Darby English started his Woodinville winery in 2005 marrying old-world wine making techniques with innovation and experimentation.  He sources his grapes from some pretty good vineyards: Dineen (Yakima AVA), Quintessence (Red Mountain), Discovery (Horse Heaven Hills), Stonetree and Stillwater Creek (Wahluke Slope).  The results are quite delicious.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring five of his wines. 
 
2017 Native Rosé  $17
53% Mourvedre, 48% Granache from Stillwater Creek vineyard.
A Woodinville take on the classic Bandol blend.
 
2015 Le Deuce Columbia Valley  $25
Viognier & Rousanne from Stillwater Creek and Stonetree Vineyards.
Aged 16 months in neutral French oak.  A big Rhone styled white with aromas of citrus, fresh cut flowers and minerals that are followed by lush flavors of apricot, orange peel and exotic spices.
 
2013 Livewire Red Columbia Valley  $17
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Stillwater Creek and Stonetree vineyards.
Aged 18 months in French oak 25% new.
The livewire is a right bank style red that is an easy drinker.
 
2016 Purple Haze Columbia Vallley  $20
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Petite Sirah from Dineen, Quintessence, Discovery and Stone-tree Vineyards.
Aged 18 months in French Oak 40% new.
A Bordeaux-style blend with a bit of Petit Sirah added to put the purple in the haze.  Dense and rich, with a muscular mix of dark currant, cherry, and plum with a hint of cedar.
 
2014 Chaos Columbia Valley 2014  $25
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Petite Verdot and 4% Malbec from Quintessence, Dineen and Discovery vineyards.
Aged 18 months in French Oak barrels 60% new. This Cabernet-based blend is rich and impressively structured, with savory blackberry aromas and accents of dark cherry, currant, anise, and cedar.   The wine gains depth while holding focus and persistence. Was $35 now $25

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.

Labor Day Weekend always seems packed too full of crowded events.  Many are crouching in a crowded campgrounds, bustling amidst the bands at Bumbershoot, or cheering on the Dawgs at Husky Stadium.  But if you skip all that. it can be a more mellow affair of hanging around the house watching the tomatoes ripen.  The weather is what those who have lived in Madrona long enough think of as perfectly pleasant.  There might even be time in the afternoon for a glass or two of Barbaresco. Al least thatis what we have planned at Madrona Wine.

Saturday we are tasting five wines from Ca del Baio, a small family producer in Piedmonte.
2018 Langhe Chardonnay “Luna d’Agosto”  $13
2017 Barera d’Alba “Paolina” $15
2014 Dolcetto di Alba “Lodoli”  $15
2016 Langhe Nebbiolo “BricdelBaio” $18
2015 Barbaresco “Valgrande”  $35–

Sunday we are getting a bit buggy, with two Cicada wines from Châteauneuf du Pape Chante Cigale.
Domaine Chante Cigale makes a powerful Châteauneuf du Pape, but the Cicada is their more everyday wine. 
2018 Chante Cigale, Cicada Blanc  $14
40% Viognier, 30% Picpoul, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
A really interesting and rich blend.  The Picpoul and Sauvignon Blanc bring brightness, acidity and floral components while the Viognier rounds out the wine with honesuckle and melon flavors.
2017 Chante Cigale, Cicada Rouge  $14
80% Grenache, 20% Carignan
Chante Cigale means singing cicada (a type of grasshopper/cricket), and the Cicada red is their early-drinking any day Grenache/Carignan blend. The property has been in the family since the 19th century and is currently run by Alexandre Favier who assumed the reins at the ripe old age of 20. The domaine is planted to 40 hectares of red and 5 hectares of white on 45 different parcels throughout the appellation.

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.

For four generations Ca’ del Baio has been a family affair.  All their wines are estate-grown, made from a wide range of varieties, some typical of the area while others are more international: the whites include Moscato, Chardonnay and Riesling, and the reds Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Today the Ca’ del Baio estate takes in 28 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Barbaresco and Treiso, both of which are in the Barbaresco DOCG. Come by on Saturday and taste some of these excellent wines.

2018 Langhe Chardonnay “Luna d’Agosto”  $13
This fresh and fruity wine is made with early-harvested grapes during the first weeks of September.  It has a mineral vein that comes from the soil on which vineyards are planted.  The wine is delicately floral and fruity, with notes of citrus and exotic fruits.  The flavor is dry, cool, and long, with a slightly mineral aftertaste.

2017 Barbera d’Alba “Paolina” $15
This Barbera comes from the assemblage of different vineyards, creating a fresh wine that exhibits strong, but soft Barbera characteristics.  The wine is intensely fruity, with nice hints of red currants and raspberries.  It has a fresh taste that is vibrant in the mouth, showing a long, rich, smooth flavors.

2014 Dolcetto di Alba “Lodoli”  $15
This “very Piedmontese” wine encapsulates the simple pleasures of everyday life.  It is intense and vinous, with delicate fruity overtones reminiscent of cherries, wild strawberries and blackberries; taste dry, with good balance and acidity, and a nicely almondy finish.

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo “BricdelBaio” $18
Aged in neutral barrels the BricdelBaio is a pure example of fresh Nebbiolo.  The wine is delicately fruity, conjuring up wild berries and raspberry jam.  The taste is dry, warm and well-balanced, with a nicely tannic finish.

2015 Barbaresco “Valgrande”  $35–
Nebbiolo
This traditional-style Barbaresco is harvested from the vineyards that surround the winery.  It is aged only in big casks. The Valgrande shows the elegance of Barbaresco at its very best, without flaunting the muscle of Nebbiolo. It is intense, with powerful fruit, dried flowers and underbrush; taste dry, smooth and rounded, ending in a warm finish with nicely-balanced 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 from 11-5.

This Saturday we are touring the diverse faces of Spanish wine – from the crisp and slightly effervescent Txakoli to a rich well-developed Rioja.  Come take the tour with us.

2017 Rezabal Txakoli Blanco  $15
100% Hondarrabi Zuri
Rezabal is a family owned winery located in the Basque country of Spain with a vineyard of 22 hectares planted in a traditional high trellis system.  Hondarribi Zuri, a white grape variety, displays very bright, refreshing and fruity aromas and benefits from the consistent see breeze blowing in the vineyard daily, bringing great freshness, salinity and acidity to those wines. Naturally fizzy, the wine has aromas of intense fresh citrus fruits and green apple, bright acidity and low alcohol. 10.5% alcohol by volume

2017 Oinoz Verdejo  $13
From Rueda, the Oinos displays tropical, fruity aromas and floral notes of white flower, hay and fresh grass, which mingle with elegant aniseed touches. It is structured on the palate, striking a perfect balance between acidity and volume which lends it a notable freshness.  13% alcohol by volume

2015 Jane Ventura Reserva de la Música Brut Rosé  $17
100% Garnacha
The vineyards for la Musica in the Northeast of Spain are at a high location of 700 meters.  The wine is aged for 2 years on the leas setting it apart from most Cava.  The expression of this grape is notable, as well as being very delicate and loaded with fragrance. The bouquet offers up a complex variety of harmonious aromas, with notes of cherries, green apple, strawberry, and cream, pearly minerals and floral perfume with small and delicate bubbles.  12% alcohol by volume

2017 Viladellops, Garnatxa  $14
Finca Viladellops is 60 hectares of vineyards located in a 15 km mountain range along the Mediterranean coast with calcareous soils in the D.O. Penedès.  The Garnatxa is an intense, fresh, fruity wine with touches of ripe red fruit and notes of licorice, balsamic and tones of resin.

2012 Vina Cerrada, Rioja Reserva  $20
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
A well-aged wine, this Reserva is cherry red with brick red tones. There are intense, spicy, ripe cherry and plum aromas merged with notes of tobacco, toffee, vanilla and wood. On the palate, the body is full and fleshy with excellent balance.

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 Dog Days of August have been pretty puppy like here in Madrona.  And this weekend is no exception with cloudy mornings giving way to partly sunny afternoons.  But no matter the skies, we have a full weekend of great value wines to try at the wine shop.  Get your leash out and come on by.

Saturday we are pouring Dog Day Deals from our distributors.
2017 Cour de Pocé Muscadet  $8
Was 12 now $8
2014 Schloss Vollrads , Volratz Dry Riesling (Rheingau) $12
Was $17 now $12
2018 Fabre Cotes de Provence Rosé  $12
Normally $16 today $12
2014 Yves Cheron “Les Dentelles” Cotes du Rhone  $11
Was $13  Now $11
2011 Chateau Lanessan, Les Caleches  $14
Regularly $19  but we were able to get a case with messed up labels for $14
 
Sunday we have two great values from Spain.
2018 O Fillo de Condesa Albariño $11
Made from 100% Albariño grapes from in Galicia for centuries. Bright yellow color, good structure in the mouth, well-integrated acidity with aromatic intensity and hints of floral. 13% alcohol by volume
2018 Via Terra Rosé $15
100% Granacha Peluda
Red berry fruits, delicate cherry note, lots of minerals, perfect balance between creaminess and freshness.  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.

Every dog deserves his day and in the dog days of August we all deserve a discount.   We have got a few deals from our distributors and this Saturday we’re sharing them with you.  Come lap it up.
 
2017 Cour de Pocé Muscadet  $8
Medium intensive nose: chalk (and other minerals), pear, freshly sliced grass Taste: lemon, green apple, some steel freshness. Dry wine. Hi acidity. Light-bodied.  Flavors of creaminess, lemon peel, iodine, green apple. Was 12 now $8
 
2014 Schloss Vollrads , Volratz Qualitätswein Dry Riesling (Rheingau) $12
Whiffs of struck flint and slate lend minerality to this light-footed dry Riesling. It’s an electric wine powered by jolts of lemon-lime acidity but juicy white grapefruit and peach flavors round out the mid-palate.  Was $17 now $12
 
2018 Fabre Cotes de Provence Rosé  $12
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah
A very floral Rosé with aromas of violets, rose water, crushed graphite, sea salt, pine and peach.  12% alcohol by volume  Normally $16 today $12

2014 Yves Cheron “Les Dentelles” Cotes du Rhone  $11
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
A full rich Cotes du Rhone put together by a Northern Rhone winemaker.
Was $13  Now $11

2011 Chateau Lanessan, Les Caleches  $14
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
A soft and easy second wine with delicious black and red fruits and supple tannins. Made by Paz Espejo who was dramatically improved the quality at this well-situated property. 
Regularly $19  but we were able to get a case with messed up labels for $14

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.

A warm afternoon and a bottle of cold bubbles.  What could be better?  This Saturday we’re popping the corks on five fresh sparklers.  While the price on these wines is modest, they are loaded with variety and complexity.  Come stock up for the season.
 
Rive Della Chiesa Pinot Grigio Frizzante  $10
Light and apple-driven, and clean. The flavors are like lime lollipops and orange juice, which may sound unappealing but that’s not the case.  11% alcohol by volume
 
Palama Arcangelo Salento Bianco Frizzante  $12
A lightly sparkling Malvasia from Puglia. The wine is refreshing, quite dry, fizzy with a  touch of salinity and lemon peel.  11% alcohol by volume
 
Vieux Pressour  Fines Bulles Rosé Samur   $15
Cabernet Franc
This Méthode Ancestrale sparkling is 100% Cabernet Franc, and usually comes from a single vintage. The vines range from 18 to 30 year old, and are planted on limestone soil with grass growing between the rows. The grapes are destemmed and macerate for 24 hours at 16° C to preserve the freshness of the aromas. The wine is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks, with blocked malolactic in order to keep its vivacity. It is aged for 15 months on its fine lees. 8 grams dosage, giving 5 grams of RS per liter. Delicate and fresh bouquet of red fruits, firm acidity.
 
2011 Delmas Cuvée Mémorie Brut Nature  $15
Mauzac, Chardonnay
A nod to Bernard’s grandfather’s ancestral technique of ageing (24 months) in oak barrels, this wine has generous aromas of pear, with good minerality and richness, and a long finish.  12.5% alcohol by volume  Was $25 now $15
 
La Collina Lunaris Secco  $18
Malvasia di Candia
From Emilia-Romagna, this distinct sparkling wine has aromas of orange blossom, apple and a hint of buttery brioche. Lively and fresh, with red apple, toast, and peppy bubbles. Honey and a squeeze of lemon on the dry, fruity finish. Crisp and easy drinking, yet with a creamy undercurrent.  The wine is biodynamic & organic.  11% 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.

As the jets roar overhead, head on down to the quiet calm of Madrona Wine Merchants this weekend. It will be Italy on Saturday starting at two.

Toffoli Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdob $15
2018 Gorgo Bianco San Michelin $15
2018 Tenuta del Priore, Campotino Rosé $10
2016 Mannucci Droandi Chianti $15
2017 Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria     $23

Sunday we are off to Spain with these two open all day from 11-5PM.

2017 Castro Valdés Albariño    $13
100% Albariño
Lemon yellow color with greenish sparkles, clean and brilliant. Intense and complex white fruit (apple, grapefruit), floral notes (jasmine) and fresh herbal hints. Well-structured, tasty, oily, with fruit volume, fresh, balanced and persistent. 13% alcohol by volume

2014 Aletta Garnacha    $11
Old-vine Garnacha grapes cultivated on chalky, sandy soil Dark cherry color with violet hues. Intense blackberry and raspberry fruit aromas with well-balanced acidity. Soft and persistent on the palate.

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.

As the jets roar overhead, head on down to the quiet calm of Madrona Wine Merchants for our Italian Saturday tasting starting at 2PM. From Prosecco to Cerasolo we’ll be digging into Italy’s multi-fruited wine scene. More insights will be provided from 2-4pm when the wineries representative will be on hand to answer questions.

Toffoli Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdob $15
100% Glera
Owner Vicenzo Toffoli has been running his Prosecco winery since 1964, when he first set it up in the Refrontolo hillside. Straw yellow with greenish reflections, fine and persistent perlage. Strong hints of floral, fresh fruit and citrus fruits. Pleasant and cheery. Full, harmonious, dry and sapid. 12.5% alcohol by volume

2018 Gorgo Bianco San Michelin $15
Cortese, Friulano, Trebbiano Toscano, Garganega
Nine grape varieties are sanctioned for use in Bianco di Custoza wines, although in practice the majority are based heavily on just three of them. The blend must contain Trebbiano Toscano (between 20% and 45% of the final blend), Garganega (20–40%) and Trebbianello (5–30%). The latter is a little-known variety which has been shown by DNA analysis to be a biotype of Tocai Friulano. Deep straw yellow color with bright hues. Vinous, slightly aromatic but persistent, scents of ripe fruits and citrus. Dry and smooth. Velvety, full-bodied and well-balanced.

2018 Tenuta del Priore, Campotino Rosé $10
100% Montepulciano
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC
Intense rosé color. fruity perfume. Fresh and balanced taste. Perfect for
informal occasions. Pair with
fish-based main, pasta or rice dishes, meat or mushroom-based pasta or rice dishes. 13% alcohol by volume

2016 Mannucci Droandi Chianti $15
90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Ancient Tuscan red grapes
3rd Generation grape growers make this chianti that is complex for the money. Warm spice, bramble, red berry and mint on the deliciously complex nose, the palate has firm tannic structure, lots of lovely dark fruit of sloe and damson, some sweet red current earth and porcini. Organic

2017 Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria     $23
50% Frappato, 50% Nero d’Avola
Bright and snappy, this delightful Cerasuolo shows blackberry and cherry notes with a hint of spice, all bolstered by a lively acidity. Organic 13.5% 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.

The weather looks to be a little bit of everything this weekend in Madrona, with cloudy and showers giving way to summer sun.  At least that is the forecast.  But for sure we have some tasty wines from France and Italy open for tasting here at the shop.

Saturday it is France.
Veuve Moisans Brut, Blanc de Blancs $12
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
2017 Chateau Vignol, Entre deux Mers $14
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris, 15% Sémillon, 10% Muscadelle,
2015 Joseph Castan, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Plan de Dieu $15
Grenache and Syrah
2015 Château Les Hauts de Plaisance, Haut Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
2014 Château Eugénie,  Cuvée Réservée de l’Aïeul, Cahors  $20
90% Malbec, 10% Tannat

Sunday it is Italy.
2018 Serre dei Roveri Roero Arneis  $14
Arneis
The Sartirano family’s Serre dei Roveri wines include Barolo, Barbera, Gavi, Barbaresco and Moscato d’Asti. Their Arneis is floral-scented, whose delicate aromas belie the wines’ relatively full bodies and generous flavors – typically of pear and apricot rounded out with a creamy hint of hazelnut. Great pairings would be spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, calamari, Waldorf salad. 12.5% alcohol by volume
2018 Uggiano Montesperso  $10
Sangiovese di Toscana
Ruby red with violet reflections. Pleasant and lingering bouquet recalling cherries and floral notes, predominantly rich violet. Dry, soft and balanced on the palate. A harmonious finale, leaving a very fine and lasting taste. Pair with savory first courses, roasted and stewed meats. 12.5% 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.