It looks to be a beautiful weekend in Madrona.  The sun is out, the air is fresh, and so is the wine.

Saturday we’re pouring new wines from France. Some are new arrivals to the shop and some are new vintages but all are super wines that you won’t want to miss.  The Silex is a fantastic white.  The Cave de Rasteau wines are great values. The Deux Albion is deep and rich, and the Terrebrune Bandol is classic. That starts at 2pm.

Sunday we pit the Old World versus New with two similar red blends.

2011 Château Bellegrave Medoc       ($13)
60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Aromas of licorice, coffee, and strawberry and cherry fruit.  Medium-bodied with smooth tannins and tasty fruit.

2011 Hightower Cellars Murray Cuvée       ($15)
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
The Murray has  aromas of red berry fruits and cassis mingled with herbal notes.  The cool vintage acidity makes this wine mouthwatering and juicy with a fruity mid-palate, finely textured tannins and toasty oak notes on the finish.

Come enjoy the weather.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

This Saturday we’ll be showing off some new wines from France that we are very excited to pour.  Some are new arrivals to the shop and some are just new vintages but all are super wines that you won’t want to miss. The Silex is a fantastic white.  The Cave de Rasteau wines are great values. The Deux Albion is deep and rich, and the Terrebrune is classic.  Something for everybody.  Come join us.
 
2013 Domaine des Roy, Silex, Touraine  $13
Chenin & Pineau Menu
A unique Loire blend from Gabrielle Roy the current winemaker at Domaine des Roy.  This organic estate does everything by hand (from weeding to harvesting to winemaking) and it makes a difference.  The Silex has aromas of white fruit and mineral notes on a supple palate.  12% alcohol by volume.
 
2012 Cave de Rasteau, Cotes du Rhone Blanc $11
60% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc
Cave de Rasteau, started in 1925, farms a large number of vineyards in the Rhone and makes a wide range of wines.  Their entry wines are a fantastic value.  The Blanc has aromas of citrus and white-fleshed fruit and notes of flowers, almonds and menthol in a nice structure both full and fresh. 13% alcohol by volume.
 
2012 Cave de Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Rouge $11
70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Cinsault
The partner to the Blanc, the CDR Rouge has no Syrah and as a result ends up showing off its fruit more and has some lovely perfume notes. 
 
2012 Chateau Saint Cosme, Les Deux Albion, Côtes du Rhône Rouge $22
Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Clairette
Saint Cosme is a king pin in both the north and south Rhône.  The grapes for the Deux Albion are co-fermented and mostly (80%) aged in concrete vats.  Its fruit is full of terroir and is deep and textured with notes of ginger bread, smoked ham, violets, and blackberry.
 
2009 Domaine de Terrebrune, Bandol Rouge  $40
85% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, 5% Cinsault
In 1963, Georges Delille bought what would become Domaine de Terrebrune, just east of Bandol, framed by the Mediterranean and the mountain called Gros Cerveau (Big Brain), dotted with olive groves and scenic views—an idyllic spot. Georges spent ten years just renovating the property; he terraced hillsides, refashioned the masonry, replanted the vineyards and built a new cellar. In 1980, his son Reynald joined him after finishing winemaking school, and together they launched their first bottled vintage of Domaine de Terrebrune, which Reynald named in honor of the rich, brown soils they farm.  The 2009 has aromas of dried fruits, black tea, mineral, black pepper, rose, violets, thyme, smoky bacon all vie discreetly for attention. The palate is pure pleasure, with very fine tannins, gorgeous acidity and intense and persistent fruit.  Aging potential 30 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

According to our good friends at WikiPedia, “Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) is a variety of black-skinned wine grape. The variety is grown in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting has revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag, as well as to the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Apulia (the “heel” of Italy), where it was introduced in the 18th century. The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, where it became known by variations of the name “Zinfandel”, a name of uncertain origin.” Come join us for an old-world, new-world comparison.

Toschi Family Blend    ($9)
A juicy Zin heavy blend from the San Joaquin valley. No vintage and no pretentions. Just drinkable juice.
12.7% by volume

2012 Loggia de Franchi Primitivo    ($11)
A Puglia Zin precursor that is full and fruity without being cloying with notes of licorice and dark berries.
13% 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Greco, Malvasia, Gaglioppo, Teraldego and Cesanese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Primativo, Zinfandel — It’s just another weekend in Madrona and we are sipping a little wine as we ponder whether Spring is really here, or if Mother Nature is just teasing us.

Saturday we sipping a nice line up of wines from the height and breadth of Italy Starting at 2 and going as long as the bottles last.

Sunday we’ll be comparing Primativo to Zinfandel to see how the home team compares to its Puglia cousin.

Toschi Family Blend      ($9)
A juicy Zin heavy blend from the San Joaquin valley.  No vintage and no pretensions. Just drinkable juice.

2012 Loggia de Franchi Primitivo ($11)
A Puglia Zin precursor that is full and fruity without being cloying with notes of licorice and dark berries.

Stop in and give them a try.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Italy is a long Isthmus that looks strikingly like a leg with a boot.  This Saturday will be pouring some anatomically correct wines from up and down the leg.  It is also a chance to try some of Italy’s diverse grape varietals like Greco, Gaglioppo, Teraldego and Cesanese.  Come study some anatomy with us.

2013 Stati, Lamezia Bianco  $13 
50% Greco, 50% Malvasia
Lamezia is located in Calabria (the toe of the boot).  In this warm, humid region along the Tyrrhenian Sea, grapes can fully ripen and develop rich textures.  The close proximity of the Mediterranean helps to moderate the intense heat of the south Italian summer.  The Bianco has flowery and fruity aromas with notes of acacia, hawthorn, winter melon and plum.  The palate it is fresh, clean with a pleasant mineral undertone.  12% alcohol by volume.

2012 Statti, Gaglioppo  $17
Gaglioppo is a hardy variety. Its berry bunches are tightly packed, with a medium skin thickness. The vine’s production is fairly prolific, vigorous with lots of foliage, as well as predictable from vintage to vintage. Gaglioppo ripens fairly late usually in the first week in October, but Calabria’s climate provides enough heat and light to fully ripen the fruit. The wine has intense aromas of cherry and spices with generous flavors of almonds, figs and pears and a moderate alcohol of 12.5%.

2011 Lechthaler, Teraldego  $14 
Trentino is in the north of Italy (high up the thigh). The vast flat area in the province of Trento known as the Campo Rotaliano has proved to be a highly favorable habitat for Teroldego.  Teroldlego makes a bright fruity wine with aromas of ripe black cherry, distinct sweet earth and tobacco.  It has a smooth texture with notes of cherries, black raspberry, a touch of spice and medium tannins 12.5% alcohol by volume.

2012 Principe Pallavicini, Amarasco Cesanese  $22
100% Cesanese
Pallavicini is located in Lazio (the knee cap).  The name Amarasco refers to the typical aromas of the Cesanese grape variety, the violetta flower and sour cherry, also called “amarasco” in Italian. This wine comes from some of the oldest Pallavicini vineyards with 60-year-old vines. The wine has broad aromas with notes of nutmeg, red rose and spicy nuances.  The palate has great thrust but is balanced and mouthfilling with a long finish.

2010 Rocca di Frassinello, Poggio alla Guardia  $20
45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangioveto
Maremma is located on the coast in the Southeast corner of Tuscany (just above the knee cap)  Rocca di Frassinello is a joint venture between Castellare and Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. The project couples Castellare’s experience in the growing and vinification of Sangioveto with Lafite’s experience in classic French varietals. The native Sangioveto and the Bordeaux varietals Cabernet and Merlot are blended together for an ideal Italian-French wine. The wine has aromas of red fruits and a fresh and rounded flavor with 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

When the Amore of Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s time for “The Other”. Sunday you can find a little side action at Madrona Wines. We’ll be pouring “The Other” from Periano Estates in both red and white. The wines are all estate-grown fruit from Lodi, California. Come have a fling.

2011 Peirano Estate Vineyards    ($11)
‘The Other’ Estate Grown White Wine
65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier
Aromas of apples, pears, tropical fruit, and a whiff of bubble gum are complemented by hints of coconut and vanilla. Lush flavors of fresh ripe pears, apples, tropical fruit and homemade lemon pie.

2012 Peirano Estate Vineyards    ($11)
‘The Other’ Estate Grown Red Wine
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Syrah
The aromas of blackberries and plums are complemented by spice, toasty oak and cedar notes. On the palate, sweet black cherries and boysenberries, with a hint of smoky, dark 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Looking for Love This Weekend?
Then stop by Madrona Wine for a little amorous adventure.
 
Saturday we are pouring a lovely line of Wines for Valentines starting at 2pm.
 
When the amore of Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s time for “The Other”. Sunday you can find a little side action at Madrona Wines. We’ll be pouring “The Other” from Periano Estate Vinyards in both red and white. The wines are all estate-grown fruit from Lodi, California. Come have a fling.

 2011 Peirano, The Other White  $11
65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier

2012 Peirano,The Other Red $11
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Syrah

And it is also Mardi Gras, so don’t forget to stock up on that wine to go with your gumbo.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Saturday is Valentine’s Day and we have lined up some lovely wines to help express the Amoré within your soul.  Bring your sweetheart to the shop and share the love.
 
2012 Antech Émotion Rosé $15
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and Pinot Noir
The Émotion is a different Cremant de Limoux from the Languedoc region of the south of France. It is a crisp, elegant sparkler made in the traditional method, spending 15 months in the bottle before disgorgement.  It has a fine bead, delicate hints of cherry and strawberry with white floral notes. What would Valentine’s Day be without a little Emotion?
 
2011 Chateau Les Hauts de Plaisance, Haut Medoc $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
The Heights of Pleasure (Hauts de Plaisance) promises a lot and delivers.  This second wine from Chateau Pontoise Cabarus has a complex aromatic nose of red fruit, berries, coffee, and spice.  The palate has a delicious balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity this wine tastes of cherry and blackberry, with a hint of coffee and chocolate.  Take your Valentine to the heights of pleasure or take the Hauts de Plaisance to your Valentine.  
 
2012 Gabbas LilLové, Cannonau di Sardenga  $20
Cannonau is Grenache in Sardinia.  This one comes from Giuseppe Gabbas’ strategically placed vineyards, which he farms with a whole lot of love, using strict yield-reducing techniques such as green harvesting, canopy management and frequent pruning to produces the highest quality Cannonau grapes. The wines is macerated for an extra-long period of 30 days. The LilLové is delicately spicy with juicy red berry fruit and soft earthy notes.  Love a little, love a lot.
 
Terracruda, Sweet Temptation  $12
This wine is a blend of Terracruda’s Pergola Rosso wine with a particular variety of wild cherries called “Visciole”. In July, when the cherries are mature, they are picked and mixed together with wine and sugar to obtain a second fermentation. The result is a sweet, delicate, particularly aromatic wine that marries well with desserts and chocolate based sweets.  No one can resist such temptation.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Continuing our theme this weekend, we’ll be pouring these two from Portugal. Stop on by, try, and buy.

2013 Esporao Alandra    ($9)
Antão Vaz, Perrum and Arinto
Fragrant and elegant with floral as well as lime and other citrus aromas and full dry fruit. A lovely little wine from Portugal.
12.5% by volume

2012 Tuga Douro    ($9)
Portugal
Red fruits and spicy aromas. The mild maceration preserves the typical flavors of the varieties that show its potential after bottling. The palate is very gentle and sweet, with well balanced acidity and fine tannins. Pairs well with Mediterranean and Asian food.
12.5% 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow last Monday on Groundhog Day, but it ushered in a week of gray and moisture here in Madrona.  But while the skies are overcast we’ll be pouring a weekends worth of Portuguese wines to drive away the dampness.

Saturday we start at 2 with a five wines from Alentejo, the Douro and Madeira that will warm the body and lift the spirits.

Sunday we’ll be pouring two more Portuguese favorites:
2013 Esporao Alandra  $9
Antão Vaz, Perrum and Arinto
Fragrant and elegant with floral as well as lime and other citrus aromas and full dry fruit.
2012 Tuga Douro Red  $9
The Tuga has red fruits and spicy aromas. The palate is very gentle and sweet, with well-balanced acidity and fine tannins.  It’s a crowd pleaser.

Sunday is also our Artist Reception for our new art:
Unconditional Line
Landscape Drawings by Heather Comeau Cromwell & Suzanne Brooker
A collection of landscape drawings, from quick sketches to tonal renderings that explore the ability of line to define shape, create form and provoke the sense of texture.
3-5pm — stop in and meet the artists.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.