2016 is quickly slipping away, but there are plenty more wines to try before New Years.  We’ll be open until 6pm on New Year’s Eve and we have some fun things to taste between now and then.  Stop in and grab something for Midnight or a nice dinner on the first day of 2017.  (We’ll be closed Monday and Tuesday and then start back next Wednesday with our regular schedule.)

Friday, December 30th

2013 Avignonesi, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG  $33
Sangiovese
“There’s loads of Sangiovese character here, from the earthy, tobacco-scented beginning to the cherry, leather and earth flavors, all underlined by stiff, chalky tannins. Rustic yet soulful.”
 
Saturday, December 31st

Alain Bailly Grande Reserve Brut  $28
60% Pinot Miunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Serzy-et-Prin  Marne
Sixth-generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has a golden tint, fine mousse, very full bouquet mingles toast, figs, fresh bread, and structured vinous aromas full of richness.
Was $30, Now $28

2014 Pascal Bouchard Chablis Le Classique  $15
Chardonnay
Soft, crisp and fresh, this light wine has some tangy fruit as well as bright citrus. A slight texture and attractive final acidity are enhanced at the end by a juicy apple character.  Was $24 now $15

2014 Sparkman Wilderness  $20
A dark Rhone style blend out of Woodinville.  There are lots of layers to this smooth, rich wine.

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.

Holiday Wines this Week

We have made it to Christmas and Hanukkah but we still have the countdown to New Years with plenty of time to celebrate.  We’ll be pouring something fun everyday!  Stop in and have a sip.

Tuesday, December 27^th

2014 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon  $20
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec
A full rich Horse Heaven Hills red blend.  Good value Washington wine.

Wednesday, December 28^th

2011 Gallety Cotes du Vivarais $15
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
From the Ardèche region of the Rhone, This wine comes from very old Grenache and Syrah vines, average of 50 years old that give the wine extra layers of wild berry fruit tinged with thyme and garrigue flavors, deep concentration, power and complexity.  Biodynamic. Was $26 now $15

Thursday, December 29^th

2010Pasquale Pelissero, Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco  $30
Nebbiolo
A family estate, single-vineyard Barbaresco that comes from an 8-hectare parcel at about 400 meters above sea level and is aged mostly in large botte.   Plum, cherry, licorice and leather notes on a broad frame. Tight and dense, with a lingering, fresh finish and dusty tannins.
 
Friday, December 30^th

2013 Avignonesi, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG  $33
Sangiovese
“There’s loads of Sangiovese character here, from the earthy, tobacco-scented beginning to the cherry, leather and earth flavors, all underlined by stiff, chalky tannins. Rustic yet soulful.”
 
Saturday, December 31^st

Alain Bailly Grande Reserve Brut  $28
60% Pinot Miunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Serzy-et-Prin  MarneSixth-generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has a golden tint, fine mousse, very full  bouquet mingles toast, figs, fresh bread, and structured vinous aromas full of richness.  Was $30, Now $28

2014 Pascal Bouchard Chablis Le Classique  $15
Chardonnay
Soft, crisp and fresh, this light wine has some tangy fruit as well as bright citrus. A slight texture and attractive final acidity are enhanced at the end by a juicy apple character.  Was $24 now $15

2014 Sparkman Wilderness  $20
A dark Rhone style blend out of Woodinville.  There are lots of layers to this smooth, rich wine.

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.

New Years is drawing almost upon us, but before it gets here we are going to be toasting with some very tasty wine all this week.  Come raise a glass with us.

Tuesday, December 27^th

2014 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec
A full rich Horse Heaven Hills red blend. A good value Washington wine.

We are closing at 6pm on Saturday and will be closed Sunday for New Years.

Happy New Year from Jim and Mark

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.

Christmas is drawing neigh, but before it gets here we are going to be toasting the Holidays with some very tasty wine this Friday and Saturday.  Brave the x-mas slush and come raise a glass with us.

Friday, December 23^rd

2010 Cune Gran Reserva  $33
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5%, Mazuelo
#22 on the top 100 list “This generous red shows a traditional character, with leafy, dried herb, tea and spicy notes framing dried cherry, licorice and leather flavors. Firm tannins and balsamic acidity impart structure. There’s plenty of depth here, culminating in a juicy, spicy finish. Drink now through 2025.”–94pts Wine Spectator.

Saturday, December 24^th

2012 Vincent Morey, Chassagne Montrachet Les Baudines 1er, $50
Chardonnay
The 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru les Baudines has a more resinous, waxy bouquet compared to the Champ Gain, with touches of apple peel and fresh pear coming through later. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, vibrant citric fruit and a dash of lemongrass lending spice to the finish. –Wine Advocate

2009 Terre del Barolo Barbaresco Riserva  $25
Nebbiolo
A Riserva Barbaresco which sees 4 years of aging before release.  Notes of ripe black cherry, underbrush, white and black pepper alongside drying tannins.

2014 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel  $30
Classic Passo Zin — Black cherry, stewed plum, exotic barrel spice. Ripe bramble on entry, firm acid, gravelly mineral, medium-full body, round tannins, integrated oak finish.

We are closing at 6pm on Saturday and will be closed Sunday and Monday before gearing up for New Years.

Happy Holidays from Jim and Mark

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 pouring great things all week! Stop in as have a sip.

Tuesday, December 20th

2010 Dowsett Devotion     $20
37% Syrah, 32% Grenache and 31% Mourvedre.
The wine has intense primary black fruit and spice aromas. Wonderful balance and complexity fill the palate with berries, black pepper and vanilla. Was $30 now $20

Wednesday, December 21st

2010 Colpetrone Montefalco $20
Sagrantino
A dense, thickly layered wine with great body and strong flavors of blackberry liqueur, roasted hazelnuts, plum sauce, and a smoky touch of incense. The dark finish is accented with a rustic earth note and features sharply contoured tannins that are going to give this wine a good long life in the cellar.

Thursday, December 22nd

2013 Fidelitas 4040 Red Blend $30
68% Cab Sauv., 29% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc
A plush Red Mountain Red — aromas of bright raspberry, red cherry, and cola, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and brown sugar. The palate has silky firm tannins, and red berries.

Friday, December 23rd

2010 Cune Gran Reserva $33
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5%, Mazuelo
#22 on the top 100 list “This generous red shows a traditional character, with leafy, dried herb, tea and spicy notes framing dried cherry, licorice and leather flavors. Firm tannins and balsamic acidity impart structure. There’s plenty of depth here, culminating in a juicy, spicy finish. Drink now through 2025.”–94pts Wine Spectator.

Saturday, December 24th

2009 Terre del Barolo Barbaresco Riserva $25
Nebbiolo
A Riserva Barbaresco which seew 4 years of aging before release. Notes of ripe black cherry, underbrush, white and black pepper alongside drying tannins.

2014 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel $30
Classic Passo Zin — Black cherry, stewed plum, exotic barrel spice. Ripe bramble on entry, firm acid, gravelly mineral, medium-full body, round tannins, integrated oak finish.

Happy Holidays from Jim and Mark

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 weekend here in Madrona.  But here at Madrona Wine our spirits are warm and bright.  

Saturday, we are pouring an array of Holiday Wines.  Whether for a present or a dinner party, these wines should fit the bill.
2015 Apolloni Vineyrads,  L Pinot Gris
2014 Trisaetum, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
2015 Chateaux Les Millaux, Bordeaux Rouge 
2014 Cor Cellars Momentum  (already gift wrapped)
2011 Caparzo, Brunello

This next week we’ll be opening some special wines to make the holidays merrier. It starts Sunday (the last Sunday we will be open this year) with a very special  Châteauneuf .  It is a great present for any wine lover.

2012 La Nerthe, Châteauneuf du Pape  $61
44% Grenache, 37% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault
Château La Nerthe is one of Châteauneuf’s oldest estates and a benchmark producer of the region. Located in the heart of the AOC, the 225 acres of Château La Nerthe’s vineyards are located in a single block around the chateau and have been certified organic since 1998. The classic Châteauneuf terroir of the famous galettes (large, round stones) dominate the on average 40 year old vineyards.  The 2012 is juicy and lively, with good energy coursing through the core of plum, anise, blackberry and fruitcake flavors, while sweet spice and juniper hints fill the finish.

We are closed on Monday but will reopen Tuesday with a full week of more great wine to try. 

Happy Holidays from Jim and Mark

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.

Whether it is for presents or just a bottle with dinner or a party, the Holiday Season requires a lot of wine. This Saturday we’ll be pouring an array of wines to fill the gap. Stop in and see if you don’t find what you are looking for.
 
2015 Apolloni Vineyrads, L Pinot Gris $19
This distinct Pinot Gris from the Willamette is aged in Acacia barrels rather than the typical oak. The wine has a lovely perfume and tropical fruit. Nicely balanced, it offers a full palate and texture, followed by a crisp, refreshing finish.
 
2014 Trisaetum, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $30
This Pinot Noir is a blend from Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards. The wine has a captivating perfume of dark cherry, blueberry, sandalwood, and Asian five spice. Deeply complex flavors of cocoa and cherry are layered with savory notes of star anise and chai tea spice. Vibrant acidity is balanced by smooth, finely-textured tannins and a creamy mouthfeel, lingering with great finesse on the lengthy finish.
 
2015 Chateaux Les Millaux, Bordeaux Rouge  $13
Chateau Les Millaux is located between Fronsac and St-Emilion.  All Merlot this smooth Bordeaux offers up generous notes of cassis, dried currants, and sour cherry.  Hints of smoking oak and cedar spice grace the nose and palate while notes of sweet vanilla and white pepper dominate the hearty finish.
 
2014 Cor Cellars Momentum  $20
42% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 22% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc
Cor Cellars is located in Lyle, Washington on the Columbia Gorge. The new vintage of the Momentum puts the Petit Verdot in the forefront. The wine is dark and smooth with lots of nuance lurking at the bottom of the pool.
 
2011 Caparzo, Brunello $40
Sangiovese
The 2011 Caparzo was a big scorer with the critics and it always has high marks with us.  “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a terrific wine for the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, sweet spices and orange peel are all front and center. This is a gorgeous 2011 Brunello that represents everything the vintage can be; open-knit, accessible and polished.” –94pts Vinous

BUT WAIT – THERES MORE!

Can’t wait until the Saturday tasting? We’ll have a bunch more stuff open between now and Christmas! Friday the 16th we’ll be pouring a pair of Bordeaux (a white and a red) from Barons de Rothschild.  Both are $15 and excellent party wine.

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 thawing out from the big blizzard here in Madrona.  To get the chill out of the bones we have some great wines open for tasting this weekend here at Madrona Wines.  They are all French and all delicious.

Saturday we are popping Burgundy.  We’ll be pouring 5 examples of the 2013 vintage (including two Premier Cru wines.)  We’ll be decanting the reds early to get them to open up.
2013 Vincent Girardin, Bourgogne Blanc, Cuvee St Vincent 
2013 Matrot, Bourgogne 
2013 Montanet Thoden, Bourgogne Garance 
2013 Vincent Morey, Maranges Fussieres 1er cru 
2013 Vincent Girardin,  Savigny-Les-Beaune, 1er Cru Les Serpentières 

Sunday we’ll be pouring two wine from the south of France. That’s all day from 11 to 5.

2015 Chateau Bizard, Blanc d’Amour  $13
40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier, 10% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne
A full and resinous Rhone white with lots of pear and apple notes.

2013 Château D’Oupia, Minervois Tradition $12
50% Carignan, 40% Syrah, 10% Grenache
This this old-vine Minervois (from 50+-year-old vineyards) is highly structured with lots of  dark fruits and an elegant and balanced finish.

Sunday, we are having the artist reception for our current show Floralscapes, Sandy Haight
Her original Watercolors and as framed giclee prints are brightening the shop through the rest of December.  The reception is 3 to 5.  Come meet the artist.

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.

Whether it is the soil, the climate or the number of years they have been doing it, but Burgundy produces the best Pinot Noir in the world.  Unfortunately, due to several reasons (small parcels, low yields, demand exceeding supply) the wines are often very expensive.  They also need a bit of time in bottle before they are ready to drink.  This Saturday we are going to try and buck all that.  We’ll be pouring 5 examples of the 2013 vintage that are all a bit of a bargain.  We’ll be decanting the reds early to get them to open up.  Come see how we do. 
 
2013 Vincent Girardin, Bourgogne Blanc, Cuvee St. Vincent  $16
Chardonnay
The 2013 St. Vincent Cuvee Blanc is everything you want in a Bourgogne Blanc.  A fresh and elegant wine whose floral and fruity (citrus, peach) notes combine with mineral notes and a good length.  Was $21 now $16
 
2013 Matrot, Bourgogne  $18
Pinot Noir
A nose of red fruits, mainly strawberries. Good supple texture, round and creamy with some cranberry flavors. Exhibits good freshness with nice acidity which balances the wine. Excellent for a Bourgogne Rouge.  Was $23 Now $18
 
2013 Montanet Thoden, Bourgogne Garance  $20
Pinot Noir
A drinking great now Burgundy from Kermit Lynch with full supple fruit and smooth tannins. Organic.  Was $32 now $20 
 
2013 Vincent Morey, Maranges Fussieres 1er cru  $35
Pinot Noir
Vincent Morey is keen on lees-stirring which lends his wines an engaging plumpness.  The Fussieres is sourced from two premier cru parcels in Maranges. It is usually a full, rich, age worthy example with an intense mineral core.

2013 Vincent Girardin, Savigny-Les-Beaune, 1er Cru Les Serpentières  $35
Pinot Noir
Premier grapes from a single vineyard in Beaune.  The Serpentières is a full rich wine with plenty of fruit and good structure. Its crisp cherry, strawberry and spice flavors pick up a mineral accent–lean and firm, presenting a lingering aftertaste of spice and chalk.  Was $45 now $35

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.