Saturday we frolic around France, tasting here and there with wild abandon.  Join us as we hop and jump from north to south, from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm hills of the Mediterranean.  It is a tasty adventure.
 
2017 Kuentz Bas , Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
Kuentz-Bas was established by the Kuentz family in 1795.   It sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares. Their traditional blend shows notes of very ripe pear dominate the nose. The palate shows crisp acidity to aid the spicy pear fruit.  It is bone dry with smoky yet bright flavors.
 
2017 Roger Nevue, Sancerre, Cote des Embouffants  $22
Sauvignon Blanc
“The Clos des Bouffants, the primary Neveu family Sancerre holding, is a steep, due-south exposed, limestone vineyard located less than a half mile from the Neveu cellar. The wine shows aromas of ripe rhubarb and gooseberry leap from the pale lemon juice, along with hints of lime, chalk, and flint. It has a mineral texture with high acidity, and vibrant green fruits follow through to a long, lingering finish.
 
2015 Regis Bouvier, Bourgogne Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
From a 1.5-hectare vineyard of 35-year-old vines situated in clay and limestone soils, this is a bright red cherry-leaning-towards-plum fruit, super juicy Pinot. There are lots of ways to spin this, as a hedonistic red Burgundy, as a delicious Pinot Noir. Experience the touch and finesse, the Burgundian soul, the pure deliciousness of a true Pinot bargain.
 
2016 Ensedune, Couteaux de Enserune $10
Marselan
At the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, the Oppidum Romain d’Ensérune dominates the terroir of the Ensédune wines. It is characterized by one of the warmest and driest climates of France located at the west of Béziers. Proud of a thousand-year-old tradition, the Ensérune winegrowers were keen to develop their vineyards by acclimatizing grape varieties from various horizons. This Marselan has lively, balsamic, small berry fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry, wild strawberry) aromas, with a lovely, mellow concentration. It’s a perfect easy-drinking wine.
 
2014 Michel Gassier, Nostre Pais Rouge, Costières de Nîmes $19
35% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
One of the bigger, richer versions of this cuvee, the 2014 Nostre Païs was fermented with one-third whole clusters and aged in equal parts 500-liter barrels and concrete tanks. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by terrific notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, roasted herbs and licorice. It has serious mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and present, yet ripe tannin, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully for at least 4-6 years.  Organic

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.

Looks like we are due for some beautiful Fall weather this next week in Madrona.  This weekend at the wine shop we are due to taste some beautiful  wines from Spain and France to match the weather.

Saturday we have a lineup of Spanish Wines (all under $20) that could take up regular residence at your Autumn tables.
2012 Marques de la Concordia Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature  $14
30% Chardonnay, 25% Macabeo, 20% Xerello, 25% Parellada
2016 Bodegas Naia ‘Naia’  $14
100%Verdejo
2010 Bodegas Zugober Belezos Rioja Reserva  $19
95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo & Graciano
2012 Altos de Tamaron Reserva Ribera del Duero  $18
Tempranillo
2012 Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Negre  Priorat  $18
60% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) and 40% Carinyena (Carignan)

Sunday we focus on a pair of French standbys.
2015 Guindon Muscadet  $11
This is a lightly perfumed wine with crisp acidity and bright lemon flavors. There is a fine zesty tang to this attractive ready-to-drink wine. 12% alcohol by volume
2015 L’Ermitage Nimes Rouge  $10
40% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah,  20% Grenache
A sturdy little southern French red with lots of Mourvèdre, red fruit spices and licorice flavors.

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 tasting Spanish wines that don’t break the bank.  All these wines out perform their price point.  Come and taste them for yourself.
 
2012 Marques de la Concordia Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature  $14
30% Chardonnay, 25% Macabeo, 20% Xerello, 25% Parellada
This unique Cava is aged 4 years in bottle before release.  The reserve has apple and brioche aromas are composed on the nose. A plump, slightly oxidized palate offers mild fruit tones, but shows a welcome shot of citrus on the finish.
 
2016 Bodegas Naia ‘Naia’  $14
1005Verdejo
Bodegas Naia is located in the village La Seca, which is considered the Grand Cru of the D. O. Rueda and where some of the oldest vineyards of this Denomination of Origin can be found.   The Naia aged for 4 months on it lees.  It has a lively, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchid fruits, jasmine and dusty minerals, and a hint of anise builds in the glass. Incisive, mineral-driven Meyer lemon and a green apple flavors stretch out and deepen while maintaining vivacity.
 
2010 Bodegas Zugober Belezos Rioja Reserva  $19
95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo & Graciano
Bodegas Zugober in La Rioja Alavesa was founded in 1987 by the young enologists, Eduardo Gomez and Isabel Bernardo, who were determined to set up a modern winery based on old wine-making traditions. Their Resserva is elegant and aromatic.  The wine boasts great fruit, spice as well as earthy nuances.
 
2012 Altos de Tamaron Reserva Ribera del Duero  $18
Only the very best Tempranillo grapes are selected to create this wine. Its grapes are selected from 40-year-old vines that produce no more that 4 to 5 small scattered clusters.  Smokey rosemary, fresh meat and baked soil are decidedly earth aromas. On the tongue it is plush, laden with sweet baking spices and supple vanilla and coconut cream. Strong cinnamon and ripe blackberries are long lasting in the mouth.
 
2012 Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Negre  Priorat  $18
60% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) and 40% Carinyena (Carignan)
These vineyards are located near a gorge, or barranc in the Catalan language, in the Priorat DO of northeastern Spain. They are certified organic. The wine ages in previously-used French Allier barrels for 3 months.  It has enticing bouquet of toast, wood, milky cherry and milky raspberry on the nose and sour cherry, red currant, with refreshing acidity and dusty tannins (decant for 60+ min) and a medium to long, silky, 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.

It was a soggy 1st Friday here in Madrona, but the sun is supposed to poke its head back out this weekend.  Here at Madrona Wine we are drying out by wetting our whistles with wines from central Italy.  Stop by and join us.

Saturday we are tasting Tuscany. Come see the different faces of Sangiovese.
2017 Villa Travignoli  Busi Gavignano Bianco $11
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Erik Banti, Carato $12
40% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and only 20% Sangiovese
2012 Villa Travignoli, Tegolaia Rufina Reserva  $16
2015 Erik Banti  Ciabatta $25
85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante, 5% Ciliegiolo
2011 La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino $36

Sunday we are tasting a couple of wines from Abruzzo & Umbria. 
2015 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Bianco $13
80% Bombino Bianco, 15% Cococciola, 5% Chardonnay
From Abruzzo — Straw yellow color. Fairly intense bouquet, fine aroma. Hints of yellow fruit, apple, banana, white flowers like jasmine.  Pair with raw fish, medium-fat fish, fish-based first courses.
 Was $25, Now $13
2012 Roccafiore Montefalco Sagrantino  $20
100% Sagrantino
From Umbria — Aged 18 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian barrels. The olfactory impact is intense and elegant, and built on large fruity, ethereal, spicy. On the palate it achieves a remarkable structure, offering fair tannins, this wine is full-bodied, dense, chewy and unique.

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 tasting Tuscany, sipping our way from the historical Villa Travignoli to the wines of famous ex-race car driver Erik Banti.  Come see the different faces of Sangiovese.  We are capping it off with La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino.  It is not to be missed.
 
2017 Villa Travignoli  Busi Gavignano Bianco $11
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc
Travignoli was founded in the 1700’s and has been operating by the Busi family since the 1800s. Travignoli is partially surrounded by the vineyards of Frescobaldi, in the heart of the Rufina zone where wine has been produced since the 15th century.  This Bianco has aromas of fresh citrus fruits and delicate hay notes followed by a very elegant, creamy acidity.
 
2015 Erik Banti, Carato $12
40% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and only 20% Sangiovese
This mini Super Tuscan is a Sangiovese-based blend from the Tuscan coast that tastes like it should cost much more because of its full, smooth, flavorful palate presence and excellent balance. This is bright, clean and savory with loads of sweet berries and ripe cherries and a dusting of roasted herb.
 
2012 Villa Travignoli, Tegolaia Rufina Reserva  $16
The Chianti Rùfina Riserva Tegolaia is made entirely from Sangiovese, harvested and selected in the first week of October. The evolution of this Chianti Riserva takes place for 18 months in wooden barrels, where the product matures its organoleptic characteristics and its own character.  The wine has aromas of strong fruity notes, supported by the presence of spicy and sapid notes. In the mouth it shows a great personality, with well present tannins assimilated by an excellent roundness.
 
2015 Erik Banti  Ciabatta $25
85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante, 5% Ciliegiolo
A chewy and fruity Morellino with dark berry, dark chocolate and a hazelnut undertone. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.
 
2011 La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino $36
A classic and complex Brunello.  Tilled earth, ripe dark-skinned berry, leather and menthol aromas show this wine’s Sangiovese pedigree. The robust, concentrated palate doles out crushed black cherry, raspberry jam, cinnamon, licorice and the warmth of evident alcohol—the latter a common characteristic of this hot vintage. Firm, ripe tannins provide the framework.

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.

The clouds come back this weekend here in Madrona after a week of Sunny September weather.  We’ve got a mix of wines to taste this weekend suitable for whatever weather shows up.  Stop in and see what’s open.

Saturday we have a pack of Wolves assembled from the Loire, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Washington State. While at first glance they may seem cute and fluffy, but.at heart they have a bit of the beast. 
Henry Varney Blanc de Blanc $15
Ugni Blanc
2016 Vinedo de los Vientos,  Estival Blanc  $18
60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato Bianco
2018 Pie de Palo Malbec $13
2016 Apaltagua, Gran Reserva Envero Carmenere  $18
2016 In Sheep’s Clothing Cabernet Sauvignon $19
60% Red Mountain, 40% Wahluke Slope

Sunday we’ll have a pair of Bordeaux open.  One whtie, one Red, both delicious.
2017 Château Darzac Bordeaux Blanc $11
36% Sémillon, 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Muscadelle, 15% Sauvignon Gris
Entre-Duex-Mers
Medium-body with a rich mouthfeel and notes of fresh citrus, melon and green apples. Crisp and clean on the long finish. Pair with grilled snapper, roast chicken, summer salads, and mild cheeses.13% alcohol by volume
2012 Château De Macard Bordeaux Superieur  $10
50% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
A great little value Bordeaux. The Cabernet Franc really comes through on the palate, with offerings of attractive black cherry fruit and spices. There is superb balance, purity and elegance with refined tannins, freshness and a seamless finish. 12.5% alcohol by volume. Was $16 now $10

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’ve assembled a Wolfish crew of wines from around the world.  While at first glance they may seem cute and fluffy, but.at heart they have a bit of the beast.  Stop by and try some predators from the Loire, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Washington State.   
 
Henry Varney Blanc de Blanc $15
Ugni Blanc
While most sparkling wines from Saumur in the Loire Valley are made with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, the Blanc de Blanc is 100% Ugni Blanc. Ugni Blanc is France’s most planted white grape variety (known as Trebbiano in its native Italy).  This Blanc de Blanc has a steady stream of fine bubbles.  It is fresh and fruity, with high acidity to delight the palate.  The nose has aromas of crisp green apple and melon. The flavors are citrus and apple with a light bready finish.
 
2016 Vinedo de los Vientos,  Estival Blanc  $18
60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato Bianco
Located just 4km from Atlantida, a coastal city of Uruguay, Vinedo de los Vientos, or “Vineyard of the Winds,” sits where the River Plate estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Estival is a blend, but it’s fermented all together.  The Chardonnay is harvested unripe like in “Champagne” to get the high acidity to balance the fully ripe Gewurztraminer and the Moscato Bianco’s fruity flavors. You can feel the sweetness of the Gewurz and Moscato and the sharp acidity of the Chardonnay with lots of different flavors in between.
 
2018 Pie de Palo Malbec $13
100% Malbec
Pie de Palo is situated 20 km south of Mendoza City, Argentina, in Cruz de Piedra district, Maipu County, where the climate is moderate in the summer and winter months.  This Malbec is made in stainless steel tanks as opposed to oak, so the fruit flavors are bright and fresh. Cherry, raspberry, and other red fruits make it a very versatile Malbec.
 
2016 Apaltagua, Gran Reserva Envero Carmenere  $18
90% Carmenere, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The grapes in our Apaltagua Gran Reserva Envero come from our own 60 hectare vineyards in Apalta in the Colchagua Valley in Chile.  Apaltagua Gran Reserva Envero shows ripe blackberries, tobacco, and spices. It possesses a remarkable combination of ripe fruit notes and oak mixed with vanilla. Its flavor is juicy, full, and concentrated, highlighting the softness in the mouth and the raspberry and plum tannins with a touch of tobacco. It has a long and lingering finish.
 
2016 In Sheep’s Clothing Cabernet Sauvignon $19
60% Red Mountain, 40% Wahluke Slope
In Sheep’s Clothing delivers a ripeness of fruit flavors while preserving the acidity that gives the wine a slice of freshness. With layers of Cassis, Blueberries, and Black Cherries lends to New World style fruit with more of an old-world structure with a hint of wood smoke.  This wine fully embraces an integral part of classic Cabernet Sauvignon by highlighting a complex blend of dried herbs: anise, thyme and bay leaf.

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.

Our distributors have been shuffling the deck and making room for Fall arrivals in their warehouses.  That means good deals for us and we’ve snatched some up.  And good deal for you, we’ll be sampling some of them this weekend at the shop.  Stop by Madrona Wine and deal yourself in.

Saturday:
2013 Kir Yianni Samaropetra  $12
60% Roditis, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Was $16 now $12
2012 Château Saint-Hilaire Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Was $23 now $15
2010 Vignalta Rosso Reserva  $17
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Was $23 now $17
2011 Cambon La Pelouse Haut Medoc  $22
50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot.
Was $33 now $22
2011 Saint Esteve d’ Uchaux, Massif d’ Uchaux Vieilles Vignes  $20
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
Was $35 now $20

Sunday we have two deals from Italy:
2015 Collefrisco Vignaquadra  $10
Passerina, Terre di Chieti
Straw-like yellow color with green reflections. Citrus aromas, bergamot, & white flowers typical of the Mediterranean area. Good acidity, persistent on the nose.
Was $15, now $10
2014 La Togata Barengo  $13
Sangiovese
A bone dry Tuscan IGT with notes of rose petals, black berries, and luscious dark cherry touting hints of tobacco and cedar box.
Was $19 now $13

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.

The leaves aren’t the only things falling this September.  A few of our distributors have surveyed their warehouses and dropped the prices on some wines they wanted to move out.  WE, of course, rushed to rake them up.  Stop by the shop on Saturday and taste some delicious deep discounts.

2013 Kir Yianni Samaropetra  $12
60% Rhoditis, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
This high elevation, single-vineyard white is in northwestern Greece.  The nose is dominated by aromas of kiwi, passionfruit and citrus, typical of a green Sauvignon Blanc with a refreshing character. On the palate, Rhoditis adds structure and crispness, supporting the intense flavors and leading to a lingering, lip-smacking aftertaste.
Was $16 now $12

2012 Château Saint-Hilaire Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
This Cru Bourgeois has a classic Bordeaux style, with fragrant berry fruit and sweet spice and a little earthy barnyard to make it interesting.
Was $23 now $15

2010 Vignalta Rosso Reserva  $17
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Good Italian Bordeaux , the nose is complex and deep, with mineral and spicy notes, which lead  to fruity varietal notes of blackberry and marasca jam, then continue with hints of grass and undergrowth. On the palate it is elegant, balanced, with a lively yet young tannic texture. Long persistence.
Was $23 now $17

2011 Cambon La Pelouse Haut Medoc  $22
50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Coming from vines close to Margaux (but not quite) the Cambon reveals a plum-ruby color as well as rich flower scents mixed with red and black currant, spices, and hints of wood. This offering is fleshy, medium-bodied, and with rich fruit flavors.
Was $33 now $22

2011 Saint Esteve d’ Uchaux, Massif d’ Uchaux Vieilles Vignes  $20
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
This aim for the bleachers wine from this estate hits it over the fences.  The 2011 tastes as good as many a Châteauneuf du Pape.  Maybe better.
Was $35 now $20

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.

It looks like we are in for a cool weekend here in Madrona.  And things are even cooler at the wine shop.  Come on by and get hip to what we have going on.

Saturday, we have Cool Wines from Cool Climes and taste touring some of the cooler regions of Europe with stops in Germany, Austria, the Jura and the Loire. 
Domaine Saint-Just, Crémant de Loire Brut $18
2016 Biohof Pratsch Gruner Veltliner $13
2016 Weinhaus Schloss Koblenz GmbH, St. Christopher, Württemberg Gewürztraminer $12
2016 Biohof Pratsch, Zweigelt $13
2011 Domaine Rolet Arbois Rouge Tradition $19
40% Poulsard, 30% Trousseau, 30% Pinot Noir

Sunday we are sticking closer to home with two wines from the Pacific Northwest.
2016 Evesham Wood Blanc de Puits Sec  $14
85% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewurztraminer
From the 1986 planting on the estate. The nose leaps from the glass with bright jasmine, honeysuckle and rose followed by a flavor of pear, balanced weight on the palate and bright acidity. It finishes with spice from the Gewürztraminer.  Organic.
Was $17 now $14
2014 Robert Ramsay Mason’s Red  $18
42% Cinsault, 19% Syrah, 19% Mourvédre, 10% Grenache, 10% Counoise
This “everyday wine” has a lot more going on it than the price suggests. Full spicy fruit in a dark Rhone style.

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.