As the weather gets warmer we start thinking of lighter red wines with fresh acidity.  Here are a few of our favorites.  You can even put a slight chill on these for a sunny afternoon.

2016 Erste + Neue, Kaltereresee Leuchternburg             $16
Schiava (Vernatch)
A light-bodied red with lots of cherry flavors and soft tannins from the German speaking part of the Tyrolian Alps. This is a single vineyard wine made from Venatsch (Schiava) the smaller berried cousin to the Edelvenatch.

2018 Contini, Tonaghe Cannonau di Sardegna  $13
90% Cannonau, 10% other local red grapes
Cannonau, the islands version of Grenache, was brought to Sardegna by the Spanish. The Tonaghe is produced from vineyards in Ogliastra, Oliena and from the Sinis peninsula. It has aromas of ripe plums and blackberries. The palate has lovely grippy tannins; warm and full-bodied with blackberry notes and juicy, ripe plum flavor.

2017 Cesar, Langa Frenesi  $13
35% Shiraz, 35% Garnacha, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
The Langa family owns more than 70 hectares of vineyards spread over two Biodynamic farmed estates. The Frenesi has a very minerally aroma with spicy notes such as clove, cinnamon, pepper and vanilla. It has s ripe, even jam-like black fruit, beautiful tannins, a silky and round, muscular body.  Organic

2017 Corsini, Barbera d’Alba  $16
From their estate vineyards Corsini’s Barbera d’Alba is a typical Piedmontese Barbera with fresh cherry fruit and a striking underlying acidity

2018 Tenuta Maiano, Brusco Toscano $16
Sangiovese
This  bright, and energetic wine displays aromas of fresh cherry, strawberry, balsamico and herbs. On the palate, Brusco has a lively acidity with vibrant tannins that perfectly frame the wonderful concentration of fruit flavors.  Organic

2018 Serafini & Vidotto Pinot Nero  $12
From rocky mineral rich soil sin Veneto this Pinot Noir has fruity and floral notes of ripe raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries, hints of violet and aromatic herbs and sweet tobacco. The flavor is mellow and warm with sweet tannins.  It finishes with notes of cassis and sweet tobacco nuances.  Was $24 now $12

2018 Domaine Dupeuble, Beaujolais  $15
Gamay Noir
Imported by Kermit Lynch, the entry Dupeuble has attractive, bright strawberry and wild-raspberry aromas here with a gently savory edge. Smells very fresh. The palate has a super smooth and open-knit delivery of ripe blueberry and strawberry flavors.

Current Hours:

Wednesday through Sunday

Noon to 4PM

Thursday we emailed about some everyday French wines, but sometimes you need something a bit better for a special evening or just Memorial Day Weekend.  Here’s a few suggestions from our shelves.
 
2015 Henri Bourgeois la Bourgeoise Sancere  $38
This top quality Sancere is produced from old vines on the Bourgeois estate, this is a concentrated, rich wine.  Exotic fruit and citrus aromas; subtle yet powerful. Its persistence and harmony find their origin in the exposition and quality of the terroir.  Delicate nose with aromas of white flesh fruits and citrus, this Sancerre is highlighted by its typicity.
 
2015 Maréchal Bourgogne, Cuvée Gravel   $33
A beautiful Cote de Or Pinot full of lovely rose aromas and raspberry and cherry flavors, smooth tannins and long finish. A great Burgundy value.
 
2016 Les Collegiales Vacqueyras  $22
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan
An earthy Vacqueyras with  aromas of ripe fruit, blackcurrant coulis, strawberry jam, spice, and violets. The wine is quite smooth on the palate, with rich tannin and an attractive licorice flavor.
 
2012 Les Fiefs de Lagrange Saint Julien  $55
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot
The Second Label of the 3rd Growth Lagrange.  The 2012 is developed and ready to go now.  Good depth of firm Cabernet fruit, good clarity and natural tannins, very good second wine
 
2017 Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage  $25
Syrah
The 2016 Crozes Hermitage Les Pierrelles comes from sandy, pebbly soils and spent 14 months in 2- to 5-year-old barrels. Saturated purple/ruby-colored, with beautiful notes of blackberries, pepper, ground herbs, and hints of minerality, it hits the palate with a rounded, supple, elegant texture that carries terrific depth and richness. It’s beautiful Crozes that will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer.

While these days we can’t pour you a taste of these great everyday wines from France, we can tell you a bit about them.  Even with the current 25% tariff hitting most of them they still keep the price down.

J. Laurens Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé  $15
60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin, 15% Pinot Noir
The Brut rosé has a gentle yeastiness accompanying its effusive effervescence, but the real story is its rich, tangy, full-in-the-mouth, appealing fruit.

2018 Domaine de la Denante Macon Verze  $18
Chardonnay
The soil in Verzé produces a wine with more tension.  This wine is harder, but still with a nice richness, full of ripe apple and crisp pear flavors. Its acidity comes with citrus and kiwi fruit.

2018 Kuentz Bas Alsace Blanc  $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
This traditional blend has notes of very ripe pear aromas. The palate shows crisp acidity to aid the spicy pear fruit. It is bone dry with smoky, yet bright flavors.

2019 Château Morgues du Grès, Galets Rosé  $12
50% Grenahce Noir, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Galets are the round rocks that make up the vineyard’s soil bringing out a richness while the nearby  Mediterranean Sea adds a great freshness. Strawberry and pit fruit aromas are spiced up by peppery notes.

2016 Château Argadens Bordeaux Superieur  $17
63% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
The complex and expressive bouquet is a harmonious mixture of dark red fruits aromas and very elegant oaky notes. It is a crisp and sappy wine which offers sweetness and richness on the palate.

2015 Charles Helfenbein La Syrah  $15
From the Northern Rhone, the La Syrah has an opulent nose of plum, bacon live and fig to the incredible array of flavor. It is an old-world full bodied Syrah with supple tannins layered underneath ripe round red fruit notes, and subtle hints of terroir throughout that linger on the finish.

Just a reminder — our pandemic hours are Wednesday through Sunday from Noon until 4PM. Email us (info@madronawinemerchants.com), call us during open hours (206-860-6017), or just come up to the door to place your orders.

Spring is a time of change, and this week we are featuring some new arrivals as well as putting the spotlight on some departing favorites. 

 
2015 Kirsten Feinherb Riesling  $15
The small Kirsten winery in the little-known wine village of Klüsserath on the Middle Mosel makes some of the best new-old style wines. The Feinherb has a bit salty minerality and some sweet fruitiness at the same time resulting a very deep palate. Long finish.  10.8% alcohol by volume.  Was $22 now $15   2 cases available

2015 Krirsten Riesling Trocken  $15
The wonderful aromas of this wine are dry and fruity with a great crisp and fresh finish. Kirsten’s Rieslings each share a core of minerality that prevails over primary fruit, but this dry bottling is particularly savory in style. It’s refreshingly spry with layers of smoke and chalk notes meandering amidst sheer streaks of fresh, white grapefruit and apple.  11.9% alcohol by volume.  Was $21 now $15   2 cases available

2018 Château Pajzos Furmint (Tokaji) $13
The bright, fresh and zesty flavors range from grapefruit to apricot with notes of nuts, minerals, and spice. The Furmint has aspects that remind one of Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc, yet it is a unique wine. Its flavors are as appealing as they are original.  New Vintage!
 
2018 Cherrier & Fils, Sancere  $23
Sauvignon Blanc
The estate has limestone and calcareous clay soils that wonderfully influence the character of the grapes grown there. The Sancerre is consistently delicious, with citrus, chalky mineral and light floral notes.  The Cherrier is moving to a distributor who we don’t buy from.  We have 2 cases left.

2019 Château de Miniére Rosé de Miniére  $16
100% Cabernet Franc
A Loire Rosé with elegant aroma of roses, citrus and  minerality. Dominating red fruit in a long finish and a nice freshness.  Organic   The delicious rose is just off the boat.

2017 Fond Croze Cuvee Confidence Côtes du Rhone  $13
709% Grenache, 30% Syrah
A rustic CDR with notes of forest floor, black fruits, blackberries and cassis followed by peppery notes and leather.  2 cases left of the 2017

2017 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rufina  $15
Sangiovese
Linear, crisp red with stone, blackberry and fresh-herb aromas and flavors. Medium to light body. Firm tannins and a flavorful finish.   A new vintage of an old favorite. 

2016 Domaine du Crampilh L’ Originel  $17
90% Tannat, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
This rustic Tannat comes from the Basque hills of Southern France.  The wine shows ripe black fruits that dominate the tannins. Its full structure is restrained by acidity and black-plum flavors at the end.  Was $20 now $17  18 bottles left.

2016 Zeni Marogne Ripasso  $18
60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Vinous, full-bodied, with hints of black cherry and well-ripened fruit. Rounded and velvety on the palate.  This full Ripasso from Veneto just hit our shelves.

We have been getting some really good markdowns on Washington wines lately.  Some we have had for awhile, other are just coming in.  All are tasting great and give you some great value.  Here’s a list of what we got going.
 
Whites
 
2018 Balboa Gruner Veltliner  $15
Exotic aromas of lime blossoms, crushed rocks, citrus and pink pepper corn with spicy floral notes. Bright acidity with flavors of lemon, lime and grapefruit leading into guava and fresh peach  Was $25 Now $15

2016 Sparkman, Apparition  $13
75% Roussanne, 12% Grenache Blanc, 13% Marsanne.
This wine is mostly Roussanne (75%), with the balance equal parts Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, with the fruit coming from Olsen and Boushey vineyards. Lemon verbena, grape-nut, peach and apple aromas lead to broad stone-fruit flavors.  Was $20 now $13
 
Bold Reds
 
2014 Aston Troy Bisou  $15
64% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Verdot.
The 2014 ‘Bisou’ begins with aromas of dark fruits and a touch of milk chocolate. Flavors of red cherry, pencil shavings, coffee grounds and red bell peppers show nicely on the palate. This red should continue to evolve nicely over the next few years. Part of the proceeds from this sale go to families in need from Covid 19.  Was $28 now $15

2014 Ashton Troy Cabernet Sauvignon  $15
Rich nose of red and black fruits, leather and tobacco. Full bodied and plush. Well structured, concentrated and powerful. Cherries, blackberries and currants on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with fine grained tannins. Drink over the next 3-5 years.  Part of the proceeds from this sale go to families in need from Covid 19.  Was $28 now $15

2016 Three of Cups Le Croyant  $18
Petit Sirah
Aromas of chocolate covered pomegranate, blueberry and hickory smoke lead to viscous flavors of blackberry and black plum. Sinewy tannins lead to a sense of vanilla extract, capped by some elegance of minerality and coffee.  Was $28 Now $18

2016 Kerloo Cellars Deadbird  $15
Cabernet Sauvignon
A small production Walla Walla Cab from mysterious sources. Earth, spice, sage, and blackberry aromas along with savory flavors of black plum, meat , and leather.  Was $19 Now $15

2013 Finn Hill Merveille          $15
Merlot
A full and juicy Washington Merlot from Stillwater Creek vineyard.  Was $30  Now $15

2013 Di Stefano Meritage  $15
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc
This traditional Bordeaux blend is full bodied and masculine. This wine is enticing with molasses, black cherry tobacco and brown sugar aromatics. The tannins are packed tight with the rich black cherry and cocoa flavors seductively showing on the finish.  Was $32 now $15

2012 Di Stefano Domenica  $15
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
The large amount of Merlot makes this wine soft but very full. This wine shows off black cherry, currant and sage notes, with wonderful texture and deep color. It is full in the mouth with a nice marriage of oak, balanced with tannin and good acidity.  Was $34 now $15

Our new hours for order pick up are:
Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 4pm
There are three ways to place orders.
Email us anytime.
Call us during Shop Hours
Or if you are on your daily walk and want to grab a bottle or three, say hello or rap on the glass and we will come to the door to wait on you.

Info@MadronaWineMerchants.com
Phone 206-860-6017

Thanks for your support.
Stay safe and sane and we’ll all get through this.

The new 2019 Rosés are starting to come in and we are getting some deals on some of the 2018’s.  That makes it Rosé Season!!   Chill a bottle or two and wait for a clear afternoon.  (noon if you are home schooling.)
 
New 2019’s
 
2019 Sleight of Hand Magician’s Assistant        $18
Cabernet Franc
Aromas and flavors of pomegranate, white flowers, and Spring rain, all buoyed by a backbone of minerality and acid. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels. 
 
2019 Lauribert Cuvée de Lisa       $12
Grenache
Expressive nose of summer fruits (redcurrant, raspberry, strawberry). Harmonious in the mouth, fresh with a pleasant persistence and very long on the fruit aromas found in the nose.  13% alcohol by volume
 
2019 Blanville Solal Rosé  $12
50% Grenache Gris, 50% Cinsault
This Languedoc rosé opens with soft aromas of white cherry, peach, cantaloupe and cranberry. The melon flavors continue through to the palate, while the finish offers a refreshing astringent citrus-pith flavor.  12% alcohol by volume
 
2019 Mark Ryan The Vincent Rosé         $15
40% Merlot, 37% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
delightful citrus and floral aromas that mirror on the palate. Soft fruit flavors include cranberries, salmon berries, melon, and pear. Bright acidity and honeysuckle combine and linger on the finish.
 
2019 Sodo Cellars Love Birds Rosé          $14
77% Sangiovese, 23% Syrah
Aromas of white peach, dehydrated strawberries and pink grapefruit hop out of the glass. On the palate this wine showcases juicy acidity with stone fruit and slight tropical notes.  11.6% alcohol by volume
 
2019 Clos des Luminieres L’eclat Rosé   $10
40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
An intense nose of strawberries, a balanced mouth feel. Red fruit and cherries complemented with notes of citrus fruits, spices, and a minerally finish. The different aromas of each grape variety increases the complexity of this wine.
 
2019 Rezabal Txakoli Rezabal Rosé $15
Hondarrabi Belza
This vivacious rose from the Basque region in northern Spain has lip-smacking acidity, wild strawberry, sea salt and fresh grapefruit impressions that make for a delicious thirst quencher.  10.5% alcohol by volume

Deals of 2018’s
 
2018 Château Des Annibales Suivez-Moi-Jeune-Homme Rosé     $15
40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Rolle
Aromas of raspberry, lime, candy, slightly minty notes, give a very generous bouquet. On the palate, this wine is rich, with notes evolving towards strawberries and blueberries with a smooth minerality, adding freshness, and a long finish with persisting notes of red fruit.   Organic  13% alcohol by volume  Was $20 now $15

2018 Routas Rosé    $12
48% Cinsault, 35% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Freshly cut watermelon, ripe peach aromas and floral notes lead to a palate alive with wild strawberries and hints of mineral notes. Crisp acidity and a refreshing finish.   13% alcohol by volume  Was $16 Was $12

Standard Favorites
Still Here.
 
2018 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix en Provence    $17
40% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Rolle
Aromas of wild strawberries and red currants, with a light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate with a complex long finish.  Sustainable.  13% alcohol by volume
 
2018 Le Galantin Bandol Rosé     $22
50% Mourvédre, 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault
A classic Provencal rose with delightful fresh berry fruit flavors, spices and a crisp finish.  Organic

2018 La Spinetta Il Rosé di Casanova      $20
Sangiovese
Aromas of sliced peaches, flowers, stones and chalk very complex with full body and round yet agile and dynamic intensity, salty, linear, energetic backbone of acidity, great structure and lovely finish.  12.5% alcohol by volume
 
Our new hours for order pick up are:
Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 4pm
There are three ways to place orders.
Email us anytime.
Call us during Shop Hours
Or if you are on your daily walk and want to grab a bottle or three, say hello or rap on the glass and we will come to the door to wait on you.

Info@MadronaWineMerchants.com
Phone 206-860-6017

Thanks for your support.
Stay safe and sane and we’ll all get through this.

To maximize social distancing with minimal contact between ourselves and our customers, we are currently suspending all browsing and self-selection at the shop. This is not the way we like to do business, but we are following what the times dictate. If you are on your daily walk and want to grab a bottle or three, say hello or rap on the glass and we will come to the door to wait on you.

New Shop Hours & Pick Up Orders
Madrona Wine will have new hours Thursday to Sunday from Noon to 4 pm, filling pick-up orders. Email Us and we will try to fill all requests as best as possible. Or Call Us during our shop hours and we can find what you are looking for that way. You can prepay for orders by credit card and pick them up at the curb or come in and pay at the time of pick up.

Saturday Deliveries
For those who are in self-quarantine, and cannot make it to pick up wine, we will be offering deliveries to Madison Park, Madrona, Leschi, Central District, and Mount Baker on Saturdays from noon to 4. Please email or call with delivery requests by 3pm Friday. Include an Email Address, Cell Phone Number (so we can text to confirm order and delivery time), Address, and any Special Instructions – call box, gate code, etc. You must be home to receive your wine even with no-contact drop off. All deliveries must be prepaid with a credit card.

Info@MadronaWineMerchants.com
Phone 206-860-6017

And now back to wine!  We recently received some great deals from Mastobernardio in Campania.  You might want to throw a few in your next box.

2018 Mastrobernadino, Greco  $13
With an intense bouquet of tropical fruit and white flowers,  This Greco is fresh and fruity on the palate, with a lively acidity.  12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $17 now $13

2018 Mastrobernadino, Falangina del Sannio   $15
Aromas of ripe pineapples and citrus fruits are complemented by undertones of white flowers.  On the palate, zesty acidity and persistent notes of honeysuckle and toasted almond make for a definite crowd-pleaser.  12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $18 Now $15

2018 Masterbernadino, Lacryma Christi Bianco  $15
100% Coda di Volpe
A rich white white from Campania, aromas of pear and other tree fruits complement undertones of white peach and licorice.  On the palate, strident minerality and good body make this a well-structured. 12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $20 now $15

2018 Mastobernardio, Mastro Aglianico  $13
This stainless steel aged Aglianico has aromas of strawberry, cherry and blackberries. On the palate, the wine has a soft, texture and medium body with flavors of strawberry and cherry.  12.5% alcohol by volume
Was $17 now $13

2018 Mastrobernardino, Lacryma Christi Rosso  $15
Piedirosso
This beast needs some air!  It opens with a lot of gamey, animal aromas, but if you decant it it calms down to a rustic red with cherries and red fruit underscoring notes of plums, raspberries, and black pepper.
Was $20, Now $15