Forget what your mother told you about running with scissors.  You defiantly need a little wine to go with pumpkin carving.

2019 M. Chapoutier, Marius  $10
Vermintino
A good value White from the Chapoutier empire, full of citrus and notes of grapefruit and ripe fruit on the nose. On the palate it is refreshing and fruity with lovely notes of ripe fruit, enhanced by a nice acidity, giving the wine good length on the palate.

2019 Nespolino, Bianco  $12
70% Trebbiano, 30% Chardonnay
The perfume is intense: citrus notes of the Trebbiano are blended with riper tropical fruit aromas of Chardonnay, such as pineapple, papaya and mango. The final taste is an overall well-balanced feeling.  Biodynamic,

2017 Trefethen, Oak Knoll Chardonnay  $15
Aromas of lemon, honeysuckle, and pear greet the nose. The fresh palate features more citrus flavors, as well as green apple, and a clean finish. The oak influence in this wine is subtle but important, adding a note of vanilla on the nose and a pleasant roundness on the palate.  Was $30 Now $15

2017 Yamhill Valley Winery, Estate Grown Pinot Noir  $20
All Estate fruit at a great price.  Raspberry, violet, Bing cherry, baking spices, fig.

2020 Mas de Boislauzon, La Chaussynette  $15
Grenache, Syrah
While mainly Grenache & Syrah, this little red has bit of all 13 CNDP varietals.  Attractive red plum and blueberry nose. There’s tannin and structure too. A well-built wine with a chocolate rich mocha like finish that lingers for some time afterwards.

2017 Leone de Castris, Maiana Salice Salentino  $13
Negroamaro
Red intense wine. The nose has fruity hints of plum and spiced of vanilla. In the mouth it is smooth, velvety and nicely tannic.

2018 Lapostolle, Apalta  $15
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Carmenère
Chile
Elegant, fine and well balanced nose with black fruits such as blackberry and black spicy aromas; palate has a silky attack followed by red and black fruit, coffee and chocolate flavors with good tannins delivering a very good structure.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

October is blowing by like dry leaves in the Autumn wind.
Next weekend is Halloween!
Saturday the merchants in Madrona are getting a jump on the Trick or Treating.  Bring the kids and safely swing by the storefronts and collect candy thorough out the day.

In the meantime here are a few treats that have blown in for the adults:

2019 Fernand Engel, Pinot Blanc Réserve  $13
Very intense nose, beautiful evolution, between fruity presence, bush peach, pineapple, tangerine, mineral and floral. Very complex nose presenting buttered nuances, mentholated, balsamic. Nice first sensation silky, then fresh and fruity on notes of pineapple, grapefruit and bush peach, very beautiful density, bitterness pointing out the citrus fruits peel.

2019 Joseph Cattin, Gewurtztraminer  $18
Alsace
A nice perfumed nose with litchi and mango aromas and a delicate touch of rose water. The palate reveals ripe exotic fruits with rose flavors. The style is well-balanced between spiciness and freshness. Super delicious.

2020 Ca’ del Baio, Langhe Nebbiolo  $15
The 2019 Ca’ del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines in their Barbaresco vineyards, A vibrant, medium-bodied red from Piedmont with no oak contact. This wine features bright cherry along with the earth and tobacco finish of good Nebbiolo with zingy acidity and granular tannins.

2019 Domain de Cabriac, Vieilles Vignes Carignan  $14
Corbières
Old-vine Carignan done in cement tank the way God intended. Dark and chewy with lots of cherry fruit.

2015 Finn Hill, Vivant  $15
Rosebud Vineyard Malbec
Single vineyard, Washington State Malbec with perfumed aromas of crushed black and red berries on wet gravel, with hints of molasses and bay leaf. The pour delivers predominant fruit notes of blackberry, boysenberry, red currant, and blueberry. The finish brings mellow plum-skin acidity and tannin. Was $29 Now $15

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-9PM

Ask anyone, Mark & I are just two classy guys. We also know classy wine when we see it.  Take a look and stop by Madrona Wine and add a bit of class to your weekend.

2018 Félix Foulley, Chablis  $24
Chardonnay
Bright and crisp, with notes of orange and honey lifting its flinty acidity. A light dry, fresh and easy-drinking wine.

2020 Manoline, Sancerre  $27
Sauvignon Blanc
An honest Sancerre, this wine abides by the ‘Three Gs’ of Sauvignon Blanc: grass, grapefruit, and gooseberry. Medium-to-full body. Dry. Bright acidity and very crisp finish.  Organic.

2016 Il Nespoli, Romagua Sangiovese Superiore Reserva  $28
Awine of great complexity combining typical marasca cherry, blackberry and plum notes of the Sangiovese variety together with notes of licorice and roasted coffee beans which come from the aging in French barrique, following by stainless steel tanks. A touch of vanilla is coming from the wise but modest use of American oak. Soft and warm, with well-balanced tannins, it has an excellent potential for ageing.

2016 Bouchard Père & Fils, Gervrey-Chambertin  $62
Pinot Noir
A perfumed nose of redcurrants, sour cherries, dried herbs, mushrooms and baking spices. Medium-to full-bodied with chalky tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and layered with a velvety texture and mineral character. Flavorful, long finish. So ready now, Drink now or hold.  93pts James Suckling.

2015 Fratelli Serio & Battista Borgogno, Barolo Cannubi  $50
Nebbiolo
The 2015 Barolo Cannubi is dark and thick with raw fruit aromas of blackberry, ripe cherry, plum and dark currant. You don’t usually get so much rich fruit intensity with the Cannubi cru, but this vintage delivers it in droves. The wine is soft in terms of mouthfeel, with loosely knit texture and integrated tannins.

2019 Pères de l’Eglise, Châteauneuf du Pape  $40
85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
From old vine Grenache from vines that are more than 100 years of age planted back in 1885.  This CNDP a full-bodied rich spicy wine. Black pepper spice on the nose, full soft mature fruit with a smooth spicy finish that lingers in the mouth.  It is a bit tight now, but will improve with a bit of age or rigorous decanting.

2011 Grande Maison, Monbazillac  $20  375 ml
60% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon, 20% Muscadelle
Compare to Sauternes.  The nose is a head-spinning sensory overload of dried apricots, toasty hazelnut brittle, and a touch of nutmeg spice. Unctuous on the palate, with candied lemon, ginger, orange rind, and caramel. It remains sweet but restrained, never cloying for even a second, while uplifted with infinite complexity on the impeccably balanced finish.  Biodynamic. Was $27 Now $20

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Here are a few wines that are just a bit off the beaten path.
 
2019 Txomin Etxaniz, Getaris Txakolina Rosé  $15
Hondarrabi Beltza
Pale pink, bright, thin bubble. The nose is fruity with hints of minerality. The palate is fresh and fruity with medium acidity.  Was $25, Now $15

2019 Bodegas Mikron, Malbec  $13
Mendoza
This is not your typical Argentinian Malbec, unoaked, fermented in stainless steel and made with native yeasts and without added sulphur.  It’s very bright, juicy and appealing, with floral blackberry fruit and crunchy acidity. A natural wine without the slightest hint of funk. Organic, Biodynamic

2019 Kurtatsch, Lagrein  $16
Sudtirol Alto Adige
A dark red grape from high up in Alto Adage.  This Lagrein has aromas of red and purple fruits, peppery spice, warm leather. Full-bodied yet fresh, savory; red fruits, pronounced tannins.

2019 Domaine Philémon, Croix de Bouscarié  $14
Duras
Wonderful expression of this grape variety not seen outside of Southwest France.
A unique wine balancing dark berry fruit and fennel notes with good acidity,
minerality and firm tannins on the finish.  Organic, Biodynamic

2018 Kir Yianni,  Xinomavro  $20
Naoussa
It has intense aromatic profile, characterized by red fruits like cherry and strawberry. On the palate, Naoussa Kir-Yianni is light and fresh with soft tannins and medium body.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Chase away the grey this weekend with some of the new wines from Italy that have just hit our shelves.

Fratelli Cozza Prosecco  $14
Glera
This Prosecco has a rich bouquet with fruity notes and distinctive floral aroma.  Soft agreeable and intense well balanced finish with hints of fruit.

2020 Gorgo Bardolino  $13
Downright delicious, this tangy rosato starts off with enticing aromas recalling black locust flower, peach and a whiff of acacia honey. The juicy palate offers strawberry compote, ripe peach and a hint of hazelnut alongside bright acidity.  #17 of Wine Enthusiast’s top 100.
Organic

2018 Fratelli Cozza Montepulciano d’Abruzzo  $11
Characteristically fruity, round and full-bodied with pepper and spice notes, giving the nose a rustic charm. Black fruit and earth notes are present on the mid palate and finish.

2019 Passomadama Montepulciano d’Abruzzo  $13
A juicy pulciano! It has an aroma of red berry fruits with a structured, full and soft taste with sweet and velvety tannins.

2017 Poggio al Tesoro Mediterra  $20
40% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
A fragrant and intensely fruity wine, in which blackberry, plum and cherry are underpinned by spicy notes of white pepper and elegant herbaceous aromas. On the palate, it is fresh, intense, and surprisingly persistent.

2017 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre  $19
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese.
Allegreni’s Ripasso like blend is a beautiful red with lots of rich, ripe fruit, showing blackberry, walnut, dried,-fruit, fig and black-truffle aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, layered and chewy ever so well-crafted and polished.

2017 Franchetto Valpolicella Ripasso  $30
Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella
A rich and full Ripasso.  Aromas of cured cherries, black pepper, spices and a palate packed with Bodacious summer fruit- black berries, cherries, vanilla, lush body and supple tannins.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Get ready for the weekend with any of these delicious wines.

2019 Domaine L’Henri, Les Allées du Vignoble Petit Chablis  $22
Chardonnay
Domaine L’Henri’s Petit Chablis is anything but petit.  Offering a richness and completeness, the wine expresses flint, herbal notes and citrus in the nose, classic traits of Chablis. Bright crisp acidity provides tension and backbone to the ripe flavors of melon, pear and almonds.

2018 Maison Guillot-Broux, Mâcan Rouge  $25
Gamay
A blend of several old Mâconnais vineyards.  The wine is vinified in concrete vats, using indigenous yeasts. Part of the harvest is de-stemmed to bring a bit more finesse and elegance to the cuvee. The limestone terroirs give it its minerality and freshness; the granite terroirs, hints of camphor and dark fruits with has spicy and peppery overtones.  Organic

2014 Bouchard Père & Fils, Savigny les Beaune  $43
Pinot Noir
Aged Burgundy with interesting aromas of tobacco, cedar and sweet spice. Leather and cherry complete this elegant and fresh palate.

2019 Matthieu and Sylvanie Bouchet, Le Sylphe  $23
Cabernet Franc
A brilliant Loire Cabernet Franc from low yield vineyards which provide very concentrated fruit. The wine is aged in neutral barrel so you just get the full fruit flavors. Very powerful tannin structure, elderberries, blackberries, a hint of licorice in the background.  Biodynamic

2019 Domaine de Fages, Cahors Malbec  $15
A lively Malbec from vines planted in limestone-based soils. Twenty percent of the grapes were fermented carbonically and the wine is entirely unoaked to emphasize the black nature of the fruit aromas that are inherent to the Malbec grape. Energized raspberries, crunchy minerals, freshly bloomed lush cherry blossoms and inky lavender notes.  Organic

2016 Château Cantemerle, Les Allées de Cantemerle Haut-Médoc  $28
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot
The second wine of Cantermerle and comes mainly from the château’s young vines, and is made like its elder brother. Aromas of red currant, pomegranate and cranberry drift from the glass. Underlying the fruit are subtle notes of roses and toast.  Essence of Amarena cherries dominate the palate with a slight peppery note and graphite minerality. The tannins are extremely well-integrated and the acidity is broad and round, giving a soft and pleasurable mouthfeel.

2018 Domaine du Pegau, Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Reservée  $65
80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 10% other permitted varieties
Drink or Save.  The Pegau is full-bodied loaded with black cherries and plummy fruit and tinged with licorice.  It has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It should evolve nicely for 15 years or more.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Just Sangi (but arguably from the best spot on earth to grow it), and then at least aged in oak for 2 years and 4 months in a bottle before release (that’s minimum, for most producers it is more).  And 2014 wasn’t a superstar vintage but good producers still made good wine.  And while we don’t put a whole lot of faith in points or reviews, here you go. Good wine at a good price.

2014 Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello di Montalcino  $36
Sangiovese
Gentle aromas of sour red cherry, mint and minerals. Then bright and steely, with a discreet, refined set of flavors similar to the aromas. Closes medium-long and clean.  Was $56 Now $36

Critical Acclaim
James Suckling  91 Pts
The oak is very assertive here and wrestles savory cedar, meat and spices into red plums. The palate has a juicy, tangy red fruit core and good upfront appeal. Drink this in the next six years.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate  91 pts
Richly aromatic from the start, the 2014 Brunello di Montalcino offers deep, dark fruit that is amply supplemented by oak spice, tobacco and cured leather. I would argue that the wood influences appear even more prominent in a vintage like 2014 that saw a delicate and subtle quality of fruit to begin with. This Brunello is lean and polished in terms of mouthfeel with medium length and depth.

2014 Caparzo, Brunello di Montalcino  $39
Sangiovese
This wine offers complex aromas of wild berry fruit. On the palate, it is dry, warm, firm, harmonious, delicate, austere and persistent.  Was $45, Now $39

Critical Acclaim
Wine Spectator 92pts
Bright, with cherry and raspberry fruit, this Brunello is elegant and charming. Accents of mineral and peppery greens—arugula, mizuna—develop on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2032.

James Suckling 91 pts
Aromas of dark fruit, dried leaves and hints of cedar follow through to a medium to full body, a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. A little hollow in the center palate, but delivers high quality for the vintage. Give it a year or two to fill in. Drink in 2020.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate  90pts
The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and nicely balanced effort from a vintage that threw its share of curveballs at producers. The wine rises above those difficulties, showing clearly delineated tones of cherry, plum and spice. It is crisp and lean in terms of mouthfeel, with the shallow depth of flavors that is definitely characteristic of the 2014 vintage.

Wednesday-Sunday,12-6PM

Officially it’s fall! Time to adjust the cellar for those cooler nights when sunny days are at a premium. Check out our choices.

Bubbles

Liebart Regnier Blancs de Blanche Brut  $40
Chardonnay
Lightly spicy and packed with citrus, this is a tensely fresh Chardonnay. The brightness adds to the minerality of this delicious wine, texture and fruit working well together.  This champagne is silky-smooth, rich and indulgent on the palate.

Pascal Ponson Rosé de Gentes Dames Brut  $48
68% Pinot Meunier, 15% ‘Vin Rouge’, 8.5% Chardonnay, 8.5% Pinot Noir
Textbook Rosé Champagne smell and taste of strawberry, wild cherry and cranberry lead the way. Orange scone, red apple and faint yellow rose petal follow behind. Great fruitiness, partly explained by the 10 G/L dosage, which falls squarely in the Brut range as it lifts the fruity flavors up.

White

2018 Trefethen Dry Riesling  $15
A quality Cali Riesling– floral aromas of orange blossom and jasmine are complemented by fresh notes of green apple and grapefruit. On the palate, this bright, yet luscious wine evolves with flavors of nectarine, white peach and honey-crisp apple. The minerality and beautiful acidity provide an invigorating finish. Normally $20 Special Price $15

2019 J. L. Chave Crozes Hermitage Blanc Sybèle  $36
60% Marsanne, 40% Rousanne
While Crozes-Hermitage and Chave are both synonymous with Syrah, Jean-Louis applies the same meticulous methods to this Marsanne/Rousanne blend for results that are graceful and lithe with mineral tension. Organic

2019 Domaine des Forges Savennieres Moulin du Gué  $24
Chenin Blanc
A rich yet dry white infused with the distinctive mineral characteristic of the Savennières wines. The creamy texture is beautifully balanced with buttery notes, hazelnut and sweet spice through to a refreshing finish.

Reds

2017 Becker Landgraf Gau-Odernheimer Spatburgunder  $25
Pinot Noir
An elegant Pinot Noir characterized by the salty mineral. Cool aromas with wild fruit and red berries. Fine, the herbaceous spice with a lot of zest and good finish. The wood is finely integrated.

2016 Romain Collet Bourgogne Rouge Les Vaux de L’Aumône  $25
Pinot Noir
Red raspberry, star anise and spiced cherries jump out immediately; after decanting a whiff of freshly-tanned leather starts to emerge. The best Burgundy have a hint of what they call sous-bois – French for “forest floor.” This Bourgogne has a delightful hint of that woodsiness and soft earth. Was $31 Now $25

2015 Fantino Rosso dei Dardi $15
Nebbiolo
The Fantino brothers decided to make the most aromatic, drinkable Langhe Rosso possible. Spiced plums backed by red cherry, licorice, salami, charcuterie. Juicy, spiced and savory, meaty, plumy, a little tannic burr. Was $20 now $15

2017 Château. L’Ermitage Costieres de Niems $12
40% Mourvedre, 40% Syrah, 20% Grencahe
It is a hearty red with ripe tannins and plenty of red fruit flavors matched with a gentle savory edge.

2019 Domaine Alexandre Cady Anjou Rouge  $15
Cabernet Franc
Here is a satisfying Loire red designed for the summer. It has bright aromas recalling freshly picked, ripe red fruits. This is a juicy, supple wine, which could be enjoyed gently chilled.  Organic. Was $18 now $15

2015 Château Macalan Bordeaux Superieur  $20
60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine has weight and richness, shown in the dense texture that has now softened into the juicy blackberry fruits. The blend with a good percentage of Cabernet Franc gives a perfumed, smoky edge to this attractive wine.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

It is supposed to dump rain this weekend.  Nothing to do but stay inside sipping a good bottle of wine.  But first grab that umbrella and dash to the shop for one of these.  They will chase the clouds away.

2019 Lucien Reymond, Sancerre  $30
Sauvignon Blanc
Quality Sancerre with bright citrus fruit with delightful earthy and herbal tones.  Minerals abound.  Organic

2017 Grand Veneur, Chateauneuf du Pape, Le Miociene  $57
65% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre.
A classic blend from a mix of soil types, aged in a mix of older barrels and concrete tanks. It’s ripe and plummy, with notes of black cherries and licorice, yet there’s also a sense of freshness. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, it’s already approachable but has the substance to age through 2030.  Organic

2014 Lalande Borie, Saint Julien  $53
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc.
The wine is dense with great fruit and accompanying structure. With its dark ripe berry fruits and full tannins, the wine is powerful although with great elegance. It is stylish, full of complexity ready to age well.

2019 Foundation Cellars, the Silence  $38
Rockgarden Vineyard Syrah
This wine is unmistakably from the Rocks District. The stem influence is upfront, with notes of grilled asparagus, Stargazer lily, fresh parsley and flowers in front of black and green olives. The palate brings an abundance of savory flavors, with gravel notes on the finish.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

How come everything starts changing around the equinox?  Best stock up on some wine for both Sun and Showers.  Be prepared.

2019 Masseria Frattasi, Taburno  $18
Falangina
Aromas of ripe pear, floral notes of jasmine and Mountain herbs. Full and juicy on the palate, with fresh notes of exotic fruit and honey.  The finish is long and persistence.

2020 Monteseondo, Corvina Rosso Frizzante  $15
This more effervescent alternative to Txakoli is a crowd pleaser.  After a nose of dusty raspberry and pencil lead, the palate is straightforward and fruity, followed by a pleasant, balanced finish. Organic

2019 Scagliola, Langhe Nebbiolo Racconti  $18
A smooth and ready young Nebbiolo with enough underlying tannins and structure to take seriously.

2019 Domaine Dozon, Chinon Clos du Saut Au Loup  $23
Cabernet Franc
Traditional notes of plum skin, raspberries and capsicum abound. Manageable tannins and herbal notes underscore a direct fruitiness.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM