December is soon upon us and that calls for some full-body wines to wet the tongue and warm the soul. Shake of that tryptophan turkey hangover and come feast on these delicious wines.

2013 Christian Ninot, Bourgogne Blanc “Les Pellans” $20
Chardonnay
This White Burgundy from the Côte de Beaune has lively aromas of flowers, ripe fruit and nuts. The wine is full-bodied and round with nice acidity and a long finish. Who doesn’t like Chardonnay?

2014 Christophe Pichon, St. Joseph $27
Syrah
Christophe Pichon owns four hectares of 35-year-old Syrah in St. Joseph, which he hand harvests. It has a lovely crispy bacon and hedgerow fruit nose, while the palate is very intense yet remains juicy and supple, with precise black and red fruits. There is a good oak structure to the wine, with black pepper and vanilla on a powerful and long finish.

2013 Quinta da Romaneira “R de Romaneira” $15
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Syrah. Tinto Cão
Quinta da Romaneira has been making Port from their estate grapes in the Douro for 260 years. In 2004 the estate was taken over by new owners who branched out in to dry wines. Their R has a fine and delicate nose and soft ripe red fruits on the palate. The Syrah gives extra perfume and spice to this rich wine.

2015 Ken Wright Cellars, Tyrus Evan, Claret “Ciel du Cheval” $18
43% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
Made from one of Washington’s best vineyards, Ciel du Cheval, by one of Oregon’s most famous winemakers, Ken Wright. After more than a decade making Ciel du Cheval Claret, Ken decided to focus even more on Pinot Noir. He canceled his fruit contract with Ciel du Cheval. This is the last vintage. Opening with black cherry and red berry fruit exhibiting nice polish, picking up hints of tobacco, sage and black currant through the finish, which adds subtle grip.

2011 Quinta da Romaneira, Late-bottled Vintage Porto $26
40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Tinto Cão
This LBV ages for 5 years in wooden vat to give it the character of an aged port. The wine has intense aromas of crushed berries and red fruits. It is rich and elegant on the palate with spice, raisins and red fruit flavors and a velvety but firm tannic structure that’s leads to a luscious long finish. It is ideally served as an accompaniment to rich cheese, dessert, or on its own at the end of a meal. This wine is unfiltered and will continue to develop in the bottle. As a result, it may throw a light deposit and need decanting.

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.