The New Year is upon us, so it’s time to try some new wines! Saturday is all wines from Bodegas Garzón in Uruguay. Here’s the lineup:

2016 Garzón  Albariño Reserve  $16
2015 Garzón Cabernet Franc Reserve  $19.
2015 Garzón Marselan Reserve  $19
2015 Garzón Tannat Reserve  $19
2015 Garzón Tannat Single Vineyard  $29

Come Sunday we are back to the Old World with an Italian Rosé and a French Red.

2016 Castel Sallegg Legrein Rosé  $12
Notes of raspberry, strawberry, jam, and roast coffee. It is full on the palate, with a fine, well-integrated acidity, a good structure with a pleasant mellowness and a good length. 13% alcohol by volume. Was $17, Now $12

2015 Vidal-Fleury Ventoux  $14
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
A Syrah-heavy Southern Rhone Red with fresh berries and spice. Full bodied, ripe and fresh on the palate, driven by berry fruit.

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.

From its 205,000 sq. ft. winery, Bodegas Garzón produces some of Uruguay’s best wines, including two we are sampling today that are 100% Tannat. Originally planted by Basque settlers, Tannat could be considered the national grape of Uruguay today. I had the pleasure of visiting Uruguay this last November – stunning scenery, wonderful food, amazing wines. Come join me while Jim is in sunny California.
 
2016 Garzón  Albariño Reserve  $16
Pale yellow with greenish reflections, this Albariño is intense in the nose, with peach and citrus notes. There is a freshness and minerality mid-palate that is superb, with remarkable acidity and a round, crisp finish.

2015 Garzón Cabernet Franc Reserve  $19
Intense purple color with violet highlights, this varietal has mineral aromas of ripe peppers, spices and fruits of the forest, along with a subtle note of dark chocolate and smoke from select barrels. In the mouth, there are layers of soft tannins, combining prunes and ripe blackberries with fresh notes of eucalyptus and mint, making it delightfully complex.

2015 Garzón Marselan Reserve  $19
Deep red color, the Marselan presents a powerful aroma that combines notes of red fruits, mineral, mint, and eucalyptus. Smooth on the palate coupled with an intense and long ending, it results in a wine distinguished by an expression of ripe red fruits with mineral.

2015 Garzón Tannat Reserve  $19
A juicy, full-bodied wine. Rich purple in color with very fresh aromas reminiscent of red and black fruits such as plums and raspberries along with a delicate spicy nose. In the mouth, it is presented with a strong personality. Its mature tannins and minerality transform it into a wine with great soil identity.

2015 Garzón Tannat Single Vineyard  $29
With a ripening time ranging from 12 to 18 months in untoasted French oak barrels, this noble Tannat Single Vineyard 2015 is perfect to accompany dishes such as lamb, cured cheese such as the Parmesan, or a delicious duck confit cassoulet. Apart from those dishes, which highlight its spiced notes, it is the ideal ally for the traditional French cuisine.

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 are ready to kick 2017 out the door and welcome in 2018.  Of course, that requires lots of bubbles.  This weekend we’ll be opening them throughout the day (The cork will come out of the Champagne at 1pm both days.)  Come by and raise a glass with us.
 
Saturday, December 30th
 
Manoir du Parc, Rosé Cider   $8
This Rosé cider from Normandy is made with pink fleshed apples and is delicious by itself or with that weekend breakfast.  3% alcohol by volume
 
Dopff & Irion, Cremant d’Alsace Brut  $16
50% Pinot Blanc, 50% Auxerrois
A complex glass of bubbles with lots of toasty, creamy, yeasty notes along with apple and citrus fruit flavors.

Philippe Deval, Cremant de Loire Brut Rosé $17
Cabernet Franc
A very striking salmon colored Rosé with red berries (strawberries, raspberries) aromas. The flavor is crisp & elegant, with fruit and berry shades and refreshing aftertaste.

Champagne Moutard, Brut Grande Cuvée  $30
Pinot Noir
The Grande Cuvee is aged for at least three years. The wine is complex and nuanced, with fine, intense bubbles. It has a seductive bouquet of pears, grilled almonds, mineral notes and apple pie followed by rich flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey, buttered toast and a long delicate finish.

Sunday December 31st
 
Art of the Earth, Prosecco Frizzante  $14
Notes of green apple and discreet floral undertones. It is refreshing and lively finish with exquisite perlage.  And it is Organic.

De Bortoli, Sparkling Brut  $12
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
An Austrailian Sparkler with fresh fruit and citrus notes, creamy bubbles and a clean, crisp finish. A good value bubbly.

Antica Fratta, Brut Franciacorta DOCG  $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France. The calcareous soils produce complex mineraled wines. The Antica Fratta is blended out of a library of base wines and then aged 2 years in bottle. It is an elegantly fresh, vivacious and full wine characterized by pleasing aromas of fresh fruit, wild blossoms and subtle bread crust.
 
Champagne Duval Leroy, Brut Reserve $45
Made using mainly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier plus 10% Chardonnay, the Reserve is drawn from 15 crus, and there is a generous addition of reserve wines. It is a finely knit Champagne, this layers vibrant acidity and a lacy mousse with delicate flavors of patisserie apple and pear, biscuit and ground ginger, and shows a subtle smoky note on the lasting 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.

The Solstice is here and Christmas is on the way and we are opening some special seasonal samples to help make us merry.  There is something new every day and maybe a even a few surprises.
 
Thursday, December 21st
2012 Nitída,  Caligraphy  $23
54% Merlot,  21% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
A burly South African blend with rich blackberry, cassis and cherry flavors with tobacco and cedar notes.
 
Friday, December 22
2015 Villa Sparina, Gavi di Gavi  $14
Cortese
A delicious Piedmont dry white, soft textured yet richly flavored.  Was $20 now $14

2013 Tintero, Barberesco  $24
Nebbiolo
A fresh, ready young Barbaresco with core of cherry and red currant fruit backed by fine, food-friendly tannins and complex notes of rose petals, limestone soil, camphor, and fennel. Notes of violet, cinnamon, and cherry blossoms mark the wine’s lingering, smoky, tannin-dusted finish. Bright and generous, yet structured.  Was $30 Now $24

Saturday December 23rd
 2013 Colterenzio,  Lafoa Sauvignon Blanc  $25
Very intense fruity notes, reminiscent of elderflower, acacia flowers and sage; associated with fine wood flavors; a wine with pithy acidity and lingering finish.  Was $40 now $25

2014 Joseph Phelps, Napa Cabernet  $65
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
A classic Napa Cab.  The 2014 is supple, with silky tannins, dark plum, blackcurrant and licorice-infused fruit with a touch of spice, a lushness on the attack and mid-palate, and a silky finish.
 
Sunday December 24th
2011 Paul Reitz, Santenay  $25
Pinot Noir
Drinking great right now. Good aromatic intensity reveals notes of red and black fruits.  An ample and rich wine, with flavors of smooth cherries.  Was $40 now $25
 
2014 Raymond Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard  $30
90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, 2% Counoise
From 80 year old vines, the Cuvée Girard shows a touch darker fruit and possibly more concentration, with building tannin and a solid finish.  Was $43, now $30

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 moisture has returned to Madrona this weekend.  But don’t let the dampness dampen you Holiday spirit.  We have a couple of tastings here at Madrona Wine to make the season bright.

Saturday it is Bubbles!
Come effervesce with us.  The corks fly out at 2pm and we’ll be pouring for as long as the bubbles and bottles last.
Cune Cava Brut $11
Antoine Simoneau, Touraine Brut Blanc $13
Domaine de Saint-Just, Crémant de Loire Brut $20
Champagne Lallier, Grande Reserve, Grand Cru Brut $48
Maison Parigot & Richard, Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé $24

Sunday we head to California to warm up with.  We’ll have a Napa Sauvignon Blanc and a Central Coast Zinfindal from the sunny state.  Both are great for parties. 

2016 Markham Vineyards   $14
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley
Crisp and bright, with honeysuckle and tropical floral notes. Enjoy with food, or just on its own.

2014 Four Vines Old-Vine Zinfandel  $14
A full-bodied Central Coast Zin at a good price. 35 to 80-year-old vines. Dark berry notes, a hint of spice, ripe plums and black & blue berries.

Next Week as we lead up to Christmas we are going to opening a lot of fun stuff to taste at the shop.  Swing in and see what’s pouring.

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.

Things will be popping at the wine shop this Saturday as we let loose the corks on five sparkling wines for the holidays. Bubbles can make any event a little brighter. Come see what fits into your holiday plans.

Cune Cava Brut $11
50% Xarelo, 35% Macabeo, 15% Parellada
This little Spanish Sparkler comes from the well-known Rioja producer. It is a rich and crisp Cava with more body than you’d expect for the price.

Antoine Simoneau, Touraine Brut Blanc $13
100% Chenin Blanc
The Antoine Simoneau family estate lays in the appellation of Touraine in the Loire Valley where they have grown grapes since 1790. This Brut has a dominant fruity bouquet with white flower aromas and brioche notes.

Domaine de Saint-Just, Crémant de Loire Brut $20
80% Chenin, 20% Chardonnay
Domaine de St. Just’s organically farmed vineyards are planted on sandstone, clay and limestone soils in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg. The limestone bedrock not too deep below the clay and sand helps to create a tension-filled expression of Chenin Blanc. It is a rich Crémant with fruity aromas followed by almond, quince, and pear on the palate. This finish has an elegant creamy texture with long flavors.

Champagne Lallier, Grande Reserve, Grand Cru Brut $48
65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay
Lallier is a very small négociant out of Ay, in the heart of Champagne. Their Grande Reserve is made entirely from Grand Cru vineyards. Spicy pear and orange aromas are complicated by notes of beeswax, chamomile and anise, with a nutty overtone. The Reserve is dry and expansive, offering pliant orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of green almond which shows a subtle herbal quality on the finish, and clings with good authority.

Maison Parigot & Richard, Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé $24
Pinot Noir
Located in Savigny-Les-Beaune, Parigot & Richard is a 6^th generation family winery specializing in sparkling wine from Burgundy. Their sparkling rosé has the subtle berry fruit aromas commonly found in Pinot Noir. In the mouth it has character, vivacity and youthfulness, while staying round and elegant.

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 is a crisp, December weekend here in Madrona, but we have a lineup of tastings at shop that will warm you up.

Saturday we are tasting Burgundy and Bordeaux!  Stop by and try a few samples from the King and Queen of French viticulture. 
Jaillance, Cremant de Bordeaux Cuveé de l’Abbaye Brut Rosé  $14
2016 Chateau Lamothe de Haux Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux Blanc  $15
2012 Olivier Morin, Bourgogne Chitry  $15
2014 Domaine Regis Rossignol,-Changarnier  $27
2014 Chateau Angludet, Reserve d’Angludet Margaux $35

Sunday we are thinking BIG and opening Two Magnums with special pricing.  They are perfect for the holidays with friends and family. Both of these are a little lighter on the alcohol content, making them great for entertaining.

2012 Cortijo Rioja  $20
Tempranillo
A big bottle of Rioja for a little price.  Lots of ripe black cherry notes intermixed with hints of roasted herbs, loamy soil and spice box are found in this medium-bodied, fruity, spicy, fresh, lively red. 1.5 liter.  13.5% alcohol by volume

2015 Bousquet Malbec $20
A big bottle of big wine, punchy and grapy on the nose, this bright Malbec feels edgy. Flavors of spicy black cherry and kirsch finish solidly, with a hint of chocolate flavor. 1.5 liter. Organic. 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.