The holidays and effervescence somehow just go together.  This Saturday we are pouring 5 frothy delights for your palate.  From the bone dry Brut Sauvage from Gruet to the amazingly rich Banniere Masterclass there is something for everyone. We are only opening one bottle of each wine so you’ll want to come promptly for this tasting. The corks come out at 2pm and we’ll be pouring the wine for as long as the bubbles last. 
 
Gruet Brut Sauvage Blanc de Blanc  $18
Chardonnay
From New Mexico comes zero  dosage domestic bubbles!  Aromas of bright mineral notes followed by traces of green apple, lemon Meringue pie, with a hint of daisy. This wine finishes with bright, crisp acidity on the palate with a light yet long finish. With limited residual sugar, the Sauvage is for the sparkling connoisseur who appreciates bone dry acidity.

Foss Marai, Prosecco Extra Dry  $15
A fruity, round, better quality bubbles from Veneto. Heady aromas of green apple, jasmine and wisteria almost jump out of the glass. On the frothy palate, notes of chopped, aromatic herbs add interest to the core of Bartlett pear and white peach. A soft mousse offsets the fruit flavors.
 
Domaine J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux  $17
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac, 5% Pinot Noir
Cremant de Limoux is the official name for a sparkling wine from Limoux in southern France near Carcassonne where sparkling wine was born.  The Laurens has zingy lemon-lime flavors which evolve into fuller pineapple and citrus, and light, cardamom-like spice.  Its rich yeasty character adds breadth and weight.
 
2010 Jean-Francois Merrieau, Touraine “Bulles” $20
90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay
From the Loire, the Bulles is organically grown and aged on the lees for 18-20 months. The wines low dosage results in a refreshing, crisp wine, with a bright nose of apple and pears with hints of citrus. The palate is creamy and rich and the finish is juicy and long with lots of depth and a pretty label. 
 
Banniere, Masterclass Grand Cru Brut Champagne  $50
59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay
From a Grand Cru vineyard in Bouzy, the Masterclass has bright, luminous, golden bubbles with mixed aromas of dried fruit and minerality.  The palate is long and smooth with a well-balanced complexity.

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 some grapes soil is everything, and the wines from Burgundy are a prime example.  The Chardonnay tastes like none other in the world and the Pinot Noir responds to slight changes from plot to plot. We love these wines but the main drawback is that they seldom fit into our everyday price range.  But this coming Sunday we’ll be pulling the corks on some fine examples of Burgundy and enjoying the pleasures of the place.  Space for this tasting is limited so contact us (email info@madronawinemerchants.com) to reserve a space.  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.
 
1998 Pierre Morey, Bourgogne Aligote  $20
From vines planted in Meursault in 1957, this wine forgotten for many years  has bloomed into a wonderful mature bottle. On the nose there are classic notes of mature white Burgundy such has hay, pear and honey, also notes of beeswax, and quince.  The acidity is still refreshing but by now very well integrated, and it brings youth and vibrancy to a surprisingly complex texture, which is light to medium-bodied, with the perfect amount of mature, round, slightly sweet, and honeyed flavors of age. Organic.
 
2011 Merlin, Pouilly Fuissé Clos des Quarts  $45
Chardonnay
A old vine, single vineyard Burgundy with hints of saline, white truffle, and peach and honey fruit with a long mineraled finish. Was $51, Now $45
 
2011 Vincent Girardin, Pommard Les Vignots  $40
Pinot Noir
A single vineyard Pommard from 65 year old vines.  “Les Vignots” has intense aromas of blackcurrant, musk and game. The mouthfeel is smooth and silky with black cherry and citrus notes that flow into a ling finish.  A solid Burgundy at a great price.  Was $55 Now $40
 
2004 Lignier, Morey Saint Denis 1er — Les Chaffots  $58
Pinot Noir
Premier Cru Burgundy with the right amount of age on it from a small estate.  Nice full dark supple fruit and great aromas.  What more can you ask?
 
2012 Bouchard, Gevery Chambertin  $60
Pinot Noir
Bouchard vinifies 10.4 hectares of village vines in Gevrey, and does the vineyard work for just over half of this total; fermented with 30% whole clusters.  The wine exudes an intense, perfumed bouquet with fruit aromas and an animal touch. Nice structure and lovely finesse. This wine has great aging potential.

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 red 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.

2014 Casa Vinironia Appassimento Edizione Oro    ($12)
Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
This wine is made using the apassimento method (use of dried grapes). A modern style with silky, soft tannins. The wine bursts with blackberry, espresso and dark caramel aromas contrasted by a spicy, white pepper note.

2014 Locus Modo    ($15)
59% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 15% Syrah
A everyday drinker from our local winemakers. The Modo has good dark fruit and smooth tannins that is easy to drink but still with something to chew on.

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.

After the crush and confusion of BLACK FRIDAY IN MADRONA we all need a drink and a little relaxation. Fortunately some is at hand.

Saturday we have some favorite French wines lined up and ready from a fresh Alsacian Pinot Blanc to a rich and full Saint Julian Bordeaux.  Come by at 2pm and have a taste.

Sunday we have a couple of party pleasers for the Holidays lined up to open.

2014 Casa Vinironia Appassimento Edizione Oro  $12
Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
This wine is made using the apassimento method (use of dried grapes). A modern style with silky, soft tannins. The wine bursts with blackberry, espresso and dark caramel aromas contrasted by a spicy, white pepper note.

2014 Locus Modo $15
59% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 15% Syrah
A everyday drinker from our local winemakers.  The Modo has good dark fruit and smooth tannins that is easy to drink but still with something to chew on.

Next Sunday, December 6th at 5:30pm
The Beauty of Burgundy
A Reservation Only Special Tasting
$20 (plus tax)
We’ll be pulling the corks on some fine examples of Burgundy and enjoying the pleasures of the place.  Space for this tasting is limited so contact us (just reply to this email) to reserve a space.  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.  More details coming soon.

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.

After the crush and confusion of BLACK FRIDAY IN MADRONA we all need a drink and a little relaxation. Fortunately we have selection Festive French wines on hand to make our White and Red Saturday smooth and cheery while we digest the remains of Thanksgiving and get warmed up for the parties and dinners that lie ahead. The wines are all rich and delicious as the season itself.

2012 Domaine Moltés Pinot Blanc $11
Domaine Moltès has 13 hectares of vines extend into the Alsace hills bordering the town of Pfaffenheim. They have a very small production making only 600 cases of the Pinot Blanc capture the essence of Alsace: richness of the fruit (apple and grapefruit), almost an oily texture on the mid-palate with that nice dry acidity on the finish.

2014 Domaine Haut de Mourier, Viognier $13
From the Languedoc Domaine Haut de Mourier makes this full viognier with floral notes mixed with apricots, peaches & violets aromas and a mineral foundation.. It is round and soft, fresh and well-balanced.

2010 Domaine Perraud, Le Grand Sorbier, Bourgogne Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
Domaine Perraud has 25 hectares of Bourgogne, Mâcon and Saint-Véran vineyards that are sustainably farmed, moving to organic. Le Grand Sorbieris from 15 year old vines situated in the village of La Roche-Vineuse on clay-limestone and clay-silt soils. The wine has mineral and cherry aromas that carry over into the dry lingering palate.

2012 Domaine de Petit Romain, Vieilles Vignes Rouge $13
Equal parts Syrah and Grenache.
From Costières de Nîmes in the south of France the Petit Romain reveals fruity and fresh aromas of red fruit and spice. On the palate the wine is fat, round and warm, carpeted with jammy fruit and supported by drying tannins that make you want more.

2010 Château du Glana, La Croix Dillanges, Saint Julien $35
67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
A rich and full left bank Brodeaux from a newer Sustainably farmed estate with 21-year-old vines on gravel soil. The grapes are hand -harvested and the wine spends with 12 months in French oak barrique (45% new). Lots of dark berry, plum cassis, cinnamon and Bordeaux dust.

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 red wines that may come in handy later in the week or later in the year. Both are marked down a little to sweeten the deal. Come have a taste.

2009 Larochette Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes    $14
Pinot Noir
Nice and full for an unassuming Bourgogne. It drinks really well after a bit of air. A delicious Pinot Noir who is balanced with a sweet beginning and a mineral finish. There are notes of black and sour cherries along with a hint of mushrooms. Was $18 now $14

2009 Ismael Arroyo Ribera del Dureo “Mesoneros”    $14
Tempranillo
From Ribero del Duero, this big Tempranillo has had time to soften up. Its smoothness will make your taste buds think they’ve been put to bed with silk sheets. Oak aged in chalk tunnels hundreds of feet underground. Full, dark and rich. Was $20 now $14

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 beautiful Autumnal weather this weekend here in Madrona with preparations being made for next Thursday.  But while you get ready for Thanksgiving remember that you might need some wine for this weekend as well.  As usual we have a full line up.

Saturday we are pouring a flight of wines to match the Big Feast rounded up from near and far.
2014 Barons, Sauvignon Blanc  $15
2014 Quail’s Gate Chenin Blanc  $18
2013 Evesham Wood, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir  $21
2006 Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Rioja Reserva   $20
2013 The Seventy Five Wine Company, Cabernet Sauvignon  $21
That kicks off at 2pm

Sunday we continue with a couple of reds at a good price to take to Thanksgiving or drink that night.
2009 Larochette Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes          $14
Nice and full for an unassuming Pinot Noir.  It drinks really well after a bit of air.  A delicious Pinot Noir who is balanced with a sweet beginning and a mineral finish.  There are notes of black and sour cherries along with a hint of mushrooms.  Was $18 now $14 
2009 Ismael Arroyo Ribera del Dureo “Mesoneros”        $14
From Ribero del Duero, this big Tempranillo has had time to soften up.  Its smoothness will make your taste buds think they’ve been put to bed with silk sheets. Oak aged in chalk tunnels hundreds of feet underground. Full, dark and rich. Was $20 now $14

Also, we will be open on Thanksgiving from 11 to 3pm for those last minute wine needs.

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.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  And whether yours is the traditional menu or an eccentric set of courses, it is grand day to gather with friends, family and other good folk and revel in the richness of the season.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring some great choices to accompany your meal no matter the menu.  Come have a sip.
 
2014 Barons, Sauvignon Blanc  $15
From winemaker Matt Loso’s current project, the Barons edges towards the melon and ripe fig side of Sauvignon Blanc. It starts bright and crisp on the attack with a lemon verbena note, and turns rich and mouth filling on the mid-palate with flavors of citrus peel, kiwi and warm lemon tartlets.  It’s refreshing & mouthwatering.
 
2014 Quail’s Gate Chenin Blanc  $18
This Canadian Okanagan Valley winery has been at it on their estate for 25 years.  This year’s Chenin Blanc opens with aromatic white flowers intermingled with vivid citrus and tropical papaya. Dry and medium bodied on the palate, this wine has great texture and is typically bright and juicy with notes of gooseberries, lemon and zesty grapefruit.
 
2013 Evesham Wood, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir  $21
From one of our steady favoirite Oregon wineries, Evesham Wood harvests this WV Pinot from several dry-farmed and sustainably cultivated vineyards in Northern Willamette Valley. Grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (10% new) for 10 months before bottling. The winery describes the profile as “Bright and crunchy with cranberry, red cherry and cinnamon with a bit of firmness on finish.”
 
2006 Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Rioja Reserva   $20
Tempranillo
Bodegas Riojanas was founded in Rioja Alta in 1890, making it one of the oldest producers of this famous region. Rioja Alta is well known for its altitude and limestone-tinged soils, which gives the wines from the sometimes burly Tempranillo grape a lithe grace and a sense of minerality. This wine was aged for two and a half years in barrel before undergoing another year of aging in bottle, giving this lovely 2006 subtle depth and soft maturity. There’s a hint of earth and chocolate in the bouquet, along with black cherry, leather and vanilla. Lush, earthy dark plum, tobacco and cedar flavors are complemented by savory notes of leather and spice. Was $30 now $20
 
2013 The Seventy Five Wine Company, Cabernet Sauvignon  $21
Made by Tuck Beckstoffer out of St. Helena, the 75 has dense aromas of ripe burnt early season cherries and scorched earth, classic notes of sweet black cherry, cassis and black raspberry, beautifully integrated tannins and lingering 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.