Sunday we’ll be pouring two classic old world wines to keep the chill of the longest night out of the bones. After the 22^nd of December the days start getting longer. That’s something to toast to.

2013 Cá Salgari Valpolicella $15
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and Croatina
This Classic Classico shows fragrant notes of red flowers, fruits and prominent notes of cherries, soft tannins and good persistence. 12.5% alcohol by volume

2012 Triennes, Saint Auguste $15
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Saint Auguste is Triennes’ flagship wine, coming from a selection of their best cuvées. The wine is rich with alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and clove. The palate is full of life with plenty of structure. Was $18 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 from 11-5.

The sun is poking out of the clouds in Madrona this morning.  Maybe to remind us that the Solstice is coming and the days will once again start getting longer.  Let’s celebrate!

Saturday we’re pouring a fine line up of Northwest wines to fit the season.  The wines hail from Walla Walla and other sundry parts of Washington.  We’ve picked some classic winemakers.
2013 Gård Vintners, Freyja White Blend
2010 Helix, Sangiovese
2013 Syncline, Subduction Red
2012 Reininger, Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Stephenson Cellars Syrah

Sunday we’ll be pouring two classic old world wines to keep the chill of the longest night out of the bones. 

2013 Cá Salgari Valpolicella  $15
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and Croatina
This Classic Classico shows fragrant notes of red flowers, fruits and prominent notes of cherries, soft tannins and good persistence.

2012 Triennes, Saint Auguste  $15
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Saint Auguste is Triennes’ flagship wine, coming from a selection of their best cuvées.  The wine is rich with alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and clove.  The palate is full of life with plenty of structure. Was $18 now $15

And it is a good time for Holiday shopping.  We’ll be closed on Monday, but 12 to 7 Tuesday to Thursday this coming week.  Wine makes a great gift and is seldom regifted.

Washington Wines for the Season,
Saturday, December 19^th, 2_pm

We’re coming home for the Holidays. This Saturday we’re pouring a fine line up of Northwest wines to fit the season. The wines hail from Walla Walla and other sundry parts of Washington, but they have bit of a European inspiration.

2013 Gård Vintners, Freyja White Blend $14
67% Viognier, 33% Roussanne
More Roussanne gives this Rhone inspired white more volume and weight. The Freyja has a mixture of pear, citrus and stone fruit with notes of honeysuckle and white tea.

2010 Helix, Sangiovese $16
This neutral oak aged Sangiovese from Walla Walla winemaker Chuck Reininger is aged and ready to go. “Fresh Raspberry and cranberry erupt from the glass with the first pour then immediately morph into their darker counterparts melded with pepper, allspice and cracked leather. A soft palate with a little more than moderate acidity brings forth pomegranate, black raspberry, and plum with date and black olive, sprinkled with allspice, celery seed, and a hint of black pepper. The acidity hooks into the finish accentuating the black raspberry with a hint of raisin.”

2013 Syncline, Subduction Red $20
31% Mouvedre, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 12% Cinsault 7% Carignan, 4% Guess?
A blend of classic southern French varieties that are unique and expressive on their own; with each contributing to create a harmonious whole. Ripe and hedonistic, this charming wine exhibits flavors of dark berries and black pepper; This blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Grenache and Cinsault immediately appeals with its aromas of plum, candied raspberry and garrigue, with no oak influence anywhere in sight. It’s fruit laden, focused and supple,

2012 Reininger, Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon $32
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
From Pepper Bridge & Seven Hills Vineyards, Chuck Reininger’s Walla Walla Cab has “spirited aromatics of black cherry, currant, plum, a suggestion of rose buds and a breath of baking spice. Its lively palate plays with road stand fresh red cherries, black raspberries, figs and black currants, with interplaying tell tales of herb, loamy minerals, and graphite. The wine’s vivacious character is perfectly balanced by very fine tannins that extend long into the finish of buoyant cherry fruit.

2008 Stephenson Cellars Syrah $32
Dave Stephenson arrived in Walla Walla in 1999 to work at Waterbrook Winery and was able to hone his skills making wine for both their label and their custom crush clients before starting his own winery. This 100% Syrah opens with a floral-infused perfume on the nose. Rose petal is most pronounced, with a noticeable dose of jasmine and orange blossom that intermingles and awakens the senses immediately. The flavors are powerful red fruits such as currants, cranberry and ripe raspberry with a subtle touch of tannin to anchor the lengthy finish. Classic Syrah elements such as cracked pepper, spice and a hint of smoke and game are noticeable after the glass is put down and the palate clears.

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 Special Club, or Club Trésors de Champagne, was founded in 1971 by 12 of the oldest families of the Champagne region. Since then, the club has expanded to include 26 producers of grower Champagne. The members of the Club act as their own judge and jury. Every year they taste one other’s vin claire or still base wine which is only submitted for review when the producer truly feels it could be something really special. Not every member will submit a vin claire every year. The members of the club taste the base wines “blind”, and together decide which ones have the potential to be truly exceptional Champagne. Once they’re approved, the wines undergo the second fermentation, and a minimum of 3 years of aging (twice as long as is required of other Champagnes) in the uniquely shaped Special-Club bottles. After that time, the Champagne is disgorged and tasted once again by the members of the Club. If it’s up to snuff, it can then be further aged and sold as Special Club Champagne.

Sunday the 20th we will be having a Reservation Only Special Tasting of 5 Special Club Champagnes.  

Space for this tasting is limited so contact us at info@madronawinemerchants.com.  We start at 5:30, have a few snacks to go with and you can still get home for Sunday dinner.

2007 José Michel Special Club Champagne Brut          $70
50% Pinot Meunier, 50% Chardonnay
This traditional grower has owned vineyards from 1847 is one of the oldest winegrowing families in the village of Moussy.  The grapes for the Special club are The vines are all at least 60 years old and represent the oldest plants in the Michel vineyard.

2006 Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Brut Blanc de Blancs   $90
From Grand Cru and 1er vineyards 65% Cramant (Grand Cru) 22.5% Chouilly (Grand Cru) and 12.5% Cuis (1er Cru) 8 years in bottle before disgorgement. Very dry (technically qualifies as Extra Brut).

2008 Roland Champion Special Club Chouilly Grande Cru            $75
Chardonnay
The big wine from this small grower is located in the Grand Cru Village of Chouilly.  Special clubs are only made by a small group of artisan growers who submit their best wine from good vintages to the group.

2007 Gaston Chiquet Special Club Champagne Brut   $75
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
From vineyards around the villages of Hautvillers, Dizy and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the base wines for this Special Club are aged on lees a minimum of 7 years on average.

2010 Marc Hebrart Special Club Champagne Primier Cru  Brut    $80
55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
The 2010 is a Vallée de la Marne, Coeur de Cuvée (heart of the free-run) blend of old vines that average 55 years of age. Jean-Paul says “Old vines don’t move from one year to the next and the best plots always produce the best grapes”

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.

Sunday we are pouring two wines from Arizona that may come in handy later in the week or later in the year. Both are on a bit of a markdown. Come have a taste; you might reconsider your feelings about Arizona (or at least their wine). And if that isn’t enough to keep your tongue happy, we’ll also be sampling a new locally produced Vermouth from Solera Bravo.

2010 Arizona Stronghold Dala Chardonnay $10
Pineapple and star fruit notes play off just a hint of fresh cream, almonds and baked apples in this broad chardonnay, which shows zesty, enlivening acidity, providing lots of muscle. The firm acidity finds precision balance with the silky, mouthwatering texture. Was $20 now $10

2012 Arizona Stronghold Nachise Red $12
42% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah, 18% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
A very spicy Southwest red blend with aromas of blackberries mixed with hints of mint, juniper, roasted desert herbs and white pepper corns. Long firm finish, with a hint of oak well-embedded and framed by medium tannins. Was $26 now $12

And last but not least:

Vermut Del Sol, Sweet Red Vermouth $26
From Solera Bravo Wines, this Vermouth is aged in the solera method blending the herbal infusions with Washington State Moscato. This is the first wine from this new Vermouthery. The owner will be pouring from 2-3.

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 wet week in Madrona, and that calls for some bold wine with a dry finish.  Fortunately we happen to have some on hand.  Come by and see what is open.

Saturday we’re pouring robust wines for the holidays that are great for celebrating and gifts.  Capping the lineup will be the Sagrantino di Montefalco from Scacciadiavoli.  Few wines are bolder or drier than this indigenous grape from the hills of Montefalco in Umbria The wine is a dark purple, nearly black color with thick legs, and aromas of intense red fruit, plums, spice earth and leather. It has a big flavor with lots of good mouth drying tannins. We’ll also have four other favorites to tickle your fancy.

Sunday we’ll be pouring two specially priced wines from Arizona.

2010 Arizona Stronghold Dala Chardonnay   $10
Pineapple and star fruit notes play off just a hint of fresh cream, almonds and baked apples in this broad chardonnay, which shows zesty, enlivening acidity, providing lots of muscle.  The firm acidity finds precision balance with the silky, mouthwatering texture.  Was $20 now $10

2012 Arizona Stronghold Nachise Red   $12
42% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah, 18% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
A very spicy Southwest red blend with aromas of blackberries mixed with hints of mint, juniper, roasted desert herbs and white pepper corns. Long firm finish, with the a hint of oak well-embedded and framed by medium tannins.  Was $26 now $12

And Sunday we’ll also be tasting:
Vermut Del Sol, Sweet Red Vermouth $25
From Solera Bravo Wines, this Vermouth is aged in the solera method blending the herbal infusions with Washington State Moscato.  This is the first wine from this new local Vermouthery.  Master infuser Nacho Bravo will be on hand at 2pm to talk about his creation.

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.

‘Tis the Season! And this Saturday we’re pouring a lineup of robust wines for the holidays that work well for celebrating and gifts.  Come raise a glass with us.

2014 Cà dei Frati,I Frati, Lugana $19
Trebbiano
The I Frati is grown on the glacial soils south of Lake Garda from 10 to 35 year old vines. The warmer days give wine more weight and intensity than those from to the east. The cool nights from the moderating influence of the lake ensures the grapes retain nice aromas and acidity. This complex, lees aged white has concentrated, fresh aromas of white flowers, peaches and ripe lemons. On the palate it has excellent depth and richness and a lovely crisp, lively finish.
 
2011 Basel Cellars, Claret  $20
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42 Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot
The new vintage of this favorite Bordeaux style blend from Walla Walla is from the cooler 2011 vintage.  The wine spent 20 months in barrel and shows hints of ripe cherry, cedar, perfume and pencil shaving aromas. Its red berry fruits integrate well smooth tannins and a good acidity framing the structure. The wine is classy and restrained with dark fruit and lingering notes of tobacco and leather.
 
2012 Ancient Peaks, Zinfandel  $18
Ancient peaks estate Margarita Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked beneath the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The Zinfandel offers fresh aromas of raspberry jam and dried cherry with notes of white pepper and cocoa. Supple, rounded flavors of briary blackberry, cherry and cedar unfold with trailing vanilla accents. A savory spiciness lingers on a smooth, refined finish.
 
2008 Scacciadiavoli, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG $40
Sagrantino is indigenous to the hills of Montefalco in Umbria It is believed that the name comes from the early cultivation of the grape by monks for sacramental uses (Scacciadiavoli means drive away devils). What better holiday wine?  The wine is a dark purple, nearly black color with thick legs, and aromas of intense red fruit, plums, spice earth and leather. It has a big flavor with lots of good mouth drying tannins.
 
2011 Chateau Loupiac Gaudiet   $18–750 ml & $10–375ml
95% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon. 2% Muscadelle
A satellite of Sauternes, Château Loupiac Gaudiet’s vineyards face southward, on the hills that overlook the river Garonne in the village of Cadillac with vines that average 47 years. The morning mists and sunny autumn afternoons enable the “Botrytis Cinerea” to develop.  The grapes are picked by hand, in successive harvesting as soon as the Botrytis Cinerea appears.  This makes a great dessert wine with notes of passion fruit, dry apricots and honey. The taste is a delicious combination of crispness and rich 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.

Sunday we are pouring two wines that may come in handy later in the week or later in the year. Both are new arrivals for the holidays. Come have a taste.

2009 Château Barrabaque Cuvée Antoine    ($13)
Cannon Fronsac
The Cuvée Antoine is from a plot of 35-year-old vines & aged in second and third fill barriques. Blackcurrants and jammy dark fruit aromas lead to a robust palate full of more blackcurrant, cherries, a touch of vanilla spice and good supple tannin structure.
Think Bar-B-Que!

2009 Brusset Les Boudalles    ($10)
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
A full and soft southern Rhone.
Was $12 now $10

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 the first weekend of December here in Madrona. We are looking forward to a fun month of eating and drinking and general festivity. And at Madrona Wine we have a few things going on this weekend to start it off.

Saturday we are having our annual all bubbles tasting with 5 frothy delights for your palate.  From the bone dry Brut Sauvage from Gruet to the amazingly rich Banniere Masterclass Champagne.  The corks come out at 2pm and it goes for as long as the bottles last. Come early, this tasting is always popular.

Sunday, we’ll will be pouring two Festive French Reds.

2009 Château Barrabaque,
Cannon Fronsac, Cuvée Antoine  $13
The Cuvée Antoine is from a plot of 35 year old vines & aged in second and third fill barriques.  Blackcurrants and jammy dark fruit aromas lead to a robust palate full of more blackcurrant, cherries, a touch of vanilla spice and good supple tannin structure. Think Bar-B-Que!

2009 Brusset Les Boudalles $10
A full and soft southern Rhone at a great price.
Was $12 now $10

And to top it off . . . Beautiful Burgundies.
There are still a few spots left Sunday Evening for our ever so classy Burgundy tasting.  For $20 you can taste:
1998 Pierre Morey, Bourgogne Aligote 
2011 Merlin, Pouilly Fuissé Clos des Quarts
2011 Vincent Girardin, Pommard Les Vignots 
2004 Lignier, Morey Saint Denis 1er — Les Chaffots  
2012 Bouchard, Gevery Chambertin 
We start at 5:30 on Sunday, have a few snacks to go with the wines and you can still get home for Sunday dinner.  Space for this tasting is limited so contact us to reserve a spot.

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.