Punxsutawney Phil ice-picked his way out of his hole in Pennsylvania this morning and did not see his shadow — a signal that spring is on its way.  Whether Tom Brady sees anyone’s shadow on Sunday is anyone’s guess.  But either way football season is over.  And either way we’ll have some California wines open for tasting all weekend at Madrona Wine.

Saturday, we are featuring the wines of Jed Steele a wine making pioneer in Lake County who has branched out to Washington as well.
2015 Shooting Star, Aligote  $10 
2015 Shooting Star, Blue Franc $12 
2016 Writer’s Block,  Cabernet Franc  $16
2016 Steele Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills $25
2014 Steele Zinfandel Catfish Vineyard  $19

Sunday as we toast to the coming spring with two lighter bodied wines from California.
 2017 Joliesse Vineyards Rosé  $10
Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Barbera
The Joliesse California Rosé opens with aromatic white floral notes with a sweet hint of ripe strawberry. Bright flavors of cherry and raspberry are accented by notes of citrus zest and a hint of rose water.  Was $15 now $10
2017 Angeline Pinot Noir  $13
A varietally correct California Pinot that is fresh and clean with strawberries and hints of orange peel. The wine is medium-bodied, crisp and vivid.

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.