Michael Florentino Cellars

We really enjoy these wines... some so reasonably priced so you don't worry about indulging on a weeknight once in a while. That would be their Gecko Malbec label for me. If there is goat cheese involved, it must be the MFC Primitivo. The new MVC Cab Franc release loves mushrooms... looking forward to that evening! And when we're wrapping up a client dinner party, there's nothing like the Dolce Bella for a lovely port finish.Thank you Brad for sharing your talents with us. And Sarah for the food pairings that give me so many ideas!

I'm a fan of:

MICHAEL FLORENTINO CELLARS -
- 2008 Miscolato [$21.50]
Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre blend
Gilbert Vineyards grapes
fruity almost sweet nose
smooth clean finish

- 2007 Quinta De La Dolce Bella [$22.50]
a smooth and tawny like wine
made with Touriga, Tinta Cao, Sauzao and Tinta Madiera
scents of berries and raisins
delicious now

- 2008 Tempranillo [$28]
Rich black fruit
supple tannins
soft finish
quite nice now

GECKO CELLARS [a Michael Florentino brand]
- 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Lion's Oak) [$20]
Artz Vineyard grapes
aged in New French barrels
a very light style
exceedingly drinkable

- 2009 Rose [$15]
light and fruity
easy to drink
a pleasant wine

- 2007 Malbec [$20]
Gilbert Vineyards grapes
spicy with a dry finish
good value

This winery is doing great work at reasonable prices

We were wandering through the Woodinville winery warehouse and stumbled upon Michael Florentino Winery, a newcomer to the Woodinville wine community.  For a $5 tasting fee (refundable upon bottle purchase), we received tastes of 4 wines.  He rotates his wines from weekend to weekend and this particular day, we got to try the Sauvignon Blanc, Rose', Primativo and Malbec.  All 4 were flavorful and true to their grape: the sauv blanc was crisp and light and the rose' was subtle and flowery.  Primativo is the same grape as the Zinfandel, and it had the same powerful flavor though it was more earthy and rustic than I was expecting.  My favorite was the Malbec which smelled of black pepper and the peppery spice carried over to the taste.  We bought bottles of the Primativo and Malbec.  I'd love to go back and try their Sangiovese, Temparnillo and Merlot on a future visit.