Start the 4^th of July weekend off right this Saturday by stocking up on some perfect wines for the celebration. Like our citizens these wines have emigrated from all parts of the world. But now are right at home at any picnic or barbeque. Stop by and invite them over to your party.

2015 Philippe Viallet, Vin de Savoie $12
An unspecified blend of indigenous grapes (Jaquère, Altesse, Roussanne) this Savoy white has a discreet and smoky nose with aromas of stewed fruits and notes of honey. The mouthfeel is light and straight, with a good minerality and a slight saltiness on the finish. 11.5% abv.

2015 Le Galantin Bandol Rosé $20
50% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault
Domaine le Galantin cultivates 35 hectares in the Plan du Castellet in Bandol, arguably one of the best places to grow Rosé grapes. This classic Provencal Rosé has delightful fresh berry fruit flavors, spices and a crisp finish. Organic

2007 Lopez de Heredia Viña Cubillo $23
65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
Lopez de Heredia is a very traditional Rioja winery, known for extended aging of their wines before release. From the vineyard Viña Cubillas, whose vines average 40 years of age. The soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. The wine is aged for three years, being racked twice per year, before bottling. This would be a Gran Reserva from most other wineries. The palate is tight but well sculpted and the tannins will surely mellow further with time, allowing the beguiling mixture of fruit and savory notes to rise from the depths.

2013 Nathan Gray Cab Sauvignon $17
The Nathan Gray wines are made for one of our distributors by winemaker Morgan Lee and Covington Cellars. This Washington cab has dark rich fruit with a smooth texture and a good tannic finish — not to mention a great price.

Cantina Coviolo, Lambrusco $12
30% Lambrusco Salamino, 25% Lambrusco Marani, 25% Lambrusco Maestri, 10% Ancellotta, 10% Lambrusco Monterico
From Emilia Romagna Lambrusco is the overlooked but ultimate Barbeque wine. The aromas are fresh and fruity but the mouth is dry and intense and is loaded with soft fruits and black cherry, full bodied, crisp and harmonic on the palate with a slightly bitter finish. 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.

Doug McCrea pioneered winemaking with Rhone varietals in Washington State at a time when everyone else was focused on Cab and Merlot. Years later there are many Rhone blends ion the market, but very are a match for Doug’s. This Saturday we’ll be pouring the wines of his new project Salida which focuses on Spanish varietals. This Sunday we’ll have two of his wines open to taste, with special pricing to boot.

2013 Viña Salida, Albarino $10
Aromas of grapefruit, pear, white melon and bold citric elements, the wine zings across the palate with a relentless citric character, yet a subtle emollient richness, slight bitterness and great texture. Was $16 now $10

2012 Viña Salida, Two Coyote Tempranillo, $15
92% Tempraillo, 8% Grenache
Doug makes this Tempranillo from Two Coyote Vineyard near Zillah. A wisp of smoke leads into rosemary and sage with fruit tones of Marion berry, dark plum and blueberry and polished tannins that make for delicious length. Was $22 Now $15

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.

It is summer and there are some things that you just seriously need to keep on hand 
One is Good Bubbles for impromptu festivities or just pre dinner sipping.
Two is Rosé.  Rosés go with EVERYTHING from weekend brunches to afternoon chores to any kind of get together. 
Three is one serious badass red for when the Barbeque is cranking.
Join us on Saturday when we’ll be tasting everything you’ll need to keep you covered.
 
Acinum, Prosecco Extra Dry DOP $11
100% Glera
From Veneto, the Acinum is a dry extra dry Prosecco with fruity aromas of green apple and pink grapefruit.  The flavor is crispy, extremely elegant palate with a long, fresh and tasty finish.  11% alcohol by volume

Francois Montand, Méthode Traditionnelle Brut  $12
Colombard, Ugny Blanc & Chardonnay
A great sparkling wine from the Jura region, the Brut has fine bubbles and intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. It is creamy and smooth, with lingering aromas, freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples and Meyer lemon.  11% alcohol by volume

2015 Rimauresq, le petite Rimauresq Rosé $11
Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
A Provence winery, Rimauresq takes its name from the Real Mauresque, the river that flows through the vineyards.  The estate benefits from both the cooling mistral winds and the shade of the mountains above. This shade gives a longer ripening period in the crucial weeks prior to harvest.  The Petite jumps around with notes of red currant, raspberry, orange zest, white flowers and Provencal herbs.

2014 Rimauresq “R” Cru Classe Rosé $15
34% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, 11% Syrah
The flagship rosé from Rimauresq, the R is from 70-year-old vines and has an appealing herb-spiked and fruity nose. The palate is finely balanced; quite rich, spicy red fruit is accented with bright acidity and a cleansing, sapid finish. This is a lovely expression of the grapes and of the land.  13% alcohol by volume 
Was $22 now $15

Marietta, Christo Red Lot #3,   $18
70% Syrah, 17% Petit Sirah, 10% Grenache, 3% Viognier
Marietta is a family run winery in California that is noted for blending both varietals and vintages. The Chirsto is homage to their father and founder.  It is a big muscular Rhone blend.  Lots of earth, lots of fruit, lots of tannins.  Quite a lot going on.  15.3% alcohol by volume

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.

Sunday, the French government is back buying another round for the house with four wines from the Languedoc.

Château de Cordes, Minervios Blanc   $17 
80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
Château de Cordes is an estate of nearly 87 acres, situated in the village of Rustiques.  This distinctive white offers intense citrus, exotic fruit, vanilla, and floral character, with impressive richness on the palate well-balanced by a crisp, refreshing acidity.

2015 Sainte Eugénie, Corbieres Rosé  $11
80% Consult, 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache
The Eugénie is a wonderful, bright rosé displaying fresh raspberry and strawberry notes with a slight touch of minerality and dried herbs. Excellent length and balance, with a dry finish.
2015 Château de Lancyre Pic Saint-Loup Rosé  $15

50% Syrah, 40% Grenache,10% Cinsault
The Lancyre Pic Saint Loup le Rosé is juicy and crisp, with bright acidity and classy notes of strawberries, citrus rind and flowers. Made from a mix of direct press and saignee (bleeding) process, it’s a high quality, versatile rosé to drink over the coming year.

2012 Château de Lancyre La Coste d’Aleyrac Pic Saint-Loup  $20
50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Carignan
A top quality red from Lancyre, the Aleyrac shows predominant fresh grape notes and black cherry on first pour then exudes raspberry aromas entwined with incense notes after swirling. The palate is very fresh, pleasurable, fleshy and fruity with raspberry notes. The finish is suffused with licorice and very soft, appealing tannins.

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.

The Solstice in approaching, and we get the long days of the year with lingering evenings that are perfect for sipping some delicious wine and enjoying the summer air.  Stop by the shop this Saturday as we taste some beautiful wines from Spain and France that match the beautiful evenings. 
 
2014 K5 Arginano, Uhin Berdea Txakolina $20
Hondarrabi Zuri
K5 Argiñano is a modern vineyard estate located on a hillside near the Basque village of Aia.  Their fifteen acres of Hondarrabi Zuri are dry farmed in slate and granite soils with yields limited to under two kilos per vine. Uhin Berdea is a selection from younger vines, bottled in February following several months’ aging on the fine lees.  The wine has vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, complemented by suggestions of jasmine and green tea. Silky and focused on the palate it shows a refreshingly bitter quality on the tangy, lingering finish.
 
2013 Bodegas Nora, “Nora” Albariño $16
This wine was born on the banks of the Miño, the great river of Galicia.  The vineyards are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests and the ruins of ancient Celtic fortresses. In the midst of this poetic landscape, Albariño, the queen of Spanish white varietals, ripens slowly. The wine draws your attention with aromas of ripe apples and peaches. On the palate, Nora has an excellent balance of fresh fruit flavors and a rich silky texture.
 
2015 Chateau la Mascaronne, Quat Sasisons Rosé  $20
50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Chateau La Mascaronne lies at the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation just outside the medieval village of Le Luc.  Their always fantastic rosé has a beautiful pale color yet with intense nose of peach and lemon with large depth of flavor and remarkably long finish.
 
2013 La Celestiere, Cotes du Rhone  $15
60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre
The little wine of a Châteauneuf producer, the CDR comes from 3 hectares of 50-years-old vines.  The wine is loaded with red berries, earth and herbs, medium bodied with a light cherry note in the finish.
 
2006 Bodegas Riojanas Vina Albina Gran Reserva Rioja  $30
Tempranillo
Bodegas Riojanas, founded in 1890, is one of the oldest producers in Rioja Alta.  Their Gran Reserva was aged for 2.5 years in barrel and another 3 in bottle.   “Gritty and firm like a fist, this slowly maturing Rioja captures the essence of the region’s tradition via a juicy, racy but balanced palate that houses mature cherry, berry, raisin, fig and loamy flavors. Coffee and earth notes grace a well-shaped finish. Drink through 2025.” Wine Enthusiast.  92pts   Now at a special price.  Was $50 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.

Rain or shine this Sunday we’re pouring a couple of new vintages of old favorites. We’ll be sampling a Corsican white along with a lighter Lanquedoc red from Herault. Add a stop at Madrona Wine Merchants to your Sunday schedule! All day from 11 to 5.

2015 Vetriccie Ile de Beaute blanc    ($10)
50% Vermentino, 50% Chardonnay
A Corsican Blanc with aromas of floral citrus, and mineral notes and full but crisp body. 12% alcohol by volume

2013 Magellan, le Fruit Defendu Rouge    ($10)
90% Cinsault, 10% Grenache
From 6 hectares of 40-year-old vines of Cinsault located on our sandstone soils parcels. They let the grape speak for itself. Clean cherry and plum fruit along with a bit of spice and a touch of smokiness. 12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $13 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.

The breeze is blowing the clouds on and out this weekend.  Here at Madrona Wine we’ll be pulling the corks at 2PM on some new thing that have recently blown into the shop.

Saturday we’re showing off some Fresh French wines from a new local importer.  
2012 Domaine Thierry Mosny, Montlouis sur Loire, Les Graviers Sec  (Chenin Blanc)
2013 Domaine Changarnier, Monthélie Blanc  (Chardonnay)
2015 Bernard Magrez,  Bleu de Mer Rosé  (70% Grenache, 30% Cinsault)
2011 Couly Dutheil,  Baronnie Madeleine, Chinon  (Cabernet Franc)
2007 Croix Espérance, Lussac Saint Emilion  (Merlot)

Sunday we stay in France with two new wines suited to summer.

2015 Vetriccie Ile de Beaute blanc  $10
50% Vermentino, 50% Chardonnay
This Corsican Blanc has aromas of floral citrus, and mineral notes and full but crisp body. 12% alcohol by volume

2013 Magellan, le Fruit Defendu Rouge $10
90% Cinsault, 10% Grenache
From 6 hectares of 40-year-old vines of Cinsault located on our sandstone soils parcels. This light-styled red is great for a barbecue with clean cherry and plum fruit along with a bit of spice and a touch of smokiness. 12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $13 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.

Sunday Sippers

June 5^th

11am —5pm

The French government offered to buy a round for the house so we took them up on it. Stop by on Sunday and join the fun as we pour six wines from the Languedoc showcasing the variety of the region. And from 1 to 4 we’ll have a Languedocesse expert here to answer all your questions.

J. Laurens Cremant de Linoux $17
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac, 5% Pinot Noir
The Laurens has zingy lemon-lime flavors which evolve into fuller pineapple and citrus, and light, cardamom-like spice. Its rich yeasty character adds breadth and weight. 12% alcohol by volume.

2014 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Picpoul de Pinet $17
Gassac’s Picpoul is from five hectares of organically grown vines near the oyster beds on the Mediterranean Sea. The influence of limestone soils and Mediterranean Sea breezes is evident in the wine. Briny mineral notes in both the nose and mouth provide the perfect pairing for fish and shellfish. The palate is dominated by melon and citrus flavors and a crisp, zesty acidity that keeps you coming back for more. The weight and fruit concentration make this a more ample wine than most Picpouls.

2015 Château Jouclary, Cabardès Rosé $12
Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Cinsault
The Cabardès appellation is located just outside the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. One of France’s newest A.O.C.’s, it was established in 1998. Its climatic influences come from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and both “Atlantique” (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc) and “Mediterranean” (Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault) must be used in the wine. This is a crisp & refreshing rosé, the nose is full of fresh fruit, & the palate offers strawberry & raspberry flavors.

2014 Somail, Le un de Plume, Minervios $14
80% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah
Baby Bandol? Pretty close. This Mourvedre heavy red has lots of dark black fruit and spicy notes with a silky texture and full tannin finish.

2011 Chateau du Grand Caumont, Corbières $12
45% Carignan, 40% Syrah, 15% Grenache.
The Château du Grand Caumont, in the heart of the Corbières, produces wines from a terroir, know-how, a winemaking family for 3 generations. Intense & powerful with black berry fruits, violet & pepper aromas. The palate is dominated by dark berry fruit flavors; this wine is well balanced & structured with good length & a lingering finish.

2013 Château Massiac, Minervois $18
75% Syrah, 25% Carignan
The flagship wine from the Chateau. “Enticing notes of juniper, rosemary and thyme as well as the savory flavors of wild berries and a hint of the ‘animal'”.

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.