We have a stretch of nice weather ahead this week.  It’s time to find that place on your porch, patio or garden to sip a little wine, soak up some sun and shake off the winter mold.  Here’s a few suggestions to accompany your weekend.

Aval Artisanal Gold Cidre  $3.50  12 oz can
Combines 5 varieties of apples exclusively from Breton, representing the 4 main categories of apple (bitter, sweet, bittersweet and acidic). This unique blend gives the drink a crisp and citrusy taste. It’s the perfect balance between subtle sweetness and refreshing bitterness.  6% alcohol by volume

2019 Vera Vinho Verde  $10
60% Arinto, 30% Azal, 10% Loureiro
00%estate fruit, estate bottled, low RS and a very light carbonation.  The wine is clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit.  Bring on the sunshine.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2018 Palazzo Malgara Inzolia  $12
A crisp and refreshing Sicilian White.  Aromas of white flowers and lemon citrus.  The palate is full with good structure, and notes of subtle herbs, kiwi and lemon fruit.  Good match for shellfish or sunshine.  13% alcohol by volume

2016 Weingut Neiss Riesling Trocken  $15
A crisp Riesling from the Phalz. dry, mineral, and chiseled. This wine is no exception and shows all the hallmarks of Riesling. From the petrol nose to a lime-zested, white flower, citrus fruit core.  12.5% alcohol by volume   Was $19 now $15

2018 Domaine des Forges Chenin de Loire  $14
Chenin de Loire is from St. Aubin de Luigne, in the south of the Loire Valley, where the vines are low yielding and are on a base of some of the finest schist soils to be found in the region. Lively aromas of fresh Golden Delicious apples, and some floral characteristics. Beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate, with apple crispness and a lingering and vibrant finish.

2018 Massimo Bassani Isola Augusta Fruili Chardonnay  $15
Refreshing Friuli Chard with aromas of  fine dry bread crust. The palate is dry, soft, full bodied and well structured.  13% alcohol by volume

2014 Marques de Caceres Antea Rioja Bianco  $15
93% Viura, 7% local Malvasía
This limited edition white wine, fermented on its fine lees, in new oak barrels,  reveals an intense and complex  bouquet  of  apples  and  white  peaches  with  a  depth  of  mature  pears  and  refined  toasted  notes.  13% alcohol by volume

2020 G.D. Vajra Rosa Bella Rosado  $15
Nebbiolo, with small amounts of Barbera and Dolcetto.
2020 Rosabella is floral on the nose, with roses, pomegranate and cherry and shows a mineral imprint in the mouthfeel.  12.5% alcohol by volume

2017 Palazzo Malgara Negroamaro Puglia  $12
From the region of Puglia near the town of Lecce Intense dark red color, aromas of liquorice and cinnamon, dry, velvet flavor of mixed fruits and herbs with a pleasant aftertaste of liquorice and raspberry.  13% alcohol by volume

2018 Luigi Bosca Lujan de Cuyo DOC Malbec  $20
Intense violet color with aromas of cherry and ripe plum. Spiced, with mocha and blackberry hints. Gracefully sweet, with a persistent, delicate perfume and an elegant structure.

2015 Poblets del Montsant   $24
75% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
From the neighboring Do of Priorat, comes this rich red wine.  Red fruits on the nose evolve to a more spicy, balsamic, toasty character and great freshness. Full and rich in the mouth showing hints of oak and a delightful spiciness. The tannins are present but not overbearing. A delightful, elegant Montsant with a fresh and persistent finish.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 6PM

Cowhorn Vineyard

Cowhorn Vineyard is located in the Applegate Valley in southern Oregon, just a few miles north of the California border. They grow about 25 acres are planted to wine grapes growing grape varieties historically associated with the Rhône wine region of France.  They are certified Biodynamic.  Their wine is all estate grown with the winery is about 100 feet from the vineyard.

Due to the vagaries of distribution we picked up a bit of these two wines at a great discount. Come check them out.

2017 Cowhorn Spiral 360  $15
30% Viognier, 40% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne
Rich fruit flavors of apricot and mango take lead and are rounded out by notes of honey and ginger. The French oak influence is apparent in this wine’s opulence and the subtle notes of baking spice on the finish. This wine is food friendly, but our favorite way to enjoy it is on the patio after a long summer day.  Natural Biodynamic. Was $25 now $15

2016 Cowhorn Marsanne/Roussanne  $15
64% Marsanne, 36% Roussanne
From Applegate Oregon, this Rhone style blend is fresh and lively 5 years from harvest.  Test tasted on an early April afternoon in the garden.  Full bodied and built of lush apple, apricot and peach flavors. Touches of fruit skin flavors add depth and texture.  Natural Biodynamic. Was $30 Now $15

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM

We’ve received a few new Bordeaux recently.  While the big names have climbed up in price, we are still able to find great wine at good prices.  $13 gets you a lot of wine, or spend a few bucks more and dive into delicious.

2019 Chateau Bourrdieu, Côtes du Bordeaux  $13
87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
97 pts in the Decanter Wine Awards.  “Flamboyant and deep, with ample, lush and fresh forest fruits, bramble and cassis, with cascading sweet spice swiftly following. A super, brooding wine which will shine brighter with time.”  You can take that with a grain of salt, but the wine is quite good.

2016 Château de la Brandille, Bordeaux Supérieur  $13
65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
From 40-year-old vines located close to the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, this château has been in the Borderie family for five generations. The house style is classic: savory and elegant with ample fruit graced with a dusting of mineral aromatics.

2015 Château Goubau, La Source, Côtes de Bordeaux  $19
95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
The second wine of Chateau Goubau. La Source is spicy and fresh with aromas of red fruits, plums, and spice. On the palate the wine is crunchy and fruity with black fruit flavors and a touch of spice; the finish is lively and appealing.  Biodynamic

2015 Château Moncets, Lalande de Pomerol  $21
82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc
A good Bordeaux from a good vintage.  This wine, hugely rich and packed with tannins, has equally powerful black fruits . . . rich texture and blackberry and licorice flavors.

2016 Château Leconte Marquey, Saint Emilion  $22
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Leconte Marquey is a small estate of just 14.5 hectares.  Round and opulent, it offers flavors of red and black berries, with refined tannins that allow the wine to age gracefully.

2017 Châteaux la Garenne Pomeral  $36
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
This under the radar Pomeral is a rustic wine with notes of cassis, pecan pie, blueberries and dried cranberries.  soft tannins and mulberry finish. It is elegant and drinking nicely now.

2016 Le Haut-Medoc d’Issan, Haut-Medoc  $40
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
As the third wine of the 3rd Growth Château d’Issan.  The Le Haut-Médoc is textbook claret without the triple-digit price tag!” The wine has a bright and vivid bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, and lead pencil. This fruit component also drives the pallet with a medium-bodied texture and mineral accents.

Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM

All that searching for colored eggs can work up a real thirst.  Skip the chocolate and go for a real treat.  Here’s a few goodies the Bunny brought us.

San Martino Prosecco Extra Dry  $11
Glera
This extra dry sparkling Prosecco has notes of pear and stone fruit with small, fast-rising bubbles.

Berlucchi Franciacorta ’61 Brut  $20
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
The Franciacorta appellation was started by this winery in 1961.  This fresh, creamy Chardonnay-based sparkler is making waves thanks to its crisp acidity and full-bodied mouthfeel. The balance is spot-on, with delicate aromas of apricot, baked bread and sweet citrus that are backed by smooth and persistent perlage.
Was $35 now $20

2020 Bodegas Breca Rosé  $10
Grenache
An elegant rosé produced from the original clones of the Garnacha grape, characterized by delicate floral aromatics.  Dry Farmed

2019 Michele Biancardi Cerignola Uno Piu Uno  $14
Primitivo,  Nero di Troia
From Puglia, this wine is bursting with flavor and packed full of supple dark berry fruit with hints of tobacco and mocha.  Organic

2016 Valdipiatta Rosso di Montepulciano  $13
90% Sangiovesse, 5% Caniolo Nero, 5% Mammolo
Aromas of toast, scorched underbrush, leather and a whiff of spiced berry lead the nose.   On the palate, the wine has well-balanced tannins, vibrant acidity, and dark fruit notes.
Was $19 Now $13

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 6PM

Rain or shine, sunshine or snow, it is Spring in Seattle.  All we can say is be prepared.  You need a variety of wine in reserve to match any weather.  Here’s a few we are sipping while we wait for the weather report.

Whites

2016 Bovio, Alessandro Langhe Chardonnay $13
Aromas of fresh hay and papaya. Rich in texture with flavors of tropical fruit and lean acidity.  Was, $18 now $13

2017 Domaine du Séminaire, Fleur de Viognier  $12
50% Viognier, 15% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 15% Clairette
The vineyards are near the northern limit of ripening grapes, in the colder foothills of the Alps, where they are swept by the strong mistral winds, creating a elegant, and complex wine that is full of interesting exotic fruit. This combines the best features of the three grapes: aromatic, spicy notes from Viognier, waxy, oily viscosity from Marsanne, and an oppulent, rich mouthfeel from Grenache Blanc. There’s a pleasing balance between the ripeness of the fruits and a grainy texture.  Organic
Was $17 now $12

2017 Lyrarakis, Pirovolikes Vilana  $20
The 30-year old vineyard “Pirovolikes” is planted with the grape variety Vilana, and is still being pruned traditionally as a bush vine. It is considered one of the most privileged vineyards of our area. The vineyard is situated at 650m, on a medium slope with rocky soil and a southeast aspect, and gives us a wine of high concentration and aroma.  This wine offers floral and lemon aromas, followed by a full-bodied but vibrant layering of citrus and tropical fruit. It finishes brisk and bouncy.

2018 Famille Thomas, Les Créots Sancerre  $22
Sauvignon Blanc
Delicate notes of white flowers and fresh cut grass lead quickly to brighter aromas of gooseberries and grapefruit. The palate is “rich and broad”, meaning it really coats your tongue and the flavors are not shy, loaded with grapefruit, tangerine zest and green apples.  Biodynamic

Reds

2016 Château de la Brandille, Bordeaux Supérieur  $13
65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
From 40 year lod vines located close to the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, this château has been in the Borderie family for five generations. The house style is classic: savory and elegant with ample fruit graced with a dusting of mineral aromatics.

2016 Mas des VolQue, Esus  $14
45% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Carignan.
Duché D’Uzès
Peppery herbs, plums, blackberries and earthy/loamy notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully textured Rhone red that’s packed with charm.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM

Sometimes you just need a rich glass of wine to make it through the week.  Here a few big reds that just came in to the shop.

2016 Mouchão, Dom Rafael Alentejo  $17
40% Alicante Bouschet, 40% Trincadeira, 20% Aragonez
A BIG Portuguese red with an intriguing expression of black fruits, ripe fruits with spices, and liquorice in the background. Rich and elegant attack, with notes of black berries, mellow tannins, great complexity, and a long spicy finish.

2017 Clos du Caillou, Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Unique  $28
82% Grenache, 18% Syrah
Old Vine Cotes-du-Rhone comes from a parcel walled by renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. It was intentionally left out of the appellation by the owner, following a bureaucratic spat back in 1936.  The wine offers supple yet compact fruit that spans black cherry, wild lavender, hints of wild game, and a touch of spices on the palate. It’s one of the best Cotes-du-Rhones made.  Unfiltered

2014 Mount Peak, Rattlesnake Zinfindel  $20
96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah
Classic Zinfandel characteristics of Provençal spices, roasted herbs, pepper and oodles of briary black raspberry and black cherry fruit. It cuts a big swath across the palate with loads of glycerin and an unctuous, thick, juicy quality that is provocative.

2014 Statement Late Bottled Vintage Port  $20
This unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage is aged over 4-years in oak barrels before bottling. It has a great variety of flavors, a strong wine with an attractive bouquet.  Strawberry jam, medium-bodied and sweet with refreshing acidity and gentle tannins.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM

It is the first day of Spring, and while we may not see much sun today, the daffodils are blooming and the air feels a bit different from last month.  Here’s a few wines to toast the new season.

La Luca, Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG  $18
Glera
Quality Prosecco.   Persistent bubbles and a fine perlage, elegant scents of wild roses and jasmine, fruity notes of golden apple and tropical fruits.

Pierre Cellier, Prestige Brut Champagne  $35
30% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
With beautiful aromatics of orchard fruits and brioche, the bubbles are relaxed yet precise, the texture is lush, and the finish is satisfying. The dosage is a little higher for a touch more body, 8 g/l.
Was $50, Now $35

2017 Cedergreen, Sauvignon Blanc  $16
Light aromas of mineral, herb and citrus are followed by bright, fuller-styled, well-balanced fruit flavors that carry on the finish.

2019 La Fortezza, Falanghina del Sannio Taburno  $18
This dry, fresh and zesty Falanghina is sourced from the Sannio area in Campania. Zesty on the nose as well with citrus peel, white florals and ripe pear aromas. Look for flavors of ripe peach, mandarin orange, tangy and spicy with a lingering fresh herb finish.

2015 Quinta da Muradella, Alanda Bianco  $22
30% Doña Blanca, 30% Treixadura, 30% Verdello, 10% Monstruosa de Monterrei
This Spanish white has aged beautifully.  The medium-bodied palate fills your mouth and coats its inside with fennel and wet stone flavors and a clean thread of fine acidity that makes it intense and long.
Was $32 Now $22

2016 Dashe, Les Enfants Terribles Grenache  $15
Dry Creek Valley
The grapes come from a dry, rocky riverbed north of Healdsburg where nightly fogs help maintain high acidity. Low interference in the cellar and maturation in large barrels, leaves all the pretty minerality and luscious red berries on the nose and palate of this wine. Bright and lithe, the wine shows vibrant red fruit (raspberry, currant), peppery spice and dusky tannins.   Native Fermentation.  Was $28 now $15

2018 Pelissero, Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta  $18
A single vineyard Dolcetto that stands out above a lot of others.  Aromas of plums and sour cherries, fresh roses and mixed spices, Enveloping and juicy, with definite tannins and marked savoriness

2016 Paris Valley Road, Zinfandel  $12
Paso Robles Zin. Juicy raspberry and bramble berries, Earthy notes of sage, saddle leather, and fresh tilled soil add complexity to this well-balanced and alluring wine. Plush tannins provide structure and elegance while framing the dark red fruit, finishing with just a kiss of oak.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 6PM

The days are getting longer and that extra hour in the evening is perfect for an extra glass of wine.  If you’re wondering what that glass should be, here are some delicious French wines that are new to our shelves.  Spring is almost here.

2019 Vignerons du Pallet, Les Petites Sardines  $10
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
A good value Muscadet.  The nose, dominated by the fresh aromas brought by the sea spray of the Atlantic, also has light floral notes. The wine is characterized by its finesse and has a slight pearliness that is pleasant on the palate.

2019 Viv á Vias, Le Ballon Blanc  $11
50% Vermento, 50% Sauvignon Blanc
Le Ballon produces affordable and delicious organic wines in Languedoc-Roussillon France. A fresh and crisp style with notes of stone fruit and white flowers. An ideal aperitif wine to be enjoyed alongside seafood or onion tarte.  Organic

2020 J. Mourat, Chenin de Jardin  $18
This excellent organic, no sulfite added Chenin Blanc. Mourat is located in Fiefs Vendeen, on the Atlantic coast. It has a saltiness to balance the rich Chenin fruit.  And yes, that is a naked Gnome on the label.  Organic. No Added Sulfites

2019 Goisot, Saint-Bris Exogyra Virgula  $28
Sauvignon Blanc
A very different Sauvignon Blanc with a texture more like a Burgundy. The Exogyra Virgula, offers pungent gooseberry and asparagus scents on a nose that seems to grab the olfactory senses. The palate is fresh and clean, more linear than the aromatics suggest, with dill and white pepper notes toward the spicy finish. Sustainable, Organic

2017 Domaine Foussier, Les Romains Sancerre  $29
Sauvignon Blanc
Vines that range in age from 35 to 40 years in clay soil on a southwestern facing slope produce this wine. The Romains has a crisp nose with a heavy mineral accent. There is a richness and vivacity to this wine that leads into a long finish with strong acidity and nuances of tropical fruit and sage.  Organic. Was $45 now $29

2019 Domaine Fondrèche, Ventoux Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache
Freshness and gluttony at the rendezvous. With a pretty soft and luminous pink, with a flattering nose of raspberry, peach and flowers, it unfolds at the palate sensations both delicate and persistent. Was $20 now $13

2019 Château Barbebelle, Cuvée Madeleine d’Aix en Provence Rosé  $16
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Cinsault
A smoothly textured rosé, this is ripe with tangy mandarin and lime flavors allied with ripe red-berry fruits. The classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault gives pepper, some light structure and a fresh aftertaste.

2017 Domaine Vetriccie, Íle de Beauté Rouge  $11
40% Niellucciu, 30% Sciaccarellu, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah
A great Corsican red with aromas of black olive, currant, a hint of violet and licorice and rounded with spice. The wine is fleshy and medium bodies with fresh blackberry.

2019 Vic á Vias, Le Ballon Rouge  $11
50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Grenache, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals blend agreeably to create a deep cherry, pomegranate and earthy nose. Medium-intensity meets medium-acidity to appease any porch-wine seeker.  Organic

2019 Château Vaugelas, Cuvèe Fut de Chene Corbieres  $13
60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 5% Mouvèdre
An old favorite Southern French red with a nose of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) leading to more dominant black cherry aromas. Lightly spicy, with peppery notes finishing with vanilla and licorice.

2018 Delas, Saint-Espirit Côtes du Rhône  $15
Syrah (majority) and Grenache
From steep granite hillsides in the Ardèche region of the Rhône.  The nose is classic Syrah, with berry fruit, violet and licorice. It has a full, rounded palate with delicate tannins, making it a unique wine in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation.

2015 Château Moncets, Lalande de Pomerol  $21
82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc
A good Bordeaux from a good vintage.  This wine, hugely rich and packed with tannins, has equally powerful black fruits, rich texture and blackberry and licorice flavors.

2018 Raymond Usseglio, Cuvée Girard Châteaunuef du Pape  $45
90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, 2% Counoise
Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. It should age well with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.

2016 Clos Basté, Esprit de Basté Madrian  $30
75% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Franc
Esprit de Basté is a rich red that exemplifies the “spirit” of the area and Madiran. Powerful and fleshy, this wine can be drunk young (fruity) or after a few years to gain finesse.  Organic

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 6PM

Husband and wife team Stewart and Athena Boedecker created Boedecker Cellars in 2003.  Guided by both tradition and science, Boedecker Cellars uses minimal intervention techniques in their winery. Fermenting with native yeasts lets the winemakers highlight the unique qualities of each vineyard.  . They taste, blend and taste some more, age Pinot Noirs for a year and a half in barrel, bottle, and release the wines six months to a year later.

This past week we got offered a great deal on a couple of their wines and jumped on it.  Come get a piece of the action.

2017 Boedecker Cellars,Pinot Gris  Willamette Valley  $12
A rich Oregon Pinot Gris. Ripe and polished, bursting with peach and apricot aromatics with lively flavors of melon and citrus on the palate combine with solid acidity and a light, creamy texture.  Organic
Was $17 now $12

2014 Boedecker Cellars, Stewart Vineyard Pinot Noir  $22
Inviting aromas of cherry, rose petal and woodland lead to a mid-weight styled wine with impressive mid palate presence and finish. The core of cherry and ripe strawberry fruit flavors is accented with notes of interesting spices including cinnamon. The tannins are suave, the acidity is bright, and the overall impression is one of complete harmony
Was $35 Now $22

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 6PM

With the tariffs being suspended for four months, let’s raise a glass to celebrate with a few new arrivals to our shelves.

2018 Kila, Cava  $15
40% Xarel·lo, 40% Macabeu, 20% Parellada
Ripe orchard/pit fruit aromas are complemented by subtle herb and candied orange zest nuances. Broad and spicy on the palate, displaying pear nectar and honey flavors and a touch of fennel.

Jané Ventura, Brut Nature Cava Reserva  $16
The JV Reserva spends two and half years on lees and then is bottled without a dosage (extra sugar) as the quality of fruit is so high they do not feel that they need it. Therefore it has less than 2 grams of sugar per liter, but the mouthfeel is focused yet generous at the same time.  Organic

2019 Freire Lobo, Vigno Dão Blanco  $18
50% Encruzado, 35% Bical, 15% Cerseal
Lightly creamy, fun and refreshing, with a backbone of lemon zest, pine needle, green apple, tangy minerality, wet slate, pomelo, pear and enough tension to dance flamenco with any type of seafood. Organic / Biodynamic

2017 Sacristía AB Manzanilla Segunda Saca  $16
100% Palomino Fino
Taken from 32 butts from an 80-butt solera in the Bodegas Sanchez Ayala.  Some salted almonds and green olives. Cider apple and chamomile. Subtle hints of iodine and flor, or maybe closer to dried mushrooms in this case. Very light touches of thyme as well.
Was $28 Now $16

2017 Cabriz, Dão Colheita Selecionada  $10
40% Alfrocheiro, 30% Tourtuga National, 30% Aragonez
A well-structured, muscular red, with a touch of Asian spice to the wild plum and dried raspberry flavors. Beef and mineral notes mark the finish. Distinctive, with a very savage allure.

2016 Freire Lobo, Vigno Dão Red  $18
40% Touriga National, 30% Jaen, 30% Alfrocheiro
The nose is fine and fresh, with notes of ripe red fruits, spice and some floral. The palate is young, soft, and harmonious with well-integrated tannins.
Organic / Biodynamic

2012 Contino, Rioja Reserva  $42
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Contino was the first of the new wave of single vineyard Rioja estates. Today, the winery makes some of Rioja’s finest wines, polished and comparably modern, but with a sense of balance and restraint that gives them amazing elegance and great longevity.  Aromas of wet earth, spice and dark berry follow through to a full body, round and soft tannins and a long and decadent finish. Black olive and dark fruits.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM