Spring is here and we are pouring some fresh local wines from Sleight of Hand Cellars (Walla Walla) and Torii Mor (Willamette Valley). Mr. Pink also comes back for his yearly appearance. Go smell the cherry blossoms then come by and taste the taste of spring.

2017 Mr. Pink Rosé $13
Sangiovese & Syrah
From the Underground Wine Project (Mark Ryan and Trey Busch) Mr. Pink is full of fresh picked cherries, crisp watermelon and pomegranates, and lip smacking acidity to balance out the mouthwatering fruit sweetness.

2017 Sleight of Hand Cellars, The Magician’s Assistant Rosé $15
This 100% Cabernet Franc Rosé hails from Blackrock Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. It has a gorgeous, pale salmon-pink color, with aromas and flavors of white flowers, juicy strawberries, red cherries, and wet stones. The minerality and fresh acidity keep this rosé light and bright.

2016 Torii Mor Pinot Gris $15
Torii Mor’s 2016 Pinot Gris displays a light golden color, with a forward aroma of fresh pears and ripe apples with honeysuckle floral notes. The flavors show a refreshing acidity, followed by those same notes of ripe apples and pears beautifully balanced with delicate aromatic spice notes. The finish has a long somewhat austere finish.

2015 Torii Mor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $20
The 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir has rich aromas of wild flowers and roses, mixed in with complex red and dark berries, including cherries. The flavors are fresh, rich and sweet. The entry is forward, sweet and spicy, the fresh acidity enhances the rich and complex fruity center of sweet darker berries and cherries, the mid palate carries on that velvet-fruity goodness to a long, enjoyable aftertaste of pure Oregon Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is rich and elegant. The finish is very long, sweet, with the complexity of fruit, juicy tannins and a hint of spices

2015 Sleight of Hand Cellars, The Spellbinder $20
46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc 
Elegant and full-bodied, while still approachable, it boasts fresh fruit aromas and flavors of black cherries, raspberries, and currants, with just a hint of cedar from older French oak barrels in which it was aged. The tannins are completely resolved, providing a plush textured finish.

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.

Alcesti is a family-owned winery located in the Marsala growing region of Sicily.  Gianfranco Palladino, along with his sister, wife, mother and father, proudly share in the operation of this winery.  The rich soils of the vineyards, their hard work and care, along with the Sicilian sun, allow the roots of the vines to grow and produce exquisite grapes. The 30 hectares of land that lie between Marsala, Mazara and Salemi, with altitudes ranging from 100 to 280 meters, express the typical Sicilian character.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring their wines including two from their Carmene label.
 
2016 Camene Bianco Terre di Sicilia $10
Inzolia and Grecanico
Terre Siciliane is the region-wide IGT title for the island of Sicily. Carmene is Alcesti’s everyday line.  Made from two indigenous varietals, the wine is fresh and crisp aromatic, and crisp with lively acidity.
 
2016 Edesia – Grillo $15
Grillo, also known as Riddu and Rossese Bianco, is a white Italian wine grape variety which withstands high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian wine-making and for making Marsala
The grape expresses great structure and minerals.  The Edesia is a distinctly intense and persistent wine. It has a strong bouquet of yellow fruits with delicate nuances of citrus fruits and herbs with freshness and a tangy palate.
 
2015 Frappato $13
Frappato is one of the oldest grape varieties found in Sicily. Grown in the hilly area around Agrigento, it has a very pleasant and harmonious taste and aroma.  The wine is recognizable for fresh and fruity notes of black cherries, blueberries and raspberries and its soft and balanced finish.
 
2015 Camene Rosso, Terre di Sicilia $10
50% Nero d’Avola, 50%Perricone
The Carmene Rosso is a very friendly Sicilian blend with spicy aromas and bitter chocolate tannins.
 
2015 Nesos – Nero d’Avola $15
Nero d’Avola is the workhorse of Sicilian reds.  It is grown typically of inland hilly areas and expresses all the Sicilian terroir.  The Nesos has an intense ruby red in color, with an embracing aroma of red-berried fruits blended with notes of spices and vanilla. It is rich, ample and persistent on the palate with a distinct but pleasant note of freshness.

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

We have a beautiful weekend here in Madrona and it is starting to look like spring.  Sunday we turn the clocks ahead an hour and we are looking forward to the longer evenings.  While you are enjoying the sun swing by the shop.  We have some great wines open.

Saturday we are tasting Woodward Cayon’s 2014 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  That in itself should get you out of the house.  We are also pouring:
2016 Nelms Road Chardonnay
2016 Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling
2013 Robert Karl Claret
2015 Nelms Road Red Wine

Sunday we will have a couple of French wines open to match the weather.

2015 Le Fay d’Homme Muscadet Sêvre et Maine  $12
Melon de Bourgogne
The Muscadet is from 35-year-old vines and aged in traditional glass-lined cement tanks, offering a classic expression The wine ages “Sur lie” (on its sediment) for several months which adds body and mouthfeel. The La Fay is a fuller Muscadet, dry fruit and a nice minerality and a long finish. Organic. 12% alcohol by volume. Was $14, now $12

2015 Tessellae Cotes du Roussillon        $13
50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
From 70-year-old vines and brought up all in concrete tank. A ripe, expansive, full-bodied and undeniably sexy red that has beautiful notes of kirsch liqueur, blueberries, pepper and violets, it has ripe and present tannin, straight up fabulous purity and a great finish.– 93pts Wine Advocate

The Muscadet would be perfect with oysters or any shellfish, while the Roussillon leans more to grilled meats and vegetables, or just on its own.

Enjoy the Sun!

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 with the vineyards surrounding the Grasso family farmhouse being added to over time through marriage and acquisitions. Today the Ca’ del Baio estate takes in 25 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Barbaresco and Treiso, both of which are in the Barbaresco DOCG. Come by on Saturday and give them a try.

2016 Langhe Chardonnay, Luna d’Agosta $13
This fresh and fruity Chardonnay is harvested during the first weeks of September. It comes naturally with a mineral vein from the vineyards soil. The fragrance is delicately floral and fruity, with notes of citrus and exotic fruits. The flavor is dry, cool, and long, with a mineral finish.

2016 Dolcetto d’ Alba, Lodoli $14
Grown in vineyards in the Valgrande and Marcarini crus this “very Piedmontese” wine encapsulates the simple pleasures of everyday life. The aroma is intense and vinous, with delicate fruity overtones reminiscent of cherries, wild strawberries and blackberries; taste dry, with good balance and acidity.

2016 Langhe, Nebbiolo $15
From younger vines, the Lanhe neb is aged in stainless steel tanks for 4 months before bottling. The wine is fresh but still retains its Nebbiolo character with aromas of fragrant dried flowers, geraniums and slight fruity overtones reminiscent of raspberries. The taste is warm and soft with slightly tannic overtones.

2014 Barbaresco, Autinbej $29
Autinbej is made from the best and sunniest parts of their different crus. It is a tribute to Giulio Grasso’s late father, Ernesto, who often used the Piemontese word to describe the best vineyard exposures. The wine macerates on the skins from 9 to 15 days and then matures for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (boti). The nose is an intense, fruity aroma reminiscent of raspberries, jam, and violets that give an ethereal feeling accompanied by sweet spicy notes and hints of cocoa. In the mouth, Autinbej is warm, long, persistent and slightly tannic with an aftertaste of fruity notes.

2016 Moscato d’Asti, Particella 101 $15
Made from grapes grown on land registry plot number 101 located in Tre Stelle, the 101 has intense aromas with fruity hints of apricot and linden blossom, a sweet light taste with good acidity and a long, fresh finish.

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.

It has been a cold week here in Madrona.  And while Spring may be around the corner, but it looks we are in for a few more snowflakes before it comes.  Fortunately we have plenty of wine to keep us warm.

Saturday we are trucking in New Releases of Animale all the way from Upper Ballard.  Winemaker Matt Gubitosa will be with us showing off his wines.  We are long time Animale fans here at the shop and we are looking forward to trying the new arrivals. 
2014 Pinot Noir $28
2014 Cabernet Franc  $25
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon  $26
2014 Reserve Petite Sirah  $26

Sunday we are going farther afield and pouring two tasty value wines – a South African Chenin and a Vranec from Macedonia.
2014 Leopards Leap Chenin Blanc  $8
The interesting combination of herbal and fruit aromas underlined by a bold acidity makes this wine a versatile food wine and an easy sipper.
2015 Jordanov Vranec  $12
From Macedonia, the Jordanov is expressive and vibrant on the palate. Rich dark blackberry and tobacco aromas lead to a long, smooth finish. Pair it with grilled meats, prime rib, or just drink it by itself.  13% 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.

This Saturday Matt Gubitosa will be with us showing off the new vintage of his wines. We are long-time Animale fans here at the shop and we are looking forward to trying the new arrivals. Come & join us.

2014 was the first warmer, but not hot vintage, after four straight cool-weather vintages here in the Northwest. These new wines are bold, yet balanced, nuanced and complex; they exhibit distinctive varietal character, pair very nicely with flavorful cuisine, will age effortlessly, and promise a distinctive wine-drinking experience.

2014 Pinot Noir $28
Tonnelier Vineyard Yamhill Carlton
Medium ruby color; assertive aromatics of rose petals, ripe raspberries, cherry pastry, with hints of dried herbs and leather; on the palate, full bodied, with flavors of ripe red berry jam, and hints of citrus, caramel, and cola; on the finish, lingering fruit balances this ripe, fruity-style Pinot Noir.

2014 Cabernet Franc $25
95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
McIntire Vineyard, Sunnyside
A full-bodied wine, of medium purple-garnet color; featuring aromas of dried blueberries with hints of baking spice, pimento, incense, and sassafras; flavors of cherries, blueberries, and plums, with nuanced hints of eucalyptus, licorice, anise, and mint tea. The finish is long and powerful, with balanced acidity and firm tannins; enjoyable now, but will age gracefully for years to come.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon $26
Lublin Vineyard, Yakima
Dark red-black color; complex aromas of fresh cherries with hints of damp earth, black cherry flavor with undercurrent of graphite; natural vibrant acidity and ample tannins make for an age-worthy wine.

2014 Reserve Petite Sirah $26
100% Petite Sirah – McIntire Vineyard, Sunnyside
Deep purple-black color; aromas of fresh blackberries, with hints of just-ground peppercorns, mint, citrus blossom, and freshly turned earth; on the palate, full-bodied and tannic, with flavors of fresh berries, and hints of spicy chocolate and cigar.

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.