Rich Burton has been very busy.  From the headquarters of Locus Wines, located down on Madrona Drive, he has coordinated all the picking, crushing, fermenting, aging, blending, and bottling that it takes to get a wine to our shop and ready for a glass.  This Saturday Rich will be with us, showing off several of his new creations.  Come join us and see the results. 
 
2018 Modo White $13
60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
The Semillon comes from the Dineen Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills.  The Sauvignon Blanc comes from Naches Heights.  The wine has grassy aromas along with papaya and grapefruit.  The mineral palate is full of Meyer lemon and pineapple.
 
2018 Locus Rosé $13
42% Grenache, 31% Mourvèdre, 27% Cinsault
From 7 Mile Vineyard in the Rattlesnake hills, this crisp Washington rosé has aromas of white peach, lavender and Mandarin rrange.  The fruit notes carry through on the palate along with herbal nuance.  It is an easy spring sipper.  Don’t wait for Summer!
 
2016 Modo Red $13
38% Cinsault, 21% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 14% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
This kitchen sink blend from seven different vineyards is an easy matchup for most things in the kitchen pizza, burgers, chicken wings, left over pot roast or just Fritos and ranch dressing dip.
 
2015 Locus Red $21
58% Syrah, 23% Cinsault, 11% Mourvèdre, 8% Grenache
The anchor grape in this Syrah heavy red comes from Conley and Strand vineyards in the Naches Heights AVA, blended some from Gamache vineyard.  The rest of the blend comes from 7 Mile Vineyard.  Rhone inspired, the Locus red has aromas of cedar, plum and eucalyptus.  The palate is full of violet notes, plum, tea, and coffee.  The finish is smooth and layered.
 
2016 Locus Sagemoor Barbera, Columbia Valley $35
A departure from their predominately French focus, with the Sagemoor Barbera Locus turns their thoughts to Italy while keeping their eyes on Washington fruit.  On the nose: the wine shows notes of carnations, dried strawberry, anise, peppercorn.  The palate is packed with cherries, tobacco, green pepper.

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.

It maybe grey, but Madrona is a much better place to be this weekend than most of the rest of the country.  And there are many tasty things to try at the shop this weekend so don’t miss it.

Saturday we are featuring our favorite organic single cultivar Olive Oil, along with 5 wines from Veneto, Campania, Molise and Tuscany
Le Manzane, Prosecco Superiore DOCG. $19.
Cantine Federiciane,  Gragnano  $19
2012 Tombacco, Biferno Rosso Riserva  $14
2016 Tombacco, Aglianico del Beneventano  $14
2012 Tenuta San Vito, Madiere  $30

Sunday we are Sipping Ciders, specifically the cider region of Normandy with three very representative dry ciders.
Manoir du Parc Brut Cider  $8
A very crisp Normandy Cider made from 10 varietals of apples that are grown specifically for Cider. Good complexity and yeasty notes for a small price. 5% alcohol by volume
Manoir du Parc Poire  $8
A light-bodied pear cider with aromas of ripe pears and clean, refreshing flavor. 3% alcohol by volume
Manoir du Parc Rosé Cider  $8
This Rosé cider from Normandy is made with pink fleshed apples and is delicious by itself or with that weekend breakfast. 3% alcohol by volume

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.

This Saturday we are traveling the length of Italy from the north in Veneto to Campania in the south and several stops in between.  We’ll also be dipping into our favorite organic olive oil.  It’s a tasty traverse. Come along.
 
Le Manzane, Conegliano/Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. $19.
Glera
Le Manzane is in the Morainic hills of Prealpi Trevigiane beteween Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, between 200 and 300 meters above sea level. The grapes are hand harvested.  They undergo temperature-controlled fermentation on lees for 3 months giving it texture and structure.  This cut above Prosecco received Two Becchiere from Gambero Rosso.  It has a fine perlage, delicate fruity aroma with hints of bread crust, with floral nuance.
 
Cantine Federiciane,  Gragnano  $19
Aglianico, Piedirosso, Sciascinoso
A deep sparkling red from Campania! Gragnano is gently frizzante (sparkling), low in alcohol, perfumed of violets, with a distinct taste of grapes and nuances of berries. It has a slightly sweet vein balanced by savory & bitter notes. The wine has notes of blackberry, plum, cherry, and a note of bitter lemon on the finish.  11% alcohol by volume 
 
2012 Tombacco, Biferno Rosso Riserva  $14
80% Montepulciano, 20% Aglianico
Biferno is a tiny appellation in the center-south of Italy in Molise.  The Riserva has appreciated after time spent aging in both barrel and bottle and the result is an aromatic and seductive wine with cherry and floral lift, but a deep, plum and licorice richness of fruit and silky texture, the tannins mellowed into a gentle, rounded wine.  Let it sit in the glass a few minutes (or decant) before drinking
 
2016 Tombacco, Aglianico del Beneventano  $14
From Campania in in Southern Italy, Tombacco’s Aglianico is big, rich, warming and smooth. Hints of cherry and red berries, with a marked vanilla and spicy note lead into an excellent mouth feel, elegant and warm, sapid and full bodied with some spice on the long finish.
 
2012 Tenuta San Vito, Madiere  $30
60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Tenuta San Vito in picturesque Tuscany is set amongst groves of olive trees and the vineyards which they tend organically. The Madiere expresses rich, lingering aromas of wild, red berries and spice, harmoniously-balanced on the palate with flavors of strawberries, cherries and black currants. The wine has a round texture, a full body and velvety tannins.  Organic
 
Petrizzelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil  $18
The Petrizzelli is made exclusively from the Coratina Olive, a very small, low-yielding varietal that rewards those who have the patience to work with it. Organic

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.

April showers have arrived in Madrona.  The sky is pretty grey, but that’s Spring in Seattle.  The trees are budding and the peas are up in the garden.  It’s time to drink a little wine.  So grab that slicker and slide on in to the wine shop.  We are pouring Spring Specials all weekend and they are deals you won’t want to miss.

Saturday:
2016 Meadowcroft, Louvau Viognier  $15
Was $30 now $15
2015 Chateau Cazal Viel, Saint Chinian Vielles Vignes  $15
Was $17 now $15
2012 Tionio, Ribera del Duero  $15
Tempranillo
Was $25 now $15
2008 Quinta Seara d’ Ordens, Reverva  $15
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz
Was $21 now $15
2015 Les Terrasses,  Châteauneuf du Pape  $30
Was $35 now $30
 
Sunday we are at it again with a Côte du Rhone White and a Provence Rosé. Perfect for Spring.
2016 Domaine Montmartel Côte du Rhone Blanc     $10
75% Viognier, 15% Roussane, 10% Clairette
The Montmartel glows with a golden pear color. The nose is very complex with aromas of grapefruit citrus, honeysuckle, pear, and orange blossom. The palate is lively and bright with pear, apricot, anise, pineapple, and a delightful mineral texture. Organic. 
Was $12 now $10
2017 Fabre en Provence Rose    $12
45% Black Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 25% Syrah
Vibrant pink, with a slight silver rim in the glass. Aromas of violets rose water, crushed graphite, sea salt, pine and peach. Bright, racy and juicy, with a pleasing, lush mid-palate and a touch of raspberry and sea salt at the finish. 
Was $15 now $12

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.

This Spring has been a good season for deals from our distributors, and this weekend we’ll be opening a number of them for you try.  It is a diverse bunch from California, the Languedoc, northern Spain, Portugal, and the pinnacle of the Rhone – Châteauneuf du Pape.  Is it deal or no deal?  You decide for yourself.
 
2016 Meadowcroft, Louvau Viognier  $15
Morning fog from the Pacific Ocean tempers the warm summer days giving the Louvau Vineyard a great balance of maritime and inland climates.  The 2017 Louvau Viognier is aromatic and expressive with complex layers of vanilla bean and expressive honeysuckle blossom aromas play into a rich and creamy palate with ripe apricot and white peach finishing with lively acidity.
Was $30 now $15
 
2015 Château Cazal Viel, Saint Chinian Vielles Vignes  $15
Produced from hand-selected old-vines on the estate, this is a classic blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. The nose is intense and spicy with hints of black pepper and cloves. On the palate, this wine is round and full-bodied, showing a very fine balance between tannins and oak.
Was $17 now $15
 
2012 Tionio, Ribera del Duero  $15
Tempranillo
The Tionio has complex aroma with hints of red and dark fruits. It is a complex wine with different aromatic layers. In the mouth present a good structure, with volume, and good persistence. It is a wine characterized by its good balance between tannin and acidity.
Was $25 now $15
 
2008 Quinta Seara d’ Ordens, Reverva  $15
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz
A big, deep Portuguese Red that has been smoothed out by a few years in bottle is really drinking well now.
Was $21 now $15
 
2015 Les Terrasses,  Chateauneuf du Pape  $30
A negociant,  under the radar, CNDP that makes up in price what it lacks in pedigree.  Aromas of dark cherry, licorice, orange peel and spice notes.  The acidity is bright and fresh with more cherry, cinnamon and orange marmalade on the palate, land smoky tannins on the finish. 
Was $35 now $30

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.

Spring is in the air this weekend in Madrona, so spring to it and stroll on down to Madrona Wine and taste the weekend offerings.   We’ll be pouring five flavorful wines from France on Saturday. Sunday we’ll be sipping some savory new wines from South Africa.

Saturday:
2016 Château Martinot,  Entre-Deux-Mers   $13
80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon
2017 Château Rivière, Rosé   $12
Syrah & Grenache
2015 Domaine Les Espérières, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge  $13
70% Grenache,  30% Syrah
2015 Les Couventines, Gigondas  $26
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
2014 Château Lalande de Gravelong, Médoc  $17
75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc

Sunday we have two new wines from a new South African winery, Lubanzi
2017 Lubanzi Chenin Blanc  $15
100% Chenin Blanc
The nose brings tropical and stone fruits first, eliciting thoughts of tangerine and lychee. The palate is round and fleshy, pushing forward lychee again, along with white peach, apricot and green apple, all carried by a touch of elevated acidity. There is brightness and a hint of freshly baked bread throughout.
2016 Lubanzi Blend  $15
58% Shiraz, 30% Cinsault, 3% Mourvédre, 3% Grenache
The wine is a lush, dark ruby color. The nose suggests equal parts fruit, savory, and spice, eliciting thoughts of plum, liquorice and a touch of ground coffee. The palate shows dark fruits at first, before giving way to lighter red fruits, such as strawberry and raspberry. Finishes with a touch of spice and raw earth. Slight tannins, countered by an elevated acidity.

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.

Stop by on Saturday and taste through a line up on new French wines that have arrived at the shop.  We have a couple Bordeaux, a couple Rhones and a southern French Rosé that are all excellent values.  Take a break and come join us.
 
2016 Château Martinot, Entre-Deux-Mers   $13
80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon
Literally translating to “between two seas,” Entre-Deux-Mers is the largest region within Bordeaux.  Located on the Right Bank it is the area between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.  This blanc has aromas of ripe white fruits, apple & light citrus.  The palate is well structured & delicate, clean & crisp.
 
2017 Château Rivière, Rosé   $12
Syrah & Grenache
Located in the heart of Minervois, Château Rivière has south facing slopes with clay-limestone soil.  The Rivière has intense raspberry and strawberry aromas.  The palate is dry and reveals hints of redcurrant and cherry.
 
2015 Domaine Les Espérières, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge  $13
70% Grenache,  30% Syrah
This 5 hectares cooperative sits on the right bank of the Rhône, near Pont du Gard where he vineyard is planted on Urgonian limestone scree and ancient alluvia soils The wine has a nose of wild strawberries and raspberries framed with light spice.  The palate is fresh, full and packed with silky flavors of wild fruit and garrigue.
 
2015 Les Couventines, Gigondas  $26
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.
 
2014 Château Lalande de Gravelong, Médoc  $17
75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc
The vineyards of Lalande de Gravelong are made up of 30 year old vines planted on it gravel clay soil.  The wine has aromas of ripe red fruits, plum and black cherry.  Deep and fresh flavors of ripe plum, fruitcake, and black cherries are highlighted by notes of cedar and spice that accent its rich texture and well-integrated tannins.

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.