It looks like we have a long stretch of grey and damp here in Madrona, but we have some wines in store that will make the clouds part.

Saturday we are tasting our way through some Italian Varietals that have a bit more going on than first meets the eye.
2015 Vinicola Nera, La Novella Sondrio  $15
80% Nebbiolo, 20% Chardonnay
2016 Francesco Boschis,  Freisa  $ 16
2015 Francesco Boschis,  Dolcetto  Dogliani  $16
2016 Ansitz Waldgries, Santa Maddalena  $ 22
92% Schiava, 8% Lagrein
2011 Tenuta Col Sandago, Wildebacher  $26

Sunday we’ll be pouring two good value reds to drive away the damp and take the chill off the bones. Shake off the blues and stop on in for a sip or two.

2016 Domaine Brunely, Ventoux  $10
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Carignan
A great value Ventoux with notes of  blackberries and  blueberries with chalky,  peppery spice.

2015 Torre Raone, Lucanto  $13
Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
A richer than usual Montepulciano with flavors and soft fruit red berries such as blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and plum.

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 our way through some Italian Varietals that have a bit more going on than first meets the eye.  Open your I’s and come join us.

2015 Vinicola Nera, La Novella Sondrio  $15
80% Nebbiolo, 20% Chardonnay
The Nera winery started in 1940.  This Lombardy winery makes this unique white made from red and white grapes.  It has a fruity and intense aroma, typical of Nebbiolo grapes, and a dry taste with hints of exotic fruit, that is very savory and persistent.

2016 Francesco Boschis, Freisa  $16
Mario Boschis manages his estate in Dogliani with his two sons Paolo and Marco. This estate is completely family run and, apart from the family members, there are no employees.  The family prefers to keep their property small and to concentrate on the vineyards which they organically farm.  The Fresia is fresh and pleasant with violet, strawberry, and rose aromas. The taste is dry, round, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

2015 Francesco Boschis, Dolcetto  Dogliani  $16
Boschis’ vineyards stand at 550 meters above sea level at an ideal altitude for Dolcetto. This variety prefers this even climate and mainly calcareous soil.  The wine is dry and intense delivering wonderfully earthy flavors in addition to the classic red fruit. Dark red berries, iron, smoke and leather all inform the superb finish.

2016 Ansitz Waldgries, Santa Maddalena  $22
92% Schiava, 8% Lagrein
Santa Maddalena is the name for wines made in the Alto Adige around Bolzano. Santa Maddalena’s fragrant, light red wines are widely viewed as among the finest the Trentino-Alto Adige region has to offer.  The Waldries seduces by the gust of Mediterranean scents that spread in the glass once poured; brings to mind images of palm trees, olive trees and fig trees in a setting extraordinary dominated by the Dolomites.

2011 Tenuta Col Sandago, Wildebacher  $26
The hillsides of Tenuta Col Sandago contain the only 3.5 hectares of Wildbacher Nero existing in the world.  While Wildbacher Nero is undrinkable at first, after three years of aging in barrels and tonneaux it reveals a tannic flavor and special initial nuances. After five years, although still young, it offers a splendid red having an intense aroma with notes of berries, herbs and sweet spices and an elegant, vigorous flavor. This dark red has enveloping aromas, with hints of wild berries, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. The taste is elegant and vigorous together, well-structured and tannic, with a good acidity in the finish.  It is great to drink now or lay it down.

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’s January and we started looking around for some good deals to quench our post-holiday thirst.  We didn’t have to look too far.  This Saturday we are pouring five wines from the Pacific Northwest that all have special pricing to ease the pain when the Visa bill arrives.  Swing by and slurp up some great values.
 
2015 Kestrel Viognier  $12
Aromas  of lychee, apple, pear, citrus, flowers and rose water.  The flavors echo the aromas, bright fruit with a touch or restraint.  A touch of sweetness is noticeable at first but the high acidity cuts through the viscosity and makes the wine nice and crisp.
Was $20 now $12

2014 J Meuret, Les Chenes Pinot Noir $18
What looks like a French Burgundy is actually an Oregon Pinot from the Maison Bleu folks.  The vineyard is in Hood River.  The wine has aromas of boysenberry, pipe tobacco, fresh morels, cedar and rose petals.  The flavors are of black cherry, anise, red currant, fine grain tannins and a balanced acidity.
Was $45 now $18…don’t ask, just buy it while you can at this price.

2014 Maison Bleue Metis  $15
55% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre
A well balanced red blend from Prosser that  opens with red cherry, rose petals and smoked pork shoulder. This leads to deep flavors of black tea, black cherry, coffee grounds and baking spices. The wine is polished and has a wonderful texture, showing nice opulence from the warm vintage.
Was $30 now $15

2012 Kestrel Sangiovese  $12
This wine is garnet in color with deep red accents at its margins. It possesses aromas of dark chocolate, red cherries, cassis, pomegranate, oak, and dried herbs. On the palate it is extremely well balanced. The fruit flavors are mixed with notes of vanilla, cedar and toast. 
Was $20 now $12

2013 Saviah Cellars, Cabernet Franc  $20
A Walla Walla wine that we got a great deal on — this Cabernet Franc opens with earthy aromas of nutmeg and fresh cracked pepper and bright cherry and bramble berry notes. Supple, well textured tannins support the flavors of red fruit, anise, and blackberry. Smooth barrel spice influences and lively acidity fill the palate and lead to a spice-dusted raspberry finish. 
Was $30 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.

The New Year is upon us, so it’s time to try some new wines! Saturday is all wines from Bodegas Garzón in Uruguay. Here’s the lineup:

2016 Garzón  Albariño Reserve  $16
2015 Garzón Cabernet Franc Reserve  $19.
2015 Garzón Marselan Reserve  $19
2015 Garzón Tannat Reserve  $19
2015 Garzón Tannat Single Vineyard  $29

Come Sunday we are back to the Old World with an Italian Rosé and a French Red.

2016 Castel Sallegg Legrein Rosé  $12
Notes of raspberry, strawberry, jam, and roast coffee. It is full on the palate, with a fine, well-integrated acidity, a good structure with a pleasant mellowness and a good length. 13% alcohol by volume. Was $17, Now $12

2015 Vidal-Fleury Ventoux  $14
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
A Syrah-heavy Southern Rhone Red with fresh berries and spice. Full bodied, ripe and fresh on the palate, driven by berry fruit.

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.

From its 205,000 sq. ft. winery, Bodegas Garzón produces some of Uruguay’s best wines, including two we are sampling today that are 100% Tannat. Originally planted by Basque settlers, Tannat could be considered the national grape of Uruguay today. I had the pleasure of visiting Uruguay this last November – stunning scenery, wonderful food, amazing wines. Come join me while Jim is in sunny California.
 
2016 Garzón  Albariño Reserve  $16
Pale yellow with greenish reflections, this Albariño is intense in the nose, with peach and citrus notes. There is a freshness and minerality mid-palate that is superb, with remarkable acidity and a round, crisp finish.

2015 Garzón Cabernet Franc Reserve  $19
Intense purple color with violet highlights, this varietal has mineral aromas of ripe peppers, spices and fruits of the forest, along with a subtle note of dark chocolate and smoke from select barrels. In the mouth, there are layers of soft tannins, combining prunes and ripe blackberries with fresh notes of eucalyptus and mint, making it delightfully complex.

2015 Garzón Marselan Reserve  $19
Deep red color, the Marselan presents a powerful aroma that combines notes of red fruits, mineral, mint, and eucalyptus. Smooth on the palate coupled with an intense and long ending, it results in a wine distinguished by an expression of ripe red fruits with mineral.

2015 Garzón Tannat Reserve  $19
A juicy, full-bodied wine. Rich purple in color with very fresh aromas reminiscent of red and black fruits such as plums and raspberries along with a delicate spicy nose. In the mouth, it is presented with a strong personality. Its mature tannins and minerality transform it into a wine with great soil identity.

2015 Garzón Tannat Single Vineyard  $29
With a ripening time ranging from 12 to 18 months in untoasted French oak barrels, this noble Tannat Single Vineyard 2015 is perfect to accompany dishes such as lamb, cured cheese such as the Parmesan, or a delicious duck confit cassoulet. Apart from those dishes, which highlight its spiced notes, it is the ideal ally for the traditional French cuisine.

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.

We are ready to kick 2017 out the door and welcome in 2018.  Of course, that requires lots of bubbles.  This weekend we’ll be opening them throughout the day (The cork will come out of the Champagne at 1pm both days.)  Come by and raise a glass with us.
 
Saturday, December 30th
 
Manoir du Parc, Rosé Cider   $8
This Rosé cider from Normandy is made with pink fleshed apples and is delicious by itself or with that weekend breakfast.  3% alcohol by volume
 
Dopff & Irion, Cremant d’Alsace Brut  $16
50% Pinot Blanc, 50% Auxerrois
A complex glass of bubbles with lots of toasty, creamy, yeasty notes along with apple and citrus fruit flavors.

Philippe Deval, Cremant de Loire Brut Rosé $17
Cabernet Franc
A very striking salmon colored Rosé with red berries (strawberries, raspberries) aromas. The flavor is crisp & elegant, with fruit and berry shades and refreshing aftertaste.

Champagne Moutard, Brut Grande Cuvée  $30
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, buttered toast and a long delicate finish.

Sunday December 31st
 
Art of the Earth, Prosecco Frizzante  $14
Notes of green apple and discreet floral undertones. It is refreshing and lively finish with exquisite perlage.  And it is Organic.

De Bortoli, Sparkling Brut  $12
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
An Austrailian Sparkler with fresh fruit and citrus notes, creamy bubbles and a clean, crisp finish. A good value bubbly.

Antica Fratta, Brut Franciacorta DOCG  $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France. The calcareous soils produce 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.
 
Champagne Duval Leroy, Brut Reserve $45
Made using mainly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier plus 10% Chardonnay, the Reserve is drawn from 15 crus, and there is a generous addition of reserve wines. It is a finely knit Champagne, this layers vibrant acidity and a lacy mousse with delicate flavors of patisserie apple and pear, biscuit and ground ginger, and shows a subtle smoky note on the lasting 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.

The Solstice is here and Christmas is on the way and we are opening some special seasonal samples to help make us merry.  There is something new every day and maybe a even a few surprises.
 
Thursday, December 21st
2012 Nitída,  Caligraphy  $23
54% Merlot,  21% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
A burly South African blend with rich blackberry, cassis and cherry flavors with tobacco and cedar notes.
 
Friday, December 22
2015 Villa Sparina, Gavi di Gavi  $14
Cortese
A delicious Piedmont dry white, soft textured yet richly flavored.  Was $20 now $14

2013 Tintero, Barberesco  $24
Nebbiolo
A fresh, ready young Barbaresco with core of cherry and red currant fruit backed by fine, food-friendly tannins and complex notes of rose petals, limestone soil, camphor, and fennel. Notes of violet, cinnamon, and cherry blossoms mark the wine’s lingering, smoky, tannin-dusted finish. Bright and generous, yet structured.  Was $30 Now $24

Saturday December 23rd
 2013 Colterenzio,  Lafoa Sauvignon Blanc  $25
Very intense fruity notes, reminiscent of elderflower, acacia flowers and sage; associated with fine wood flavors; a wine with pithy acidity and lingering finish.  Was $40 now $25

2014 Joseph Phelps, Napa Cabernet  $65
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
A classic Napa Cab.  The 2014 is supple, with silky tannins, dark plum, blackcurrant and licorice-infused fruit with a touch of spice, a lushness on the attack and mid-palate, and a silky finish.
 
Sunday December 24th
2011 Paul Reitz, Santenay  $25
Pinot Noir
Drinking great right now. Good aromatic intensity reveals notes of red and black fruits.  An ample and rich wine, with flavors of smooth cherries.  Was $40 now $25
 
2014 Raymond Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard  $30
90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, 2% Counoise
From 80 year old vines, the Cuvée Girard shows a touch darker fruit and possibly more concentration, with building tannin and a solid finish.  Was $43, now $30

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.