Join us on Saturday as we join in the celebration with an independent line up of French wines from our friends at Barrique distributing.  Viva la France!

2014 Grand Fief Cormeraie Muscadet $15
Melon de Bourgogne
The Grand Fief de la Cormeraie, an ancient commanderie, was split up during the French revolution. The manor of the Cormeraie used to be surrounded by a moat and had a private chapel. The 5-hectare vineyard has clay & schist soils and 65+ Melon de Bourgogne vines. It is bright, refreshing, and impressively concentrated, with oyster shell and sea spray notes on the nose that in turn inflect fresh lime, grapefruit, fine acidity & a wet slate-like clean minerality on the palate.

2015 Nature de Roubie, Rose $12
From the Languedoc, these organically and bio dynamically grown Syrah and Grenache vines sit right near the oyster beds of the Mediterranean. The blend is fresh and pleasantly vigorous with red fruit aromas mingled with a perfect touch of mineral notes.

2011 Maison Lou Dumont Savigney lès Beaune  $37 
Pinot Noir
Driven by a passion for Burgundy and the dream of making wine, Japanese Sommelier Koji Nakada left his native Tokyo in 1996 and moved to Beaune to study oenology at the prestigious CFPPA. During Koji’s studies, and his subsequent internships in Bordeaux, Champagne and Alsace, he formed Maison Lou Dumont with the intent to produce pure, honest, regionally correct Burgundy of minimal manipulation from organically farmed grapes. Their Savigney lès Beaune is a full, rich, aromatic Pinot.

2013 Domaine des Amphores, Saint Joseph $27
Saint Joseph has a unique terroir. Situated at the western banks of the Rhone its limestone substrate under a sandy loam is perfect Soil for Norther Rhone Syrah  The Amphores is from organic grapes aged 12 months in neutral barrels. The 2013 Cuvee Rouge is an extremely aromatic wine with notes of violet, strawberries, cassis and spices. The mouth is full, complex and lively.

2012 Domaine Labranche Laffont,  Madiran  $20
70 % Tannat, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Madiran is an apellation in the Southwest of France in Gascony where Tannat rules as the main grape.  Madiran is known as the healthiest of red wines due to high levels of procyanidins. This is said to be good for reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and encouraging healthy blood clotting.  The Labranche Laffont is made in a combo of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.  The wine has spicy notes and black fruits with subtle aromas of forest and earth, firm tannins and an ample texture that ends in a persistent 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.

While the forecast is for clouds and showers this weekend, we’ve been getting some pretty nice sun breaks here in Madrona.  And it is guaranteed that we will be pouring some liquid sunshine this weekend at our tastings at the wine shop.

Saturday we’re tasting some fantastic French wines from the Louis/Dressner portfolio.These minimalist whines produce maximum pleasure.
2013 Terres Dorees Cremant de Bourgogne, Charme Extra Brut
2013 Francios Cazin, Cour-Cheverny Blanc
2015 Terres Dorees Rosé l’Folie
2014 Domaine de la Pépière, VdP Rouge ‘Cuvee Granit’
2013 Eric Texier, Saint Julien en St. Alban, Côtes du Rhone

Sunday we are showing off two refreshing wines diverse parts of the world.  Both are great Summer Sippers.

2011 Coriole Chenin Blanc $10
From Austrailia, this Chenin displays citrus, fresh pear and green apple with hints of kiwifruit. The palate is lively and fresh with pear juice and peaches. A delicious white wine that finishes clean and balanced. 13% alcohol by volume. Was $15 now $10

2015 Triennes Rosé $15
Cinsault with some Grenache, Syrah and Merlot
Triennes is a reference to Triennia, the festival for Bacchus, which was held every three years during Roman times. The Treinnes Rosé has a bouquet of strawberries and white flowers with hints of vanilla and smooth full fruited mouthfeel. 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.

Importer Louis/Dressner works with growers who practice winemaking using organic viticulture, wild yeasts, hand harvesting the fruit, minimal chaptalization, light use of SO2 and no filtration.  This is fine winemaking at its purest, most fundamental level.  They are also wines that are not only complex but fun, and a great pleasure to drink.  Join us this Saturday as we taste through some of the wines from their French winemakers.
 
2013 Jean-Paul Brun, Terres Dorees Cremant de Bourgogne, Charme Extra Brut $21
Chardonnay
Paul Brun is known for his Beaujolais, but he also makes this very dry Sparkler from Burgundy.  The wine is a yeasty, refined Cremant with very chalky bubbles and aromas of green apples, pear, and lemon zest.
 
2013 Francios Cazin, Cour-Cheverny Blanc $17
100% Romorantin
Romorantin was once quite widely grown in the Loire, but has now retreated to the Cour-Cheverny AOC in the Loire valley, amounting to only about 119 acres split between 30 wineries.   Francois Cazin’s  is bone-dry with pronounced minerality, honeysuckle, green apple and lime
 
2015 Jean-Paul Brun, Terres Dorees Rosé l’Folie $15
Gamay
The Rosé d’Folie is fermented in tank with no carbonic maceration.  It is fresh and vibrant with raspberry on the palate and a nice lingering finish.
 
2014 Domaine de la Pépière, VdP Rouge ‘Cuvee Granit’ $17
50% Cabernet Franc, rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cot (Malbec)
This unusual blend from the Loire is grown on Granite soils and are thinned to increase the concentration of the fruit with the older Cabernet Franc vines help bring structure and richness to this wine. The Granit is crisp, with black fruit and violet notes and lots of mouth-cleansing acidity.
 
2013 Eric Texier, Saint Julien en St. Alban, Côtes du Rhone $23
100% Serine (Syrah)
Syrah specialist Texier makes this wine from Serine, a clone of Syrah, in Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Albanin in Ardèche which lies between the north and the South Rhone in both grapes and geography.  The wine has intensely perfumed aromas of black and blue fruits, licorice, violet and black pepper along with soft forest floor and a crunchy forward attack. It offers juicy cassis and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of smokiness. And it closes with strong spicy tannins and bright mineral-driven persistence.

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.

We’re celebrating Independence Day all weekend here at Madrona Wine.

Saturday, we are pouring Red, White & Rosé and if you taste them you won’t be Blue.
2015 Philippe Viallet, Vin de Savoie
2015 Le Galantin Bandol Rosé 
2007 Lopez de Heredia Viña Cubillo
2013 Nathan Gray Cab Sauvignon
Cantina Coviolo, Lambrusco 

Sunday, we’ll be tasting 2 Cork Popping Deals for the 4th or the 3rd if you can’t wait.

2013 Gilbert Cellars, The Grower White  $10
70% Chardonnay, 30% Riesling
An unusual blend of Washington’s two premier white grapes, is made even more mysterious by the fact that there is no mention of the grapes on the label.  The two varietals complement each other perfectly showing off the best qualities of both grapes.  And now it is Xmas in July– Was $15 now $10

2013 Mas Doix, Priorat les Crestes $16
80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah
Priorate’s Crestes vineyards are situated at a height of 400 meters above sea level on hillsides of pronounced slopes, with the characteristic slate soil called “licorella”. A third of the grapes for les Crestes come from vineyards of more than 50 years-old, and the rest come from vineyards with an average of 15-20 years-old.  The wine has earthy, dark fruits, orange peel, chocolate, leather, cumin, and general freshness which continue in the body along with a boost of oak and dried herbal notes.  Was $25 now $16

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.

Start the 4^th of July weekend off right this Saturday by stocking up on some perfect wines for the celebration. Like our citizens these wines have emigrated from all parts of the world. But now are right at home at any picnic or barbeque. Stop by and invite them over to your party.

2015 Philippe Viallet, Vin de Savoie $12
An unspecified blend of indigenous grapes (Jaquère, Altesse, Roussanne) this Savoy white has a discreet and smoky nose with aromas of stewed fruits and notes of honey. The mouthfeel is light and straight, with a good minerality and a slight saltiness on the finish. 11.5% abv.

2015 Le Galantin Bandol Rosé $20
50% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault
Domaine le Galantin cultivates 35 hectares in the Plan du Castellet in Bandol, arguably one of the best places to grow Rosé grapes. This classic Provencal Rosé has delightful fresh berry fruit flavors, spices and a crisp finish. Organic

2007 Lopez de Heredia Viña Cubillo $23
65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
Lopez de Heredia is a very traditional Rioja winery, known for extended aging of their wines before release. From the vineyard Viña Cubillas, whose vines average 40 years of age. The soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. The wine is aged for three years, being racked twice per year, before bottling. This would be a Gran Reserva from most other wineries. The palate is tight but well sculpted and the tannins will surely mellow further with time, allowing the beguiling mixture of fruit and savory notes to rise from the depths.

2013 Nathan Gray Cab Sauvignon $17
The Nathan Gray wines are made for one of our distributors by winemaker Morgan Lee and Covington Cellars. This Washington cab has dark rich fruit with a smooth texture and a good tannic finish — not to mention a great price.

Cantina Coviolo, Lambrusco $12
30% Lambrusco Salamino, 25% Lambrusco Marani, 25% Lambrusco Maestri, 10% Ancellotta, 10% Lambrusco Monterico
From Emilia Romagna Lambrusco is the overlooked but ultimate Barbeque wine. The aromas are fresh and fruity but the mouth is dry and intense and is loaded with soft fruits and black cherry, full bodied, crisp and harmonic on the palate with a slightly bitter finish. Organic

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.

Doug McCrea pioneered winemaking with Rhone varietals in Washington State at a time when everyone else was focused on Cab and Merlot. Years later there are many Rhone blends ion the market, but very are a match for Doug’s. This Saturday we’ll be pouring the wines of his new project Salida which focuses on Spanish varietals. This Sunday we’ll have two of his wines open to taste, with special pricing to boot.

2013 Viña Salida, Albarino $10
Aromas of grapefruit, pear, white melon and bold citric elements, the wine zings across the palate with a relentless citric character, yet a subtle emollient richness, slight bitterness and great texture. Was $16 now $10

2012 Viña Salida, Two Coyote Tempranillo, $15
92% Tempraillo, 8% Grenache
Doug makes this Tempranillo from Two Coyote Vineyard near Zillah. A wisp of smoke leads into rosemary and sage with fruit tones of Marion berry, dark plum and blueberry and polished tannins that make for delicious length. Was $22 Now $15

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.

It is summer and there are some things that you just seriously need to keep on hand 
One is Good Bubbles for impromptu festivities or just pre dinner sipping.
Two is Rosé.  Rosés go with EVERYTHING from weekend brunches to afternoon chores to any kind of get together. 
Three is one serious badass red for when the Barbeque is cranking.
Join us on Saturday when we’ll be tasting everything you’ll need to keep you covered.
 
Acinum, Prosecco Extra Dry DOP $11
100% Glera
From Veneto, the Acinum is a dry extra dry Prosecco with fruity aromas of green apple and pink grapefruit.  The flavor is crispy, extremely elegant palate with a long, fresh and tasty finish.  11% alcohol by volume

Francois Montand, Méthode Traditionnelle Brut  $12
Colombard, Ugny Blanc & Chardonnay
A great sparkling wine from the Jura region, the Brut has fine bubbles and intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. It is creamy and smooth, with lingering aromas, freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples and Meyer lemon.  11% alcohol by volume

2015 Rimauresq, le petite Rimauresq Rosé $11
Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
A Provence winery, Rimauresq takes its name from the Real Mauresque, the river that flows through the vineyards.  The estate benefits from both the cooling mistral winds and the shade of the mountains above. This shade gives a longer ripening period in the crucial weeks prior to harvest.  The Petite jumps around with notes of red currant, raspberry, orange zest, white flowers and Provencal herbs.

2014 Rimauresq “R” Cru Classe Rosé $15
34% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, 11% Syrah
The flagship rosé from Rimauresq, the R is from 70-year-old vines and has an appealing herb-spiked and fruity nose. The palate is finely balanced; quite rich, spicy red fruit is accented with bright acidity and a cleansing, sapid finish. This is a lovely expression of the grapes and of the land.  13% alcohol by volume 
Was $22 now $15

Marietta, Christo Red Lot #3,   $18
70% Syrah, 17% Petit Sirah, 10% Grenache, 3% Viognier
Marietta is a family run winery in California that is noted for blending both varietals and vintages. The Chirsto is homage to their father and founder.  It is a big muscular Rhone blend.  Lots of earth, lots of fruit, lots of tannins.  Quite a lot going on.  15.3% 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.

Sunday, the French government is back buying another round for the house with four wines from the Languedoc.

Château de Cordes, Minervios Blanc   $17 
80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
Château de Cordes is an estate of nearly 87 acres, situated in the village of Rustiques.  This distinctive white offers intense citrus, exotic fruit, vanilla, and floral character, with impressive richness on the palate well-balanced by a crisp, refreshing acidity.

2015 Sainte Eugénie, Corbieres Rosé  $11
80% Consult, 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache
The Eugénie is a wonderful, bright rosé displaying fresh raspberry and strawberry notes with a slight touch of minerality and dried herbs. Excellent length and balance, with a dry finish.
2015 Château de Lancyre Pic Saint-Loup Rosé  $15

50% Syrah, 40% Grenache,10% Cinsault
The Lancyre Pic Saint Loup le Rosé is juicy and crisp, with bright acidity and classy notes of strawberries, citrus rind and flowers. Made from a mix of direct press and saignee (bleeding) process, it’s a high quality, versatile rosé to drink over the coming year.

2012 Château de Lancyre La Coste d’Aleyrac Pic Saint-Loup  $20
50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Carignan
A top quality red from Lancyre, the Aleyrac shows predominant fresh grape notes and black cherry on first pour then exudes raspberry aromas entwined with incense notes after swirling. The palate is very fresh, pleasurable, fleshy and fruity with raspberry notes. The finish is suffused with licorice and very soft, appealing tannins.

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.

The Solstice in approaching, and we get the long days of the year with lingering evenings that are perfect for sipping some delicious wine and enjoying the summer air.  Stop by the shop this Saturday as we taste some beautiful wines from Spain and France that match the beautiful evenings. 
 
2014 K5 Arginano, Uhin Berdea Txakolina $20
Hondarrabi Zuri
K5 Argiñano is a modern vineyard estate located on a hillside near the Basque village of Aia.  Their fifteen acres of Hondarrabi Zuri are dry farmed in slate and granite soils with yields limited to under two kilos per vine. Uhin Berdea is a selection from younger vines, bottled in February following several months’ aging on the fine lees.  The wine has vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, complemented by suggestions of jasmine and green tea. Silky and focused on the palate it shows a refreshingly bitter quality on the tangy, lingering finish.
 
2013 Bodegas Nora, “Nora” Albariño $16
This wine was born on the banks of the Miño, the great river of Galicia.  The vineyards are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests and the ruins of ancient Celtic fortresses. In the midst of this poetic landscape, Albariño, the queen of Spanish white varietals, ripens slowly. The wine draws your attention with aromas of ripe apples and peaches. On the palate, Nora has an excellent balance of fresh fruit flavors and a rich silky texture.
 
2015 Chateau la Mascaronne, Quat Sasisons Rosé  $20
50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Chateau La Mascaronne lies at the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation just outside the medieval village of Le Luc.  Their always fantastic rosé has a beautiful pale color yet with intense nose of peach and lemon with large depth of flavor and remarkably long finish.
 
2013 La Celestiere, Cotes du Rhone  $15
60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre
The little wine of a Châteauneuf producer, the CDR comes from 3 hectares of 50-years-old vines.  The wine is loaded with red berries, earth and herbs, medium bodied with a light cherry note in the finish.
 
2006 Bodegas Riojanas Vina Albina Gran Reserva Rioja  $30
Tempranillo
Bodegas Riojanas, founded in 1890, is one of the oldest producers in Rioja Alta.  Their Gran Reserva was aged for 2.5 years in barrel and another 3 in bottle.   “Gritty and firm like a fist, this slowly maturing Rioja captures the essence of the region’s tradition via a juicy, racy but balanced palate that houses mature cherry, berry, raisin, fig and loamy flavors. Coffee and earth notes grace a well-shaped finish. Drink through 2025.” Wine Enthusiast.  92pts   Now at a special price.  Was $50 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.