This small estate, left bank Bordeaux was a great find for us this week.  It is very old school in style. It even still comes in a wooden 6 pk crate.  We have 42 bottles on hand at the shop and another 33 on order next week.  After that we’ll have to see how much more we can lay our hands on.

2016 Chateau Grand Lacaze, Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Located in the Médoc, not far from Lesparre, Château Grand Lacaze cultivates 7 hectares of vineyards.  It is a classic Bordeaux with wonderful earthy notes of leather, basalt, ripe red fruit, and the faintest hint of funk.
Was $20 now $15

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

We are welcoming the New Year and the new administration with some new wines for the self.  4 more days until the Inauguration (don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Donald.)

2019 Evesham Wood, Blanc du Puits Sec, Eola-Amity Hills  $17
85% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, co-fermented them in stainless steel.  The wine displays lots of spice and rose with hints of green apple and lime.  Organic

2018 Cà dei Frati, I Frati, Lugana  $19
Trebbiano
A complex, lees aged Trebbiano from older vines. It has concentrated but fresh perfume of white flowers, peaches and ripe lemons. On the palate it has excellent depth and balance, richness and a lovely crisp, lively finish.

2019 Quinta de Couselo, Turonia Albariño  $23
Aromas of citric and white fruit with floral notes, aromatic herbs and river pebbles. Fresh, intense and well balanced. White fruit flavors with a sensation of lemon drops and a minerality that leads to ocean salinity.

2019 Casata Monticello, Dolcetto d’Asti  $11
A good little value Dolcetto from the Sperone family, who have been engaged in wine production for 4 generations.  Not Cru by any means but a great everyday drinker with pure dolcetto character.

2018 Odfjell Armador, Valle de Maipo, Cabernet Sauvignon  $10
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Outstanding value from the winemaking team at Odfjell, such briary aromas of forest berries and cedary notes with fresh purple flowers here, too. The palate has good depth of fruit, in the purple-berry spectrum, and a fine web of fresh, juicy tannin.  Organic

2018 Château La Maroutine, Bordeaux Rouge  $11
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
The nose is attractive with cherry and strawberry notes that are supported by nice toasted notes. On the palate, the attack is smooth and round with nice soft tannins leaving the place for round, soft fruit.

2019 Château Haut Pourjac, Bordeaux Rouge  $13
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
A cab heavy Bordeaux with full aromas of red and black fruit (cassis, blackcurrant). The palate is elegant and round with expressive structure and velvety tannins, a very well-balanced wine.

2018 La Cabotte, Côtes du Rhône Colline  $15
Grenache Syrah
The Coline uses Carignan and Cinsault to zing up the Grenache and Syrah, and Mourvedre to add stuffing.  Plenty of spice and earth are coated with sweet fruit. Blackberries and raspberries are in abundance, with some pepper. In the mouth it is rich and unctuous. Bright fruit with good acidity balance out this dark red wine. Bottled unfiltered.  Organic, biodynamic

2017 Domaine Alary, Côtes du Rhône La Gerbaude  $15
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
This Rhone has intense aromas of herbs, spice, black fruit, plum and cassis. The palate carries over the black fruit, with a dense texture on the finish.

2018 Domaine de Fages, Cahors  $15
85 % Malbec , 15 % Merlot
Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum and red fruits flint and graphite. The palate is full round and balanced with lots of juicy cherry prune and mineral notes, a hint of clove with a long pleasant finish.  Organic

2015 Ashton Troy, Cabernet Sauvignon$18
Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley AVA is rich and full-bodied, with an elegant tannin structure. It opens with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum and is followed by hints of spiciness and minerality.  Was $30 now $18

2017 Tornatore, Etna Rosso  $22
95% Nerello Mascalese, 5% Merello Cappuccio
The Tornatore has a bouquet that is tight and streamlined, with wild rose and forest fruit followed by crushed stone and tangy mountain herb.  There’s a salty note on the finish.

2018 Evesham Wood, Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée, Pinot Noir  $26
Even with the significant concentration of the 2018 vintage, the liveliness of  the Eola-Amity Hills comes through decisively in this year’s Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée. Bright and floral on the nose with an explosive mid-palate and seductive texture. Organic

Quinta da Romaneira, 10-year-old Tawny Port  $28
Pale brick red tawny color. In its complex aroma, the vibrant young fruit blends deliciously with the attractive and characteristic dry fruits aromas like nuts. Rich and smooth on the palate it has an elegant structure and a long finish.

Our Winter Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 9PM

This time of year our distributors like to sweep out the warehouses and we to clean up on a few deals.  Some of these have a good stock others are very limited. Get them while they are here.

2017 Le Terre di Stefano Massone, Gavi  $12
Garganega
Stefano Massone is devoted solely to white winemaking, with vineyards located in the warmer southeastern part of the region in Gavi, where the Cortese grape achieves maximum ripeness.  The nose is delicate, but the persistent aroma of fruit and flowers makes it particularly elegant. Dry with a crisp acidity and a pleasant mineral flavor.  Was $15, now $12

2017 Thymiopoulos Apostolos, Alma White  $15
70% Xinomavro, 30% Malagouzia
A very different white made from a red grape (Xinomavro) and a white one (malagouzia).  The wine has lovely floral notes of Malagouzia but also “something different” as a result of the Xinomavro. The wine is medium bodied with medium to high acidity and a lingering finish.  Was $19 now $15

2011 Pascal Jolivet, Pouilly Fume  $15
Sauvignon Blanc
This SB has a bit of age on it which fills out the fruit core making it seem like a crass between Sancerre and Chenin Blanc.  It has aged beautifully.  Terroirs are blended: 50% limestone, 30% flint and 20% limestone clay.  Limestone brings minerality and finesse. Limestone-clay enhances fruit and richness. Flint provides structure and minerality.  Was $30 now $15

2016 Laurent Cognard, Montagny 1er Cru, Les Bassets  $38
Chardonnay
Montagny Les Bassets 1er Cru is the flagship wine of the domaine.A full, ripe wine, this is rich in white fruits, but balanced by bright acidity. Produced in a vineyard close to Buxy, it has a taut edge, plenty of honey and lemon flavors, and a touch of toast.  Was $45 now $38

Elsom Cellars, Adventure Uncorked Red  $12
67% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 11% Syrah
A non-vintage, Malbec based blend out of SODO.    Was $17 now $12

2017 Basel Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon  $15
Columbia Valley
This Cabernet delivers strong nuances of black cherry, stewed fruit, cola and black currant on the distinctive nose. The aromatic, jammy notes are supported well by hints of eucalyptus, mint and pencil shavings.  Was $30 now $15

2016 Finn Hill, Jolie Cabernet Sauvignon $18
Rosebud Vineyards,  Wahluke Slope
Another Washington Cab takes a big price drop  There’s richness and concentration from start to finish, opening with aromas of cherry cola, cinnamon bark, dusty lavender and menthol. Beautifully resolved cherry-skin tannins.  Was $30 now $18

2017 Brunelli Rosso di Montalcino  $20
Sangiovese Grosso
From vines planted in Galestro, clay loam soils at 350m elevation. 25 days maceration followed by 30 months of aging in 20HL oak casks.  Intense black cherry nose with lifted violet notes. Textured, rich body and good graphite toastiness. Great length.  Was $32 now $20

2015 Quinta da Romaneira Douro Tinto  $22
Touriga Nacional,  Touriga Franca
This powerful wine brings out both the structure and density of wines from the Alto Douro region. It has spice from wood aging, rich tannins and concentrated black fruits. It is a complex, partnering rich fruits with a dry core. The wine will age well.  Was $30, now $22

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

As we wrap up the end of 2020 here at Madrona Wine, we’d like to take a minute to thank all of you for your support and patronage in this very odd year.  We look forward to the point in 2021 when we are all vaccinated and can return to a more relaxed, more social way, of running a wine shop.  ‘Til then we will happily meet you at the door.

We’ll be open this week:

Tuesday & Wednesday Noon to 6pm
Thursday (New Year’s Eve) Noon to 5:30
Closed New Year’s day
Open Saturday & Sunday Noon to 6pm

Next week we will go back
to our non-holiday hours:

Wednesday to Sunday Noon to 6pm
Closed Monday & Tuesdays.

One last wine for 2020 arriving at the shop on New Year’s Eve.  We’re taking this as a good omen for 2021

Magic Door, La Cle de la Femme Champagne  $36
This Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The grapes are grown in top vineyards sites in the Marne Valley. These vineyard sites are made of sedimentary soils of calcium, silica, and limestone which impart layers of minerality into the wine.  It is then left on the lees for 20 months.  It shows expressive aromas of apple and white pear along with more subtle notes of almond, buttered toast and baking spices.

Time is running out for 2020, but we just received a few more wines before 2021.

Moutard, Cuvee Prestige  $37
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
An elegant Champagne which has a delicate mousse with a lovely, fine and biscuity character. Aromas of dried fruits, brioche and candied citrus. On the palate, there are notes of peach and hazelnuts that linger long in the finish.  Aged 3 1/2 years.

2019 Soie d’Ivoire La Lisse $13
Chenin Blanc
This ripe yet crunchy fruit gives this wine it’s freshness, vigor and spine, at the same time it’s luscious texture which is further complemented and enriched from one third vinified and matured for nine months in seasoned French oak barrels.

2017 Leitz, Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling  $15
From the Magdalenenkreuz where the soils are comprised of sandy loam—fatter and ideal for ripe expression; the riesling grown here is always textured, opulent and forward. Though the wine is of Spätlese quality it perceivably drinks more like a Kabinett.  375 ml  7.5% alcohol by volume

2015 Château Mont-Redon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc  $30
60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 10% Roussanne, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Picpoul
Crisp lemon flavors and white-blossom notes lend an invigorating feel to this fresh, fruity white wine. It’s light on its feet but silky and expansive on the palate. The finish is moderately long and just a hint warming.  Was $48 now $30

2018 Domaine Duseigneur, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Matteo  $38
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
This CNDP boasts black fruits and lots of body that benefits from a decanting, the aromas of red fruits, leather and underbrush will continue to develop.  Organic

2018 J. L. Chave, Mon Coeur, Côtes du Rhône  $25
50% Syrah and 50% Grenache.
Smoke-accented cherry, dark berries and licorice on the perfumed nose, which takes on succulent floral and herb nuances with air. Smooth, concentrated and gently sweet, offering mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors and a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Finishes supple, sweet and quite long, with harmonious tannins and lingering florality.

2016 Finn Hill, Jolie Rosebud Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon  $18
Wahluke Slope
Another Washington Cab takes a big price drop  There’s richness and concentration from start to finish, opening with aromas of cherry cola, cinnamon bark, dusty lavender and menthol. Beautifully resolved cherry-skin tannins.  Was $30 now $18

Colosia, Sangre y Trabajadero Oloroso Sherry  $15
Palomino
A complex, decadent dry Oloroso that teases one into thinking it’s almost sweet but it’s dry. Roasted mixed nuts–Brazils and hazelnut–combine over a darkly dense palate that hints of salty, ocean tang. The finish is of mahogany caramel goes on and on.

Our Holiday Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Closed Friday, January 1st

Under pressure in the bottle, they lie and wait for their moment to escape and effervesce.  For some of them their day may come soon.

Splits (375 ml)

Just enough for a toast or before meal glass.

Ferrari, Sparkling Brut Rosé  $17
60% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
Salmon pink in color. The bouquet is distinct and very refined, with the fresh fragrance of hawthorn flowers, red currants and wild strawberries. The taste is Dry, clean and elegant, with a delicate finish of sweet almonds. Perfect served as an aperitif or with lighter dishes, especially seafood.

Moutard, Brut Grande Cuvée  $20
Pinot Noir
The Grande Cuvee is aged for at least three years. The wine is complex and nuanced, with fine, intense bubbles. It has a seductive bouquet of pears, grilled almonds, mineral notes and apple pie followed by rich flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey and buttered toast and a remarkably ling, delicate finish.

Champu, Brut Tradition  $21
50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
The very intense and slightly steely flavors of the Chardonnay blended with discrete notes of Pinot Noir give the wine an exquisite lightness and fruitiness. This Champagne presents a fruity and smooth nose of Pinot Meunier with typical notes of green apples and pears.

Pierre Paillard, Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru  $31
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Spicy orange zest and honeydew on the fragrant, mineral-accented nose. Dry and tightly focused, offering lively Meyer lemon and melon flavors and a deeper suggestion of nectarine. Finishes with building floral character and excellent tangy persistence, leaving bitter citrus zest and dusty mineral notes behind.  –

Canard Duchêne, Authentic Brut  $26
45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
Authentic Brut epitomizes the Canard-Duchene style, where freshness and intensity bring together nobility and nature. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wine is characterized by fresh fruit aromas jostling with brioche notes. The fruit aromas carry through to the palate and intermingle with pastry notes.

Champagnes

Moutard, Brut Grande Cuvée  $32
Pinot Noir
The Grande Cuvee is aged for at least three years. The wine is complex and nuanced, with fine, intense bubbles. It has a seductive bouquet of pears, grilled almonds, mineral notes and apple pie followed by rich flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey and butttered toast and a remarkably long, delicate finish.
Magnum 1.5 liters  $72

Liebart Régnier, Les Sols Bruns  $36
60% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Cellar aged for 3 years with a subtle nose with a predominance of apricot and yellow peach. Delicate menthol, biscuity fragrances add richness with a lively tension from the citrus, predominantly pomelo flavors, this full-bodied wine has a delicate tartness to get your juices flowing. It is multi-layered and full of character.  The dominance of Pinot Meunier means that its fruitiness is already enjoyable, pushing attractive citrus and fresh pineapple flavors forward.  Was $44 now $36

Pascal Ponson, 1er Cru Champagne  $40
80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
A small grower producer from Montagne de Reims.  The Brut has rich and creamy aromas of red and yellow apple, quince, lemon blossom, white mushroom, honeysuckle, hazelnut, and delicate purple flowers are woven around a strong core of mineral notes.

José Michel, Brut Tradition  $43
70% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay
The Brut is composed of reserve wines that are 5 or 6 years old. The wine has great toast on the nose, along with ripe but crisp lemon and some orange zest followed by a full-bodied mouthfeel and a long finish.

R.H. Coutier, Grand Cru Cuvée Tradition  $45
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
This stunning Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose. Very low dosage levels allow the great Ambonnay fruit to shine.

Boizel Brut Réserve  $48
55% Pinot Noir,30% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
Liquorice aromatic notes with resonant plum and redapple.  Deep, exuberant, mouth-filling, vigorous and long, this is an exuberant, vinous Champagne with plenty of richly-textured aromatic lift.  97pts Decanter

Paul Dethune Grand Cru Brut Reserve  $50
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
A good price for a grand cru, the reserve is made up of older vintages. Its intense nose has aromas of underbrush, honeysuckle and bergamot. Its freshness and liveliness are combined with its creamy flavor and a delicate honey finish.

Durmont & Fils Solera Reserve Brut  $52
Chardonnay
This is made using the solera method. Dumont has dedicated one stainless steel tank that was first filled in 1991. He  has been adding to the tank every year, making it at present, a blend of approximately 20 vintages.  There is a lot going on here: apple, pear, peach, apricot, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, kiwi, butter, cream and vanilla.  Organic

Wafflart-Anoniolli 1er Cru Blanc de Blanc  $56
Chardonnay
From the premier cru village of Sacy, in the Petit Montagne, comes an exceptional producer, Thierry Wafflart. Unlike typical Blanc de Blancs from the Cote de Blanc, this expression of Chardonnay balances the acidity with roundness and depth, revealing luscious complexity with hints of soft fruits and earthy aromas. This wine will upend your previous notions of Blanc de Blanc.

Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Rosé  $58
100% Pinot Noir
A grower Rosé Champagne from Bouzy.  Dried rose petals, orange zest, white pepper and mint give much of its high-toned aromatics, but there is plenty of depth to the fruit as well. Deceptively medium in body, the Oeil de Perdrix possesses striking finesse and exceptional overall balance. Oeil de Perdrix is an old-fashioned style of Blanc de Noirs with just a touch of color from a very short period of skin contact at pressing.

2013 José Michel Special Club Champagne  $80
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Meunier
Rich, creamy and beautifully crafted, with nice toasty note, and lots of Peachy fruit.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé  $85
40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
A gorgeous rosé Champagne with sliced strawberries, orange peel and hints of cream and pie crust. Medium body, tight and integrated tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Tangy acidity. The texture shows a fine bead and lightness. Long and intense

Other Sparklers

Proa Cava Brut Méthode Traditionell  $13
40% Macabeo, 30% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Translucent pale yellow with foamy head effervescence. Nice composition with a quite dry profile, well-balanced and with a rather long refined taste. Pair with shellfish, appetizers and snacks, lean fish, cured meats, or just as an aperitif.

Domaine Saint Vincent Brut  $13
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
Made by Gruet,  the Domain Saint Vincent Brut is a soft yellow-gold, crisp and lively, with a nose of green apple and citrus mineral notes. This well balanced food-friendly sparkler offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish.

Achard-Vincent Brut Sparkling  $14
Clairette de Die
This brut bottling is a dry wine made exclusively from Clairette, crafted by the méthode traditionnelle that is also used in Champagne. With refreshing citrus and a hint of honeysuckle on the nose followed by a delicious-with-anything palate, this minerally sparkler ensures palate stimulation with every sip. Was $20 now $14

Marques de la Concordia Reserva Brut Nature Cava  $14
30% Chardonnay, 25% Macabeo, 20% Xarello, 25% Parellada
After 48 months (yes, 4 years!) in the bottle, this cava shows a brilliant pale yellow color with incredibly abundant bubbles. It boasts fruit notes as well as those notes coming from the prolonged ageing that give it an extraordinary complexity and the ‘creamy’ notes. The finish is long, elegant and complex.

Moutard Pet Mout  $14
Chardonnay
Petillant Naturel, aka “Pet Nat,” is a traditional method of producing sparkling wine where the wine is bottled prior to the completion of primary fermentation.  The bubble is fine, the aromas of citrus fruits, floral and mineral go very well with freshness and elegance in mouth in addition to an acidity which allows balance between aromatic power and softness.  Fun summer wine.  Organic

Delmas Blanquette de Limoux  $15
90% Mauzac, 10% Chenin
The Blanquette de Limoux is made from Mauzac, a traditional variety that gives body and aroma, with Chenin that reinforces the bouquet and adds freshness and finesse. The Delmas is a creamy-textured, full-bodied wine with a fine yeasty character, subtly fruity, with toasty green apple and lemon flavors.  Organic and Vegan

Vincenzo Toffoli Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry  $15
100% Prosecco
Vincenzo grew up working the vineyards until 1964 when he was able to buy some of them and start making his own wines. Now most of the work has passed on to his sons. Their Prosecco is clean and fresh with a nice sparkle.

German Gilabert Cava Brut Nature Reserva  $15
50% Macabeo, 30% Xarlelo, 20% Parellada
This Brut Nature is from an organic vineyard in the Alt Penedès, one of the highest altitude sites in Catalonia for Cava. The vines were planted 35 years ago on sandy and chalky soils.   There’s finesse as well—fine bubbles, delicate aromas of green and red apples and mineral notes. The wine’s acidity is crystalline and sharp, the flavors deep and focused on fresh lime.  Organic

Saint Just Crémant de Loire Brut  $22
80% Chenin, 20% Chardonnay
A rich Cremant with a  fruity nose followed by almond, quince, and pear on the palate. This finish has an elegant creamy texture with long flavors.

Antica Fratta Brut Franciacorta DOCG  $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France. The calcareous soils producing complex mineraled wines. The Antica Fratta is blended out of a library of base wines and then aged 2 years in bottle. It is an elegantly fresh, vivacious and full wine characterized by pleasing aromas of fresh fruit, wild blossoms and subtle bread crust.

Six Peaks Blanc de Noir Cuvée Brut  $30
Chelhalem Mountains
Quality Oregon bubbles at a reasonable price.  Made with 100% Pinot noir form our Laurel Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountain AVA. Aromatics consist of fresh baked bread, strawberry shortcake and rich cognac. Made in the traditional method, this brut sparkling wine was hand-riddled and recently disgorged.

Six Atmospheres Blanc de Blancs  $32
Chardonnay
Washington State Method Champenoise.  Crisp and delicious.

More things are rolling in the door as we roll into the holidays.  Great for gifting or guzzling.

Bubbles

Six Peaks, Blanc de Noir Cuvée Brut  $30
Chelhalem Mountains
Quality Oregon bubbles at a reasonable price.  Made with 100% Pinot noir form the Laurel Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountain AVA. Aromatics consist of fresh baked bread, strawberry shortcake and rich cognac. Made in the traditional method, this brut sparkling wine was hand-riddled and recently disgorged.

Charles Ellner, Carte Blanche Brut  $39
40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
This yeasty, ripe and fruity wine is given great shape by the mineral-taut texture. It is on the dry side, crisp with well-structured apples and pears. The bready character gives extra richness and balances the tight acidity at the end

Liébart-Régnier, Blanc de Blanche   $36
100% Chardonnay
Opens with a prevalence of citrus notes (lemon and grapefruit) which is rapidly followed by a hint of licorice and ginger. This champagne is silky-smooth, rich and indulgent on the palate.

R.H. Coutier, Grand Cru Cuvée Tradition  $45
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
This stunning Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose. Very low dosage levels allow the great Ambonnay fruit to shine.

Pinot & Nebbiolo

2013 Domaine Rolet, Arbois Pinot Noir  $23
A traditional light red from the Jura which brings the complexity from the soils of the hills of Montigny and Arbois made of red marls and rich gravels.  It is a very mineral driven red with aromas and notes of current and raspberry.  Organic

2018 Cantina del Pino, Langhe Nebbiolo  $23
Grown in Barbaresco and aged for eight months in stainless steel this wine has all the fruity and spicy characteristics of a traditional Barbaresco, but it is meant to be consumed young. Complex and smooth with good structure of fruit and tannins.

Bordeaux Blends

2010 Morgenster, Lourens River Valley Estate Red  $20
50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot
A South African classic with aromas of blackcurrant and cherry with spicy clove, chive, anise and butter developments. Well integrated vanilla, cacao and caramel smoothes over into the palate.  The wine is plush with dark berry fruits, rounded silky tannins and the signature SA smoky note.

2015 Château Beauregard Ducasse, Graves  $18
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
A classic Bordeaux with cassis, black cherry, licorice and a dry mineral finish.

2012 Château Gueyrosse, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru  $35
85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
A solid Right Bank red with a full nose of black cherry, black plum, menthol, dark chocolate, wood char and violets with round plummy body, red and black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, roast herbs and meat, and earthy flavors.

2017 Châteaux la Garenne, Pomerol  $36
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet sauvignon
A rustic wine with notes of cassis, pecan pie, blueberries and dried cranberries. Soft tannins and mulberry finish. This is elegant and drinking nicely now.

Syrah from near and far

2019 Sixty Clicks, Shiraz  $10
Victoria, Australia
A really expressive, bright, contemporary Aussie red. The nose of soft, open, chocolatey fruit has a clove note with a palate of fresh brambly, cherry-red fruit that leads to a gently spicy finish.

2017 Underground Wine Project, Idile Hands Syrah  $26
90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
From Mark Ryan & Trey Busch.  Ripe notes of Bing cherries, cola, and raspberry liqueur intermix nicely with subtle notes of vanilla from barrel aging. Full bodied and lush in texture, with more red fruits and the classic peppery spicy, note you typically find in Syrah.

2017 Tranche, Syrah  $40
Floral aromas of violet, lavender and sage are infused with dark notes of espresso, black pepper, licorice and charcuterie. The palate is medium to full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and grilled meats. A crushed rock-like minerality provides excellent focus and direction to the wine, while polished tannins and a lacy acidity draw out the palate to a long, lingering finish.

2017 Domaine Courbis, Cornas Champelrose  $54
Syrah
The 2017 Cornas Champelrose comes from granite soils and was brought up in 25% new French oak. Its deep purple color is followed by plenty of classic granite character in its damp earth, crushed rock, gravelly minerality, liquid violet, and ripe blue fruits. Medium to full-bodied, with beautiful purity, no hard edges, and a great, great finish.

Classic Veneto

2015 L’Arco, Rúbeo  $81
40% Cabernet Franc,  30% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Molinara
During the harvest the clusters are selected and dried on plateau about 60 days. Original wine, a mix between traditional and international, with an
intense ruby red color, spiced bouquet, great structure and elegance.

2015 L’Arco, Amarone della Valpolicella  $120
55% Corvina and Corvinone, 35% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
A wine that exudes strength, unwavering character and unrelenting beauty. Anticipate some smokiness. Aromatics tend toward violets and dark plum – and on the palate and complementary smorgasbord of chocolate-covered cherries, savory herb notes and deep, dark baked berries. Exquisite tannins, lingering finish.

Our Holiday Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Just Desserts

Big dinners, dark nights are a good time to wrap things up with a little sweet sip of something special. A lot of these are in smaller bottles and just perfect for two.

Sauternes & other Botrytised wines

2016 Domaine Labranche Laffont, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh  $23
100% Petit Manseng
A southwest French dessert wine with concentrated aromas of confectionary, fruits (oven baked apple, pear, and apricot) and honey with notes of vanilla and praline. A delicious twist.  375 ml

2009 Château De Cérons, Cérons  $20
90% Sémillion, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle
The richness of the vintage is very apparent in this luscious, still-young wine. A dry core of botrytis rests on flavors of bitter-orange marmalade, apricot, acidity and spice from wood aging. — 375 ml

2006 Château Raymond-Lafon, Sauternes  $38
Semillon
Unctuous, sporting apricot, glazed pear and creamed melon flavors, with a lush coconut-tinged finish. A nice floral hint weaves in and out, adding length and vivacity, too.  375 ml $22

2011 Rieussec, Sauternes  $85
95% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Muscadelle
Intense, with ginger, yellow apple chutney, dried pineapple and papaya flavors coursing through a finish that brims with singed almond and lemon chiffon flavors. This retains a touch of youthful rawness, featuring a bitter orange note that’s yet to be absorbed. Best from 2018 through 2040.

Late Harvest

2016 Quady Electra  $12
Moscato
Beautiful rose petal, orange blossom and honey flavors practically leap out of the glass as this sweet, lightly sparkling and nicely concentrated wine works its charms. It has good acidity to balance all the sugary sweetness, and a low alcohol strength.  375 ml

2017 Schlink Haus Beeranauslese  $16
Riesling
Harvested of individually-hand-selected overripe berries. Rare and remarkably rich, this is a wine that should be enjoyed with dessert or by itself on special occasions. Fragrant, aromatic, full-bodied, with a pleasant sweetness. –375 ml

Quady Essensia  $15
Orange Muscat
The Essencia has aromas reminiscent of Orange Blossom and Apricot, and a lingering refreshing aftertaste. The wine is lightly fortified to about 15% alcohol and aged for 3 months in French Oak.   375 ml –

2016 Evolúció Late Harvest Tokaj  $15
Furmint
Hungary
Amber in the glass with an intense aroma of summer fruits and citrus. It is unctuous and elegant on the palate, with dried apricot, juicy mango and plum. Intense and fresh with exceptional acidity.

2016 Marani Satrapezo Rkatsiteli Ice Wine  $30
Dense and sticky, it exposes ripe poached pears, candied berry, honey and golden raisin aromas. Vibrant fruit flavors accented by the natural sweetness are well balanced with embedded orange zest. The finish is fresh with fruity core leading to a tantalizing citrus and lingering aftertaste.

Vin Santo

Campobello, Il Santo  $15
80% Trebbiano, 20% Malvasia
Il Santo is a fortified version of the classic Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo. The bouquet is bursting with aromas of apricots, honey, and candied orange peel. Produced by incorporating a small amount of brandy into the blend, Il Santo is higher in alcohol and residual sugar, rendering it richer in style.

2009 San Felice, Vin Santo  $25
75% Trebbiano, 25% Malvasia
The classic Italian desert wine made from dried grapes and aged four years in barrel. Medium-sweet, it has an expansive palate with evolving notes of honey, seductively laced with toasted almond.  375ml

2011 Tenuta San Vito, Malmantico Vin Santo del Chianti  $48
San Vito’s Organic Vin Santo is thick and intense in the mouth, has aromas of apricots and orange blossom, followed by a caramel, nut and raisin-rich palate with a hint of honey and cream on the finish.  375ml

Madeira & Marsala

Ostinato Marsala Dolce  $13
A sweet Marsala that is delicious, balanced and refined. It resonates with deep vinous character and is produced according to traditional methods that are now rarely seen in the appellation, especially in Fine expressions.  Very complex for the money.  500ml

Belem Madeira  $14
100% Tinta Negra
Aged for a minimum of three years in old oak casks, Belém’s Madeira – Meio Seco is ‘medium-dry’ and, at 17% abv, is notable for its vinous character and concentration. In the kitchen, it is your secret weapon: delicious as an aperitif or in cocktails, it especially excels in the cook’s arsenal, ready to be deployed in marinades, glazes and reductions; for seafood, poultry or game — all while you enjoy a pre-prandial glass. 500ml

Broadbent 5-year-old Madeira Reserve  $28
With its dark gold color and sweet, nutty aromas, this is on the rich side of the Madeira taste spectrum. It has attractive fruitiness and aged citrus acidity that go together, leaving a wine that is both sweet but also fresh.

2004 Francesco Intorcia Heritage Superiore Ambra Dolce Marsala  $20
Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.  Was $30 now $20

Port & Banyuls

Kopke, 10-year-old Tawny  $15
A blend of different vintages averaging 10 years old.  375ml

Mas Blanc, Hors d’ Age Banyuls  $24
Made from old-vine Grenache noir aged in demi-muid. The wine is a blend of three vintages with reserve wine from the previous blend of vintages in a roughly 2/3 to 1/3 proportion.  Balanced, poised and energetic, the specified vintages lend vibrancy and exuberance; the reserve wine depth and complexity.  375ml

2015 Dow’s, Late Bottled Porto  $25
This is a quite fine, fruit driven, plummy, licorice and vanilla scented port. Not a lot of complexity, but there is generous fruit. Elegance and smoothness reign, with a chalky dusty finish. Very good length with a touch of flinty minerality.  –375 ML for $14

2013 Menéres, Late Bottled Port  $22
The special characteristics of this LBV are its richness, depth of flavor and powerful, attractive bouquet. It is bold and mouth filling. In order to retain as much depth as possible, the blend has been bottled as Vintage Port, without any stabilization. As a result, the port may throw a small deposit. Extremely limited.  500 cases made.  Unfiltered

2013 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.

2004 Royal Oporto, Vintage Port  $28
A good deal on a real Vintage Port in the perfect size bottle. — 375 ml

2011 Quinta Vale D. Maria, Vintage Port  $60
Powerful this year, this is a big boy in terms of structure, showing astringency on the finish, yet it seems also to show fine balance overall, managing to project some elegance, notwithstanding its underlying power. The graceful mid-palate is beautifully constructed, not jammy or thick, but still concentrated. It has a persistent finish. Beneath the oaky overlay, there is fine fruit as well as that impressive structure. This promises to be exceptional if you have a little patience.  — 95pts Wine Advocate

2005 Quinta da Romaneira, Vintage Porto  $50
50% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Francesa, 20% Tinto Cão
The grapes were trodden by foot and fermented in traditional granite ‘lagares’.  This wine aged 20 months in wooden barrels in the cellars of the Quinta before bottling. It should age in bottle for 8 to 15 years before attaining the complexity and bouquet characteristic of a Vintage.  A powerful wild aromatic nose, deep concentrated fruit, and a powerful but fine tannic structure make this a remarkable Vintage Port.

1999 Casa de Santa, Eufemia Vintage Port  $52
A rare Portuguese grower-owned port houses. The brothers that now own it and their family have been growers since 1894, but only since the formation of the EU in 1986 have they been able to bottle their own wines.  The 1999 is a real stunner. Weighty and vibrant, the wine billows forth with luscious blackberry compote, boysenberry, kirsch liqueur and a hint of anise. The structure is evident but this wine is wide open at present.

1999 Smith Woodhouse, Madalena Vintage Port  $50
In non-declared years, Smith Woodhouse offers a small amount of single vineyard Vintage Port from Madalena. This mature vintage port is showing a very ripe, sweet nose of baked plum, raisin, molasses and well-integrated tannins.

Things are rolling in the door as we prepare for the holidays.  Here’s a few of the new faces.

Whites

2019 Vignerons Proprietes Associes, Ozilhan Reseve Cotes du Rhone Blanc  $13
40% Grenache, 30% Viognier, 16% Clairette, 8% Rousanne
Floral fragrances, and lime flower, The palate is round and fleshy in the mouth, nice acidity. Well balanced with warm summer apples.  Organic

2018 Domain Brichot, Les Pierres Blanches  $13
50% Gros Manseng, 40% Sauvignon Blanc,  10% Ugni Blanc
This crystalline wine expresses itself on a nose of acacia flowers, a superb fruit of wild peaches and a very fresh mineral finish.   “We persevere in the search for the mineral and floral expression of this wine.”  8 months aging on fine lees with stirring.  Organic

2019 Villa des Croix, Picpoul de Pinet  $15
Aged on its lees for a minimum of 4 months to add structure, weight, body and complexity, this wine has citrus aromas combined with floral notes in the nose. It is fresh, lively and thirst-quenching in the mouth.

2019 Clos Henri, Petit Clos Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc  $16
A French winemaker takes on NZ Sauv Blanc.  Notes of soft gunflint and seashell tuck beneath bright citrus and stone fruit, grass and dried green herbs. The palate strikes a lovely balance between texture and zingy acidity. Flinty, mineral nuances run beside juicy citrus right to the long finish.  Organic

2018 Cá dei Frati di Dal Cero, I Frati Lugana  $21
Trebbiano
A complex, lees aged Trebbiano from older vines. It has concentrated but fresh perfume of white flowers, peaches and ripe lemons. On the palate it has excellent depth and balance, richness and a lovely crisp, lively finish.

2019 Antoine de la Farge, Les Petites Roches, Pouilly-Fumé  $27
Sauvignon Blanc
Les Petites Roches has beautiful citrus and smoky notes. Fuller-bodied with beautifully balancing acidity. A great break from your usual Sancerre.

2016 Laurent Cognard, Montagny 1er Cru, Les Bassets  $38
Chardonnay
Montagny Les Bassets 1er Cru is the flagship wine of the domaine.  A full, ripe wine, this is rich in white fruits, but balanced by bright acidity. Produced in a vineyard close to Buxy, it has a taut edge, plenty of honey and lemon flavors, and a touch of toast.  Was $45 now $38

Reds

2017 Stefano Massone, Piedmont Barbara  $10
A soft and supple Barbera.  Was $15, now $10

2017 Casata Monticello, Barbera d’Asti Superiore  $11
A complex little Barbera for very little money. Aging for one year in wood barrels adds class and body.

2018 Vignerons Proprietes Associes, Ozilhan Reseve Cotes du Rhone Rouge  $13
60% Syrah, 40% Grenache
Ripe red fruits, raspberries, black cherries, integrated spices and lush finish.  Organic

2018 Casa Contini, Verso Rosso Salento  $14
60% Negroamaro, 35% Primitivo, 5% Malvasia Nera
From Puliga, this Salento has notes of dried fruit, plums and spice with a silky texture and structured elegance.  Verso is a very full-bodied, luscious wine made with a small percent of ‘appassimento’, or raisined, grapes.

2018 Luigi Bosca, Mendoza Malbec  $15
Deep ruby red color, with aromas of ripe red fruit, spices and black pepper. The palate intensity is complemented by the softness and sweetness of tannins. Full-bodied and well structured.  Was $20 now $15

2019 Vendrell Rived, Montsant Serè  $18
80% Garnatxa, 20% Carinyena
From the younger vines of the estate. Red fruit, mostly cherries create a very captivating nose while the airy structure is full, but not firm. Very classy wine, with good complexity for this price.

2019 Pierre & Rodolphe Gauthier, Soif de Jour Bourgueil  $20
Cabernet Franc
Run by a father-and-son team who make fine, age-worthy wines from organic cabernet franc. Jour de Soif is their entry-level bottle, made from younger vines, which are nonetheless still 20 years old. You can sense the structure of the other cuvées in the fine tannins that give shape to this otherwise fresh and juicy wine.  Organic

2017 Anton Bauer, Feuersbrunn Zweigelt  $20
This Zweigelt drinks like a young, Northern-Rhône Syrah on holiday in Burgundy.  Cherry fruit with berry undertones, fine aroma; on the palate multi-layered –a vegetable touch joins the young berry fruit to add additional fine spice.  Organic

2014 Château Falfas, Côtes de Bourg  $29
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
Dense and dark, with notes of blackberry, anise, coffee, and chocolate, but also smoke and spice, and a lingering finish that you won’t soon forget.  The wine is elegant with good acidity and minerality (clay and limestone soil). Its bouquet of ripe dark fruits, violet and light spices is vibrant and fresh on the palate. This is full body wine with a nice texture and moderate tannin.  Biodynamic

2015 Pelissero, Barbaresco Nubiola  $45
Racy and exuberant on the palate, with terrific fruit density, the 2015 Barbaresco Nubiola captures the exuberant side of the year nicely. Fruity and floral notes that go from the ripe red fruit to the officinal herbs. Soft, tasty, velvety at the same time, leaves on the taste buds a note of sweetness and roundness typical of ripe grape with a slightly dry and astringent closure that distinguishes the Nebbiolo.

2017 Clos des Brusquiéres, Châteauneuf-du-Pape  $45
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
70+ year old vines An assertively perfumed bouquet evokes red berry preserves, exotic spices and candied lavender, along with a chalky mineral quality that builds as the wine opens up. Sweet, seamless and energetic in style, offering lithe raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that show wonderful clarity and back-end cut. The mineral and floral components drive a very long, appealingly sweet finish shaped by smooth, harmonious tannins.

2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Haut Medoc  $58
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
From a 5^th Growth estate, the Cantemerle show impressive richness and clarity of red and dark berries. Lightly spiced-pastry aromas, too. The palate has a very crisp, polished and groomed tannin texture, as well as super fresh flavors that carry long.

Our Holiday Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Bordeaux is a very classic wine, and while we love a good everyday bottle, around the holidays we like to splurge just a bit.

2009 Château Marsau, Cotes de Francs  $20
Merlot
This 2009 has black cherry fruit, with hints of tobacco leaf and coffee, this wine is dense, pure, medium to full-bodied, fleshy and quite seductive in its ripeness and silkiness.

2017 Château La Vielle Cure, La Sacristie Fronsac  $24
74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes of cassis, leafy herbs, tobacco, and spice all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, ripe, textured, balanced, and nicely textured. With good acidity and a great finish, it’s a smoking effort to drink over the coming 10-12 years.

2016 Château Rozier, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru  $28
80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color, the flavor rends a great freshness associated with red and black fruits, with a woody and slight vanilla edge. The tannin gives it a fleshy, smooth and delicious yet elegant taste.

2014 Château Falfas,  Côtes de Bourg  $29
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
Dense and dark, with notes of blackberry, anise, coffee, and chocolate, but also smoke and spice, and a lingering finish that you won’t soon forget.  The wine is elegant with good acidity and minerality (clay and limestone soil). Its bouquet of ripe dark fruits, violet and light spices is vibrant and fresh on the palate. This is full body wine with a nice texture and moderate tannin.  Biodynamic

2015 Château Franc Grâce-Dieu, St. Emilion Grande Cru  $32
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc
A rich and complex Bordeaux with a lot of leathery & mineral richness.

2010 Château Gueyrrosse, St. Emilion Grand Cru  $39
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Smooth and silky aged Bordeaux.  The nose highlighted by generous notes of crisp red fruits and a rich palette of aromas, velvety. A very harmonious vintage, combining power and finesse.

2018 Château les Barraillots, Cru Artisan Margaux  $40
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
From 40 year old vines the Barrallots is full, rich, and ripe promising that 2018 might rival 2015 and 2010.

2012 Château Les Fiefs de Lagrange, Saint Julien  $55
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot
The Second Label of the 3rd Growth Lagrange.  The 2012 is developed and ready to go now.  Good depth of firm Cabernet fruit, good clarity and natural tannins, very good second wine.

2015 Château Cantemerle, Haut Medoc  $58
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
5^th Growth Bordeaux.  Impressive richness and clarity of red and dark berries. Lightly spiced-pastry aromas, too. The palate has a very crisp, polished and groomed tannin texture, as well as super fresh flavors that carry long.

2014 Château Pas de L’Ane, Saint Emilion Grand Cru  $67
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc
A very rare top-notch Bordeaux that’s actually still a sensible buy.  Rich blackberry fruit and layers of tannins are a great combination for this wine that has profited from the quality of the Cabernet Franc in this vintage. It has plenty of fruit and acidity, as well as firm, still-toasty tannins.

2015 Château Latour, Pauillac  $100
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
A firm and linear red with currant, blackberry and stone aromas and flavors. Full yet closed and tight. Acidity drives this one. Third wine of Paulliac. Serious.  94 pts Suckling

2008 Château Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien  $128
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
One of the finest over-achieving efforts in this vintage as well as a ‘best buy’ for a top-flight St.-Julien, this 2008 is an irresistible success. It reveals an opaque ruby/purple color, lots of unctuosity and a boatload of sweet cassis and black cherry fruit intertwined with notions of licorice, smoke and oak. Full-bodied, remarkably concentrated and stunningly pure and textured, this sensational wine is already drinking well, and will be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring. It should last for 20-25 years  –94pts Parker

Our Holiday Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM