This Saturday we are covering the some of the classic terroir driven wines of France — from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm vineyards of the Rhône and the Languedoc.  Come traipse & taste the country with us.
 
2013 Kuentz-Bas, Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 20% Muscat, 20% Auxerrois
The domaine as we know it today was forged through a marriage that joined the Kuentz and Bas families in 1895. Nestled in the town of Husseren-les-Châteaux, it sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares.   It is a dry but floral Alsatian blend that combines honeysuckle, peach and apricot flavors. Biodynamic
 
2015 Domaine Croix Belle Rosé  $10
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
A crisp rosé from the South of France in the Languedoc region Cotes de Thongue. This lively, fruity rose has an intense nose of rose petals and pear drop candies, with a ripe juicy fruit and crisp acidity in the mouth.
 
2013 Laurent Gauthier, Grands Cras, Morgon $18
Gamay
Morgon is considered the most ‘masculine’ of the Grand Cras. This Beaujolais supports that theory. An old vine cru gamy at a great price, the Gauthier has aromas of red cherry, strawberry, black pepper, cinnamon, violets, vanilla and cedar. It is a feast for the nose.  The palate delivers a little tartness with cranberry and black earth.  It is medium bodied with grippy, dry tannins on the finish.
 
2009 Chateau La Vielle Cure, La Sacristie de la Ville Cure $18
74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 4%Cabernet Sauvignon
La Sacristie is the Second wine of this Fronsac Chateau produced from the younger vines of the estate.  It showcases rich aromas of figs, plum, and a touch of coffee with slight firm tannins and a fresh and spicy finish.
 
2011 Domaine Grand Veneur, Lirac Clos de Sixte $30
50% Grenache noir, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
The vineyards of Lirac face those of Chateauneuf du Pape on the opposite side of the Rhône river, with similar soil on sides.  Owned and farmed by Alain Jaume, the Clos de Sixte vineyard uses certified organic practices. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild Blackberry) are dominant. The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liquor and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshy of the wine. The end display hints of licorice and vanilla, which give to the wine length and complexity.

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.

Wines from sunny climes hopefully to be matched by sunny spring weather. This Sunday we’ll be tasting an old-vine Grenache from Spain and a Frappato from Sicily. Stop in and give them a try and let us know what you think.

2014 Nicosia Frappato    ($10)
Created from an ancient grape variety typical of southeastern Sicily, this wine is distinctive for its pleasantly fragrant bouquet of fresh red fruits, raspberries and blueberries, while its taste is both lively and soft.
12.5% alcohol by volume

2010 Castillo de Daroca Selection Especial    ($9)
Old Vine Grenache
A great little Spanish value. Dusty earth texture and smokey black currants & blueberry fruits along with well-knit 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.

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend and at Madrona Wine we will be using that extra hour of sunlight in the evening to toast the coming of Spring.

Saturday we have an outstanding tasting of Italian Wines slated to start at 2pm.  It is not often we get to show off a Brunello.
2014 Tenuta Nera, La Novella 
2014 Filodivino, Lacrima di Morro
2014 Terre Nere, Etna Rosso
2011 Tenuta Fanti, Sassomagno, Sant Antimo
2010 Tenuta Fanti,  Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio

Sunday we spring forward with two great everyday reds for the longer evenings.

2014 Nicosia, Frappato $10
Created from an ancient grape variety typical of southeastern Sicily, this wine is distinctive for its pleasantly fragrant bouquet of fresh red fruits, raspberries and blueberries, while its taste is both lively and soft.

2010 Castillo de Daroca, Selection Especial $9
Old Vine Grenache
A great little Spanish value. Dusty earth texture and smoky black currants and blueberry fruits along with well-knit tannins.

Breeze by the shop and check them out.

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.

No wine growing country has as much diversity as Italy.  Its different wine growing regions produce distinct and delicious vinos like nowhere else.  This Saturday we’ll be tasting some of these distinct terroirs from the obscure Nebbiolo white wine of Lombardy to the mineraly Nerello from the slopes of Mount Etna.  We’ll also be tasting the Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio which shouldn’t be missed.  Come join us.
 
2014 Tenuta Nera, La Novella  $14
92% Nebbiolo & Rossola, and 8% Chardonnay & Incrocio Manzoni. 
The Nera winery started back in 1940 by Guido Nera and his son, Pietro, is now it is owned by two brothers, Stefano and Simone Nera. This Lombardy winery makes this unique made from red and white grapes.  The wine is light to medium bodied with nice green apple and some tropical hints.
 
2014 Filodivino, Lacrima di Morro $14
Lacrima is an indigenous found in the town of Morro d’Alba, in the Marche region. The wine has great floral aromatic notes of violets and ripe red fruits. The flavor is full of berries and spices and has elegant tannins with a fresh finish.
 
2014 Terre Nere Etna Rosso $20
95% Nerello Mascalese, 5% Nerello Cappuccio
The Terre Nere vineyards are at an extremely high altitude, ranging from 2100-2900 feet on the north side of Mt Etna.  These volcanic solis along with the cool nights make exceptional wines. The Etna Rosso has a core of ripe crushed cherry and wild strawberry fruit. The chewy tannins impart supple structure and weight, while hints of ground anise, dried thyme and smoky mineral add complexity and linger on the finish.
 
2011 Tenuta Fanti, Sassomagno, Sant Antimo $13
Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
This Family winery has been around since the 19^th century.  Their Sassomangno is a sturdy little young vine Sangiovesse, bucked up with some super Tuscan varietals.   Chewy cherry skins and a lovely fruit sweetness. Pure and refined, medium-bodied plus, textured tannins and great balance
 
2010 Tenuta Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio $55
A blend of four vineyards in the Vallocchio area this Brunello from Fanti is from the outstanding 2010 vintage.  “Loads of ripe plums on the nose with hints of cedar, too. Turns to dried citrus fruit. Full body with velvety, soft tannins and a long, intense finish. Lots of Tuscan-dust texture that gives it an almost gritty undertone. Better in 2016.”  94pts Wine Spectator — My look what year it is!  The wine is what Sangiovese is all about.

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.

After hitting the wettest year on record mark sometime this past week, we awoke this morning to beautiful sunshine here in Madrona.  But what the weather will be like the rest of the weekend is anyone’s guess.  One thing is certain, we have a lot of great wines to taste this weekend at Madrona Wine.

Saturday, starting at 2, we are pouring a lineup of big bold and bad-ass wines from California
2012 Navarro, Chardonnay
2015 Mason Cellars, Pomelo Rose
2012 Meadowcroft, Speedy Creek Vineyard, Knights Valley Zinfandel 
2013 Sean Minor, Nicole Marie – Napa Valley Red
2013 Seventy Five Wine Co, Cabernet Sauvignon
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Sunday, we’ll be tasting two first class wines from second labels. 

2013 Samuel Robert Winery, Pinot Noir  $27
A sister (or brother) winery to Coelho winery in Amity, The SR Pinot has dark toast, leather and earthy aromas The palate is dry with dark fruit and fresh acidity.

2014 Kerloo (Sodo) Cellars, Wingman Red Blend  $15
70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah
A bare-bones-bird from Kerloo. A bouquet of red fruit, minerals, dried herbs, white pepper, and smoky notes, with elegant yet plump, plum flavors and dialed back oak.

Save The Date!
A week from Sunday, March 13th, we’ll be having a Special Tasting  of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  $25 plus tax.
Châteauneuf is the most esteemed village of the Southern Rhône, with old vines of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah sprawled across vineyards covered with rounded, smooth stones called galets.   We’ll be sampling a selection of these great wines including a couple of library releases. Space for this tasting is limited so contact us to reserve your spot.  We start at 5:30 on Sunday, have a few snacks to go with the wines and you can still get home for Sunday dinner.  More details coming soon.

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’re visiting California Wine Country and you won’t even need the Super Saver Air fare.  We’re tasting a interesting line up of big wines from some smaller producers from Mendicino, Sonoma, and Napa.  Come along.
 
2012 Navarro, Chardonnay…$20
Navarro Vineyards  has been growing grapes, making wine in the Anderson Valley in coastal Mendocino since 1974.  The fruit for their Chard was sourced entirely from Navarro’s Hammer Olsen vineyard. The wine was aged sur lie for nine months in French oak barrels, (25% new).  It opens with a pleasant mild oak and faint apple bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a tasty vanilla oak influenced apple with notes of Bartlett pear, and hints of butterscotch. The finish is dry and its flavors linger nicely.
 
2015 Mason Cellars, Pomelo Rose  $14
Grenache & Syrah
On the southern end of the Sierras, the gentle and warm slopes of Linden Hill develop ripe and abundant fruit flavors ideal for the Grenache and Syrah grapes used to blend this Rosé. Luscious and refreshing, a bounty of summer strawberry and crisp cranberry flavors give this Rosé a lively structure, keeping the palate energized.
 
2013 Sean Minor, Nicole Marie – Napa Valley $20
51% Merlot, 29% Zinfandel, 15% Petit Verdot, 5% Petite Sirah
This unique red wine blend is from sites throughout Napa Valley.  The wine has aromas of ripe dark fruit, brown sugar, molasses and vanilla.  On the palate, it is big, rich and spicy, offering flavors of dark cherry, plum, cassis and black pepper that integrate with hints of oak spices, coating the palate. The round soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.
 
2012 Meadowcroft, Speedy Creek Vineyard, Knights Valley Zinfandel  $23
This Zin originates from high up on the volcanic ash laden ridge lines of the Knights Valley. Dark berry flavors of cherry, plum and blackberry, coupled with Asian spice and dark chocolate notes, round out the palate of this wine. The firm tannins linger easily with the fruit and chocolate notes.
 
2013 Seventy Five Wine Co, Cabernet Sauvignon $21
Made by Tuck Beckstoffer out of St. Helena, the 75 has dense aromas of ripe burnt early season cherries and scorched earth, classic notes of sweet black cherry, cassis and black raspberry, beautifully integrated tannins and lingering finish.

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.

We’ve got an exotic lineup planned this weekend in Madrona.  Take an excursion to the wine shop and taste a brief escape from our local grey.

Saturday we’re pouring wines from the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Crete & Santorini. Each island has developed it unique wine styles that are set off from the mainland by more ways that just water.
2014 Douloufakis  Vidiano (Crete)
2014 Santo, Assyrtiko (Santorini)
2014 Petroni Corse Red (Corsica)
2013 Douloufakis, Liatiko (Crete)
2012 Gabbas, Lillove, Cannonau di Sardegna  (Sardinia)

Sunday, Odds will get you even.  We’ll be pouring two wines from off the beaten path that are well worth the trip.

2013 Brunn Blauer Zweigelt  $14 — 1ltr
An Estate grown Zweiglet in a big bottle. A spicy nose with nuances of pepper. Mature and full-bodied mouth that delivers notes of Morello cherry. It comes in a one-liter bottle so you get that extra glass!

Kindzmarauli Marani Gavazi $10
Saperavi, Cabernet
A “semi dry” red from Georgia that drinks like a juicy Zinfandel with a bit of Cabernet punch.

It is also the last weekend to see Suzanne Brooker’s show of Landscape Paintings.  Come take a last look.

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 headed to the islands.  We’ll be trying some distinct and delicious wines from Corsica, Sardinia, Crete & Santorini.  Each island has developed it unique wine styles that are set off from the mainland by more ways that just water.  Grapes such as Vidiano, Assyrtiko, Niellucciu, Liatiko, and Cannonau show us how distinct their exotic locations can be.  Come escape with us.
 
2014 Douloufakis  Vidiano $15
On the Greek island of Crete, Domaine Douloufakis’s estate vineyards are certified 100% organic and span over 70 acres of hillside land in Dafnes, a village close to Iraklio in Crete.  The Cretan variety Vidiano was neglected and almost had become extinct but due to the tireless efforts of the winemakers came back to the front stage.  The wine has a unique apricot aroma, rich body and transfixing buttery taste.
 
2014 Santo, Assyrtiko  $17
The island of Santorini has a 3,500 year tradition in vine cultivation.  The island gets very little rain. The vineyards are spreading out on different ground levels, forming the distinctive “pezoules” (stone terraces) which were made to make it is easier to cultivate and to maximize the effectiveness of rainwater. Santos Assyritiko shows its varietal character, which embraces white flowers, citrus fruits aromas and intense minerality. It is vivid, with full, well balanced body and distinctive long after taste.
 
2014 Petroni Corse Red $12
50% Niellucciu, 35% Syrah, 15% Grenache
The vineyards for Petroni date back to 1885 and are surrounded by the Corsican mountains to the west and the Mediterranean to the east. The winery is now in the hands of brothers Jacques and Francois Ramazotti.  Their red blend has aromas of red fruit (strawberries, blackcurrant and raspberries) as well as delicate spice and a light minerality. It is supple on entry to the palate with red fruit flavors and subtle roasted notes.
 
2013 Douloufakis, Liatiko $15
Made from a native Greek grape in a “traditional” style, the Liatiko by Douloufakis is a delicious rarity.  Medium bodied and soft but with a tangy cherry edge and a spicy, dried-roses-and-lavender streak, the wine reminded me of a pleasant potpourri with cinnamon sticks.
 
2012 Gabbas, Lillove, Cannonau di Sardegna  $20
Giuseppe Gabbas was voted Winemaker of the Year 2015  by Gambero Rosso which is considered the Bible of Italian wines. “A man of few words, he produces wines that on the contrary have a lot to tell. They are reaching an important value in the production of the Cannonau di Sardegna.”  The wine has floral, flinty red fruit aromas of raspberry and red cherry show an intensely mineral quality.  Very suave and sweet but with lovely mineral energy and a sound core of acidity that really lifts the ripe red fruit flavors.  This concentrated, very long wine finishes sweet, with exhilarating mineral tones.

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.

Parlez-vous français? We will this Sunday afternoon. A white, a red, but no rosé. Stop in and give them a try.

2012 Gouleyant Gaillac Blanc    ($10)
80% Lion de l’oeil, 20% Sauvignon Blanc
The Lion has an extremely aromatic nose, mainly dominated by citrus aromas and hints of flowers. Its mouth is fresh, long, and crisp with flavors of white peach and plum. 12% alcohol by volume

2012 Chateau Paret Bordeaux    ($10)
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
A great everyday Bordeaux that has nothing to do with tropical pets or pirates. It’s a supple and medium-bodied wine, with dark fruit, a soft glycerin texture and very velvety tannins. Easy to like.

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.