT
Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Originating entirely of the beautiful plots of Saint-Saphorin, this Swiss Red has aromas of fruit and red berries. The nose is fruity, the texture velvety and intensive; freshness and the licorice bouquet finish the drinking experience.  12.5% alcohol by volume.  Was $35 now $20  Twelve bottles available.

2013 Alexakis, Kotsifali-Syrah  $10     SOLD OUT
A one-of-a-kind blend, the indigenous red variety of Crete Kotsifali and Syrah. The bouquet is complex with memories of berries and hints of green pepper. The mouth is characterized by well-structured intense velvety taste, perfectly balanced acidity and long finish.  Was $17 now $10  Seven bottles available

2012 Skouras, St George Aghiorghitiko  $10     SOLD OUT
This Aghiorghitko has a bit of age but is still showing well.  Aromas of blackberries, black raspberries and ripe strawberries with just a touch of anise and spices such as clove and cinnamon. It is a medium bodied wine with graceful texture, balanced acidity and very ripe elegant tannins. The finish is moderately long, full of red fruits with a touch of sweet vanilla and black pepper.  Was $18 now $10  Fourteen bottles available

2017 Domaine de Verquière, Côtes-du-Rhône  $10     SOLD OUT
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
This Côtes-du-Rhône is grown on chalky clay soils with loads of large pebbles in the vineyards.  The wine has notes of jammy dark fruit (cherry) and spices (pepper, licorice). Full bodied wine balanced by very mellow tannins.  Organic.  Was $14 now $10  Fifteen bottles available

2016 Mas Las Cabes Cotes du Roussillon  $10     SOLD OUT
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, Carrignan
Black raspberries, cassis, leafy herbs and hints of white pepper give way to a medium to full-bodied, supple, impressively concentrated Syrah that’s going to drink nicely for at least 4-5 years.  Was $14 now $10  Thirteen bottles available

2015 Underground Wine Project, Devil’s Playground $20     SOLD OUT
Cabernet Sauvignon
A collaboration between Mark Ryan Winery and Sleight of Hand Cellars, Devil’s Playground is big and bold, and has full bodied, chewy tannins, while still retaining a silky smoothness. A hedonistic, pure pleasure style with 100% new oak & 24 months aging. Was $30 now $20  Eleven bottles available

2015 Underground Wine Project, Idle Hands  $20     SOLD OUT
90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
A big Red Mountain Syrah, the Idle Hands has ripe notes of Bing cherries, cola, and raspberry liqueur intermix nicely with subtle notes of vanilla from barrel aging. The wine is full bodied and lush in texture, with more red fruits and the classic peppery spicy, note. Was $33 Now $20  Seven bottles available

2014 Delille Cellars, D2  $40     SOLD OUT
58% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon,  5% Cabernet Franc,  1% Petit Verdot
Here’s a chance to get some D2 with some age on it. There is a proliferation of red and black fruits on the nose and palate, including blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, pomegranates, black cherries and marionberries. Wrapped around these fruit characters is a presence of mint chocolate, black olive, cedar, toasty oak and vanilla.  With bright acidity and good structure, this wine is extremely well built and offers a dollop of red fruit flavors in its lengthy finish.  Was $45 Now $40  Seven bottles available.

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Sunday

Noon to 4PM

While the Paella Simmers:

Saturday Night in Spain

It’s the weekend. Treat yourself to something special.  Maybe an exotic wine from the Canary Islands, or perhaps a classic Tempranillo blend from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.  Something to sip while the Paella simmers.

2015 Bodegas Monje Traditcional  $20
Listan Negro, Listan Blanco,  Negramoll
From Volcanic vineyards in the Canary Islands this wine smells of truffle, blackberry, minerals and other much more indefinable elements so characteristics of its varietal origin. It is a gutsy wine to drink, full of character and zest whit a slightly bitter finish that gives it a classy, original touch. Was $28 now $20

2015 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva  $20
80% Temprinillo, 12% Graciono, 6% Mazuelo, 2% Garnacha
Estate fruit, 18 months in American oak. Ripe-blackberry, licorice, smoke and bourbon notes.  Stained labels, better price!  Was $28 now $20

2009 Abadia Retuerta Ribera del Duero  $24
70% Tempranillo, 17% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon
From the neighbor of Vega Sicilia. This red shows density and structure, with firm, well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity supporting plum, currant, dark chocolate and mineral flavors. Polished and harmonious.  Stained labels, better price!  Was $30 now $24

2007 Lopez d’ Heredia Tondonia Rioja Reserva  $44
75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazeulo
A remarkable red from a Rioja icon, López de Heredia. There’s no concession to modernity, with fermentation in 140-year-old wooden vats plus six years’ ageing in oak casks, the rest in bottle.  Spices, leather, cherries, balsamic and cigar box. Very complex spice and berry fruit, with a long savory finish.

Our current chaos hours are:
Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 4PM

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Spain

The range in Spain is anything but plain.

Whether it is watching a rerun of My Fair Lady or just relaxing after a long day of demonstrations, a glass of Spanish wine can be the trick. Here is a selection from the crisp and fresh to the rich and bold. Pick one to suit your mood.

2017 Bodegas Ontanon Akemi Rioja Blanco $15
Viura
A collaboration between Michelin starred Kiro Sushi Restaurant and Onaton. It is a very dry version of Viura with lots of Asian pear flavors and saline note. What a surprise — this would go great with sushi! 12.5% alcohol by volume

2018 O Fillo de Condesa, Albariño $11
Made from 100% Albariño grapes from in Galicia for centuries. Bright yellow color, good structure in the mouth, well-integrated acidity with aromatic intensity and hints of floral.

2016 Getariako, Txakolina Inazio Urruzola $13
80% Hondarribi Zuri, 15% Chardonnay, 5% Petit Corvou
A dry light Txakolina with apple and lemon peel notes. 11% alcohol by volume

2018 Rezabal, Txakoli Rosé $15
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. 10.5% alcohol by volume 1.5 liter bottle $30

2018 Larchago, Rosado $12
This wine stands out for its great aromatic richness from the characteristic varietal Tempranillo. The aromas are dominated by notes of strawberry and raspberry. The palate is very involving with flavors of strawberry still long and persistent. It is a very nice pink drink with lots of flavor and vinosity. Was $15 Now $12

2015 Camino de Cabras, Valdeorras $10
100% Mencia
Plum, currant, wood grain, vanilla and baking spice aromas are fitting for a lighter-bodied Mencía like this. On the palate, things run lean and pulling, with tight rubbery tannins. Minerally red fruit flavors are juicy, while this is firm and drawing on the finish.

2016 Beronia, Rioja Crianza $13
91% Tempranillo,8% Garnacha, 1% Mazeulo
Beronia’s Crianza is aged for 12 months in mixed oak barrels and one year in bottle. The wine has aromas of tobacco, vanilla and dark fruit flavors, smooth tannins with a spicy toasted finish.

2017 Juan Gil, Monastrell    $15
From the Gil Estate in Jumilla, these old vineyards’ chalky and stony soils with poor nutrients are ideal for the growing of the Monastrell. This big shouldered old vine Monastrell sees 12 months in French oak barrels. It is rich without being jammy, structured, without being too tannic. Aromas of ripe currant, red berries, and smoked note, with a huge mouthful of créme-de-cassis concentration.

Global Unrest Hours
Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 4PM

It place orders, email info@madronawinemerchants.com, call us at 206-860-6017, or just drop by the front door of shop and ring the bill on the rolling cart blocking the door.

Break Out Something Different

It’s the weekend!  Treat yourself to something a bit different from the everyday. Break out of the routine and try one of these captivating wine.

2017 CastRoValdES,Sin PalaBRAS  $18
Albarino
An Upper Case Albareno from Rais Baixais from 75-year-old vines.  Classic Albariño aromas of sea brine, tropical fruits, lees and dust precede a minerally lemony palate with tangy flavors of lemon, lime and gooseberry. This is a fresh clean example with a long stony citrusy finish.  13% alcohol by volume

2014 Maciarelli Marina Cvetic  $20
Trebbiano Reserva
This Trebbiano explodes with ripe, concentrated stone and orchard fruit complemented with floral and spice notes. It is a distinct wine with a big personality, but remarkable refinement and complexity alongside.  Who said Trebbiano doesn’t age well? Was $35  Now $20

2016 Domaine Berthet-Bondet Côtes de Jura  Trio  $25
Trousseau, Poulsard, Pinot Noir
A fine Jura red,  primary aromas and flavors included strawberry, red cherry, tomato leaf, tea, tarragon, juniper, and rhubarb. Tertiary notes included dusty trail and cherry compote.  Organic.  12% alcohol by volume

2013 Valenti, Norma Etna Rosso  $20
Nerello Mascalese
Aromas of ripe woodland berry, baking spice, crushed blue flower and a balsamic note. The juicy palate offers ripe dark cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and white pepper alongside firm tannins and fresh acidity. The mineral driven finish closes on an anise note.

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

Current Operating Hours

Wednesday to Sunday

Noon to 4PM

Sorry for the inconvenience

Lighter Summer Reds

As the weather gets warmer we start thinking of lighter red wines with fresh acidity.  Here are a few of our favorites.  You can even put a slight chill on these for a sunny afternoon.

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.

2018 Contini, Tonaghe Cannonau di Sardegna  $13
90% Cannonau, 10% other local red grapes
Cannonau, the islands version of Grenache, was brought to Sardegna by the Spanish. The Tonaghe is produced from vineyards in Ogliastra, Oliena and from the Sinis peninsula. It has aromas of ripe plums and blackberries. The palate has lovely grippy tannins; warm and full-bodied with blackberry notes and juicy, ripe plum flavor.

2017 Cesar, Langa Frenesi  $13
35% Shiraz, 35% Garnacha, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
The Langa family owns more than 70 hectares of vineyards spread over two Biodynamic farmed estates. The Frenesi has a very minerally aroma with spicy notes such as clove, cinnamon, pepper and vanilla. It has s ripe, even jam-like black fruit, beautiful tannins, a silky and round, muscular body.  Organic

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

2018 Tenuta Maiano, Brusco Toscano $16
Sangiovese
This  bright, and energetic wine displays aromas of fresh cherry, strawberry, balsamico and herbs. On the palate, Brusco has a lively acidity with vibrant tannins that perfectly frame the wonderful concentration of fruit flavors.  Organic

2018 Serafini & Vidotto Pinot Nero  $12
From rocky mineral rich soil sin Veneto this Pinot Noir has fruity and floral notes of ripe raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries, hints of violet and aromatic herbs and sweet tobacco. The flavor is mellow and warm with sweet tannins.  It finishes with notes of cassis and sweet tobacco nuances.  Was $24 now $12

2018 Domaine Dupeuble, Beaujolais  $15
Gamay Noir
Imported by Kermit Lynch, the entry Dupeuble has attractive, bright strawberry and wild-raspberry aromas here with a gently savory edge. Smells very fresh. The palate has a super smooth and open-knit delivery of ripe blueberry and strawberry flavors.

Current Hours:

Wednesday through Sunday

Noon to 4PM

Saturday Night French

Thursday we emailed about some everyday French wines, but sometimes you need something a bit better for a special evening or just Memorial Day Weekend.  Here’s a few suggestions from our shelves.
 
2015 Henri Bourgeois la Bourgeoise Sancere  $38
This top quality Sancere is produced from old vines on the Bourgeois estate, this is a concentrated, rich wine.  Exotic fruit and citrus aromas; subtle yet powerful. Its persistence and harmony find their origin in the exposition and quality of the terroir.  Delicate nose with aromas of white flesh fruits and citrus, this Sancerre is highlighted by its typicity.
 
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 Les Collegiales Vacqueyras  $22
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan
An earthy Vacqueyras 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.
 
2012 Les Fiefs de Lagrange Saint Julien  $55
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot
The Second Label of the 3rd Growth Lagrange.  The 2012 is developed and ready to go now.  Good depth of firm Cabernet fruit, good clarity and natural tannins, very good second wine
 
2017 Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage  $25
Syrah
The 2016 Crozes Hermitage Les Pierrelles comes from sandy, pebbly soils and spent 14 months in 2- to 5-year-old barrels. Saturated purple/ruby-colored, with beautiful notes of blackberries, pepper, ground herbs, and hints of minerality, it hits the palate with a rounded, supple, elegant texture that carries terrific depth and richness. It’s beautiful Crozes that will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer.

French Favorites

just some of many

While these days we can’t pour you a taste of these great everyday wines from France, we can tell you a bit about them.  Even with the current 25% tariff hitting most of them they still keep the price down.

J. Laurens Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé  $15
60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin, 15% Pinot Noir
The Brut rosé has a gentle yeastiness accompanying its effusive effervescence, but the real story is its rich, tangy, full-in-the-mouth, appealing fruit.

2018 Domaine de la Denante Macon Verze  $18
Chardonnay
The soil in Verzé produces a wine with more tension.  This wine is harder, but still with a nice richness, full of ripe apple and crisp pear flavors. Its acidity comes with citrus and kiwi fruit.

2018 Kuentz Bas Alsace Blanc  $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
This traditional blend has notes of very ripe pear aromas. The palate shows crisp acidity to aid the spicy pear fruit. It is bone dry with smoky, yet bright flavors.

2019 Château Morgues du Grès, Galets Rosé  $12
50% Grenahce Noir, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Galets are the round rocks that make up the vineyard’s soil bringing out a richness while the nearby  Mediterranean Sea adds a great freshness. Strawberry and pit fruit aromas are spiced up by peppery notes.

2016 Château Argadens Bordeaux Superieur  $17
63% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
The complex and expressive bouquet is a harmonious mixture of dark red fruits aromas and very elegant oaky notes. It is a crisp and sappy wine which offers sweetness and richness on the palate.

2015 Charles Helfenbein La Syrah  $15
From the Northern Rhone, the La Syrah has an opulent nose of plum, bacon live and fig to the incredible array of flavor. It is an old-world full bodied Syrah with supple tannins layered underneath ripe round red fruit notes, and subtle hints of terroir throughout that linger on the finish.

Just a reminder — our pandemic hours are Wednesday through Sunday from Noon until 4PM. Email us (info@madronawinemerchants.com), call us during open hours (206-860-6017), or just come up to the door to place your orders.