As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-7pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

2011 Esporao Alandra                        ($8)
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.

2010 Duvernay Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes        ($13)
Grencahe, Mouvedre, Syrah
A big and rich old vine Rhone that packs a lot into a very small price. “Very beautiful steady and dark dress, in the reflections garnet. Nose of black fruits, very mature cherries, with aromas of licorice, ‘zan’ and spices (cloves and nutmeg). The mouth is dense with silky tannins and a beautifull minerality.”

2010 Terre del Barolo Nebbiolo d’Alba            ($15)
A full structured Nebbiolo that drinks above its price. Chewy tannins mixed with red cherries and floral notes.

And a special treat not yet released by the winery, but a pre-release sample:

2010 Baer Winery Ursa
42% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley

As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-5pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

2011 Salvard Cheverny    ($15)
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay
A good crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire that is rounded out by the Chardonnay. Nice grassy and citrus notes.

2010 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne    ($18)
Piedmont
A classic bright red cherry Barbera with integrated acidity and smooth tannins.

2009 Ransom Pinot Noir    ($20)
Light and snappy, with a tangy edge to the red berry and currant flavors, sliding through the finish on a bed of fine tannins. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator
Organic

2009 Animale Petite Sirah    ($26)
Yakima Valley
Washington State
Medium-bodied with flavors of ripe plum, berries and dark chocolate.
Unfined and Unfiltered

As we move into day two of our four day marathon tasting it’s time to put those running shoes back on and trot down to Madrona Wine Merchants for today’s ALL-DAY (11-7pm) tasting.

What’s on tap that would draw me away from that warm fire?

NV Alvise Lancieri Prosecco    ($14)
A very crisp Prosecco with good body.
Please note: we will be opening the Prosecco at 2PM so the bubbles don’t de-bubble throughout the day

2009 Kestral Red Table Wine    ($16)
36% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 8% Mourvedre
Ripe dark fruit along with notes of tobacco, dried herbs, cedar, and vanilla.
Normally $22 but on deal for a short while.

2009 Borgo Scopeto Borgonero    ($20)
60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah
A reserve wine aged for 18-24 months in cask and 8 months in bottle. Very intense, broad, refined and captivating, with notes of leather and tobacco.
Was $34 Now $20

2001 Viña Santurina Gran Reserva    ($30)
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
A still youthful Gran Reserva with lots of well-developed fruit.

We assembled some tasty wines for the holidays from all over. We’ll have a sparkler from Alsace, a bold Viognier from Oregon, a Super Tuscan from Maremma, a big Cab from Walla Walla and a bit of Californiafor dessert.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant Brut Blanc de Blanc $19
Lucien Albrecht pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wine is vinified by the classic Champagne Method. This Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Pinot Blanc has a fine and elegant bead, a beautiful straw color; a light, delicate palate.

2008 Quady North, Viognier Steelhead Run $20
Herb Quady, the son of the California winemaking family, has moved north to Applegate Valley in Oregon and is producing some great wines from the fruit there. His single vineyard Viognier has citrus, melon and Asian pear notes, delicate, silky tannins and distinct notes of plum and white pepper.. Classic melon, stonefruit, and pineapple aromas overlay a subtle note of fresh bread.

2009 Rocca di Frassinello, Le Sughere, Maremma $26
50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Rocca di Frassinello is a partnership between Castellare di Castellina in Chianti Classico and Eric de Rothschild who has just a little experience with Bordeaux blends. The 2009 Le Sughere di Frassinello is simply dazzling . . . Expressive floral notes are woven throughout a fabric of vibrant dark fruit in this intense, supple red. Racy and expressive from start to finish, the wine impresses for its fabulous harmony and ripe, explosive finish. –93 Pts ROBERT PARKER

2009 Amavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla $26
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc
Amavi Cellars own blocks of grapes in Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills, Les Collines, and Goff Vineyards This Cab is a blend of theses vineyards all of which are certified sustainable. The wine has full aromas of ripe mixed berries complement earthy notes of cedar and wet stones. On the palate, layers of black cherries and blackberries mingle with hints of dark chocolate, mint and spice. Gentle tannins create a supple mouthfeel, leading to a powerful yet refined finish.

Quady, Essencia $20-750ml   $15– 375ml
Orange Muscat
Quady has been a pioneer of California dessert wines. Orange Muscat is grown in small plantings in France, Italy and Australia. The Essencia has aromas reminiscent of Orange Blossom and Apricot, and a lingering refreshing aftertaste. The wine is lightly fortified to about 15% alcohol and aged for 3 months in French Oak.

Thursday, December 16^th

5:30-7:30pm

With Winemaker Payne Heath

Witness Tree Vineyard is a 100-acre estate in the Eola Hills of the Willamette Valley named for an ancient oak which towers over the vineyard. Heath Payne is the winemaker for Witness Tree and can often be found on a tractor or out walking the vineyard, checking on the crop.  His use of low yields in the vineyard and minimal handling in the winery create wines of depth, elegance, concentration, and character. Come give them a sip.

2010 Witness Tree Pinot Blanc $15
Pinot Blanc is grown in very small quantities in the Willamette Valley. Witness tree has two and a half acres in production. This limited bottling offers delightful fruit flavors reminiscent of apple and pear, balanced beautifully by a crisp refreshing acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Chardonnay $15
The Witness Tree Chardonnay is a blend of estate-grown Davis 108 clone, coupled with a bit of Dijon clone fruit farmed at the Stand Sure Vineyard. Upon opening the wine brings intense aromas of pineapples, mangos and other juicy tropical fruits. As it is a cooler vintage, the acidity is a bit higher-toned, yet in complete balance with fruit and alcohol content. In the mouth the wine shows exceedingly vibrant acidity balanced by a rich, very full mouth-feel of more tropical fruit, butterscotch and a kiss of toasted French oak.

2011 Witness Tree Remari Rosato $15
Named for the owners two granddaughters, Remi and Mari. The “Remari” Rosato, or Rose’, exhibits aromas of strawberries, cherries, grapefruit and watermelon with a full palate of flavors, finishing with spicy nuances of soft acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir $25
Deep garnet in color, the Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir is powerful and yet full of grace with aromas of dark, primary fruits with intense perfume and spice driven qualities. On the palate the wine is round, full and satiny with notes of black cherries, rhubarb, dried herbs and baking spices. The finish is fresh and clean with well-integrated tannins and acid. Though drinking well in its youth, it will definitely reward the patient cellarer. 

Thursday, December 16^th

5:30-7:30pm

With maker Steven Westby

Witness Tree Vineyard is a 100-acre estate in the Eola Hills of the Willamette Valley named for an ancient oak which towers over the vineyard. Steven Westby is the winemaker and vineyard manager for Witness Tree and can often be found on a tractor or out walking the vineyard, checking on the crop. His use of low yields in the vineyard and minimal handling in the winery create wines of depth, elegance, concentration, and character. Come give them a sip.

2010 Witness Tree Pinot Blanc $15
Pinot Blanc is grown in very small quantities in the Willamette Valley. Witness tree has two and a half acres in production. This limited bottling offers delightful fruit flavors reminiscent of apple and pear, balanced beautifully by a crisp refreshing acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Chardonnay $15
The Witness Tree Chardonnay is a blend of estate-grown Davis 108 clone, coupled with a bit of Dijon clone fruit farmed at the Stand Sure Vineyard. Upon opening the wine brings intense aromas of pineapples, mangos and other juicy tropical fruits. As it is a cooler vintage, the acidity is a bit higher-toned, yet in complete balance with fruit and alcohol content. In the mouth the wine shows exceedingly vibrant acidity balanced by a rich, very full mouth-feel of more tropical fruit, butterscotch and a kiss of toasted French oak.

2010 Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir $25
Deep garnet in color, the Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir is powerful and yet full of grace with aromas of dark, primary fruits with intense perfume and spice driven qualities. On the palate the wine is round, full and satiny with notes of black cherries, rhubarb, dried herbs and baking spices. The finish is fresh and clean with well-integrated tannins and acid. Though drinking well in its youth, it will definitely reward the patient cellarer.

2012 Witness Tree Dolcetto Remari $20
The Dolcetto comes from a 1.6 acre site exhibiting big grapey, sassy flavors! Its considerable “slurpy factor” makes it a wonderful cocktail wine, while its natural acidity gives it the power to pair exceptionally well with all kinds of cuisine. It is an interesting twist on the Piedmonte varietal. Only 48 cases were made.