ANIMALE resides in a small carefully organized cellar in the deep upper Ballard; there Matt Gubitosa crafts his wines.  We have long been fans of ANIMALE wines, and this Saturday Matt’s will be showing off his newly released 2013s.  All the wines were aged in a combination of all old/neutral oak and stainless steel to showcase the inherent varietal qualities and the distinctiveness of the cool-climate growing sites and the cooler-weather vintage.  The wines have balanced, food-friendly acidity and modest alcohol and are never subjected to the horrors of fining or filtration. Stop in at 2 and have a taste.
 
2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley  $25
90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
From ANIMALE’s 1/2-acre of vines near Sunnyside, this Cab Franc is a medium- to full-bodied wine with aromas of strawberry and raspberry, flavors of red currant, cherry pie, with hints of slate.  Alc. 13.6%, 44 cases produced
 
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley  $26
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
From old-vine (1990) fruit at the Crawford Vineyard in Prosser The Cab Sauvignon is full-bodied with complex aromas and flavors of cherry and pimento, with notes of eucalyptus, root beer, mushrooms, mixed herbs and ample tannins that make for an age-worthy wine.  Alc. 13.5%, 24 cases produced
 
2013 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley  $26
From the “Doc Stewart” vineyard, near Mattawa, the Petit Verdot is  concentrated and full-bodied with perfume-like aromas of raspberry with exotic hints of sumac, menthol and citrus fruit along wtih flavors of cassis and plums with hints of wet stone.  Lay it down and watch it evolve.  Alc. 13.1%, 21 cases produced
 
2013 Reserve Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley  $26
From ANIMALE’s 1-acre of vines near Sunnyside the Petite Sirah is full-bodied with  aromas of fresh blackberries, with suggestions of grapefruit, cranberry, mixed herbs and flowers.  It is luscious and rich on the palate, with flavors of plums, Moreno cherry, and Italian prunes.  Alc. 13.4%, 54 cases produced
 
2012 Dolcetto – Columbia Valley  $25
We’ll also be revisiting the 2012 Dolcetto from Gilbert’s 24k vineyard on Wahluke Slope.  The Dolcetto has complex and spicy aromas of blackberry and freshly-ground peppercorns, with hints of anise, blackcurrant, cola, and wisps of violets and sweet smoke. It’s a zesty, medium-bodied wine with flavors of fresh berries and a soft but lingering finish.  Alc. 14.4%, 22 cases produced

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

May 29th 11-5pm

Rain or shine this Sunday we’re pouring a couple of odd balls – an Italian White with an odd label, and a Bulgarian Red with an odd bottle – but the juice in both is great!

All day from 11 to 5.

2015 Collefrisio Pecorino    ($13)
A fuller-bodied Pecorino with subtle tannins and great fruit, topped with tea and peach aromas.

2013 Yambol Mavrud    ($11)
A tannin-packed red from Bulgaria with smoky note and dark cherry 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.

It is Memorial Day Weekend here in Madrona and there is plenty going on for those of us who don’t head out camping.

Saturday at 9am there is a Big Garage Sale at 29th & Pike with plenty of everything imaginable going at ridiculous prices.  Collections of every kind are being pared down and parted with. Baskets, Records, CDs, books knickknacks and oddities for everyone. Swing by a scoop up some deals.

After the Garage Sale ends at 1pm we’ll be ready for some refreshment and we’ll be pouring some fresh Alpine wines from Abbazia di Novacella.  The monks have been making wine here for 850 years and have their chops down. 
2014 Grüner Veltliner
2014 Pinot Grigio (Ruländer)
2014 Kerner Praepostius
2013 Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder)
2014 Lagrein

Sunday we’ll have two new arrivals from far away open to taste.  While the packaging might be a bit different, the wines are both delicious.

2015 Collefrisio Pecorino $13
From Abruzzo this full-bodied Pecorino has subtle tannins and great fruit, topped with tea and peach aromas.

2013 Yambol, Mavrud  $11
Mavrud is a tannin-packed red grape from Bulgaria, with smoky note and dark cherry 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.

The Augustinian monastery of Neustift is located in the northern-most winegrowing region on the southern side of the Alps where the mineral-rich soils, the high elevation and the cool climate make wines with intense aromas and flavor as well as crisp mouth-watering acidity.   The long drawn-out ripening period extending well into the autumn is crucial to making growing Kerner, Pinot Grigio and Veltliner.  The monastery also owns vineyards in the warm central region of South Tyrol which supply their red grapes including the full-bodied, savory Lagrein and a dry distinct Pinot Noir.   The winery couples 850 years of winemaking experience with state-of-the-art winemaking technology.   Stop by on Saturday as we taste these distinct and delicious wines.
 
2014 Grüner Veltliner $18
Vivid green herb and pepper nose with lots of intensity; concentrated, ripe, full and delicately aromatic on the palate with a subtle herby lift; long with a hint of spice on the finish.
 
2014 Pinot Grigio (Ruländer) $18
Attractive aroma of citrus fruits, peach and honeydew melon; medium rich, fruity and direct on the palate with orchard fruit flavors and tangy acidity on the finish.
 
2014 Kerner Praepostius  $23
Praepostius or Pontif select is made from a selection of the better plots and barrels of  Kerner.  The wine has strong aromas of apple, aromatic herbs and tropical fruits. With full minerality and almost salty on the palate, it is very eloquent in its deep, mouth filling finish.
 
2013 Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder) $20
The Blauburgunder is a stylish and elegant Pinot Noir rather than full-bodied and muscular. The wine has a fresh, fruity nose, aromatic, supple and luscious with hints of red currants and damsons, velvety tannins and a discreet whiff of oak spice.
 
2014 Lagrein $18
Intensely deep in color, almost black tinged with purple. Very open on the nose with concentrated aromas of violets, blackberries and black cherries all meshed with savory flavors, coffee and dark chocolate; supple youthful tannins and superb length.

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.

Rain or shine we’re still going to pour a Lirac rosé along with a heartier red from Saint-Chinian. Pouring all day from 11 to 5.

2013 Chateau Coujan Saint Chinian    ($11)
40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre,
25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
A great price for a Saint Chinian red. The Coujan has right combination of earth, spice and dark fruit.
13% alcohol by volume

2014 Pélaquié Lirac Rosé    ($11)
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah,
20% Cinsault
The Lirac rosé all grace and elegance fruit flavors offer a gown subtly mixed with raspberry highlights.
Was $15 now $11

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 sky is steel grey this morning in Madrona.  But while the forecast for the weekend looks cloudy, here at Madrona Wine we’ll be slipping away to sip in sunnier locations.  Come along with us.

Saturday, we’ll be tasting a warm line up of wines from Italy. 
2015 Vallevo, Costa dei Trabocchi, Rosé 
2012 Tornatore, Etna Rosso 
2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, Bello Stento Chianti Classico 
2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva 
2013 Cá Salgari, Valpolicella Classico

Sunday, rain or shine, we’ll be slipping across the border and  pouring a Rhône rosé and a favorite red from the Languedoc, both just $11

2014 Pélaquié Lirac Rosé  $11
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault
The Lirac rosé is all grace and elegance fruit flavors offer a gown subtly mixed with raspberry highlights.  Was $15 now $11

2013 Chateau Coujan, Saint Chinian  $11
40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
A lovely Saint Chinian red, the Coujan has right combination of earth, spice and red 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.

Marche
Etna
Chianti
Valpolicella
Saturday, May 21^st, 2pm

Saturday we’ll be tasting some classic wines from Italy, starting with a seaside rosé for the Marche, proceeding to a complex Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, two examples of serious Sangiovese and then to a great example of Veneto Valpolicella.  These wines all show true terroir and lively complexity.

2015 Vallevo, Costa dei Trabocchi, Rosé  $12
Sangiovese
This Rosé comes from the Marche region of Italy on the Adriatic Coast.  The wine is fruity and crisp with notes of strawberry, red fruit and soft floral notes that are bright and refreshing.

2012 Tornatore, Etna Rosso  $19
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
This estate sits on the north slope of Mount Etna Where the volcanic soils nurture the local Nerello grapes.  The rosso has fresh and active aromas of savory flowers and cherry notes.  It is medium-bodied red with spice and eucalyptus alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity.

2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, Bello Stento Chianti Classico  $17
90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Colorino
The La Madonnina estate lies at the heart of Chianti Classico at an altitude of 350 meters. The Bello Stento is made from the early harvest from the La Madonnina vineyard.  This classic Classico sees one year in barrel and shows good aromas of tea, tobacco, violets and berry.

2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva  $23
Sangiovese
The big wine from the La Madonnina vineyard, this Reserva comes from the later harvest  and ages for 2 years before bottling.  The wine has soft fruit of plum & cherry with classic tea and earth notes and a velvety smooth richness.

2013 Cá Salgari, Valpolicella Classico $15
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and Croatina
The Salgari estate dates back to 1840.  The grapes for this Valpoicella are lightly dried before its 7 to 10 days of skin maceration.  The wine shows fragrant notes of red flowers, fruits and prominent notes of cherries, soft tannins and good persistence.

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.

Rain or shine we’re still going to pour a Provance rosé along with a heartier red from Bordeaux. Both are lower alcohol content wines. Pouring all day from 11 to 5.

2015 Commanderie de la Bargemone
Coteaux d’Aix en Provence ($15)
30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Cinsault,
25% Cabernet
Aromas of wild strawberries and red currants, with a light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate with a complex long finish.

12.5% alcohol by volume

2011 Camelot la Chapelle Bordeaux    ($10)
65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
A young and fresh Bordeaux with leather and mineral aromas and more cassis flavors than you expect for the money.
13% 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 from 11-5.

It is Mayfair in Madrona this weekend.  Spring is in the air, and with the fresh air and the good weather some good deals blow in from some of our suppliers.  This Saturday we’re pouring a few of them.  They are all at a great price by the bottle, or order a case and
save 15% more.  Stop on by and see what suits your fancy. 
 
Antoine de Clairvoy, Brut Champagne $18
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
On the eyes, it offers a beautiful and bright straw-yellow color. The ring of beads is abundant and persistent. On the nose, the aromas are clear and cut. On the palate, the champagne is ample, round and fleshy. The finale is long lasting, harmonious and structured.
Was $35, Now $18 — by the case $15.30 a bottle

2014 Saint Roch, Les Vignes Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache
A dry Provence Rosé with lots of full fruit flavors of peach and nectarine.
Was $16 now $13 — by the case $11.05 a bottle

2013 Perroud, Brouilly Amethyste  $12
Gamay
The Perroud comes from a single vineyard Brouilly with a layer of amethyst crystal underground giving to the wine each year a unique Character.  The Amethyste is a classic Beaujolais with wild raspberries and blackberries, and exuberant fruit. This is balanced by firm minerality, fresh acidity, and smooth tannins.  Organic
Was $20 now $12 — by the case $10.20 a bottle

2011 Cellars Can Blau, Blue Gray Priorat $11
45% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
A deal on a Priorat red with rich flavors of cherry and blackberry accented by licorice, mineral and spicy notes and well-integrated tannins. 
Was $18 now $11 — by the case $9.35 a bottle

2005 Château de Clairvoy, Côtes de Bourg  $14
75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc
Château de Clairvoy sits on limestone slopes on the right bank of the Gironde.  The wine from their estate vineyards is aged for 18 to 24 months in barrels before bottling.  The 2005 is rich and full, drinking great right now with several more years ahead.  Its velvety dark fruit blends with a licorice note and some spicy herbal undertones.
Was $25 now $14 — by the case $11.90 a bottle

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.