Nice fleshy ripe berries and a rustic, though not harsh, feel. I have so much to learn about wines from the Loire. [embarassed] I’d never even know the AOC Saint Nicolas de Bourgel existed.

On the left, a really nice blend of Roussane and Marsane with lovely melon and honey flavors and bright acidity. Next, a disappointing Burgundy with delicate fruit but bitter, green tannins. Finally, a pleasing sweet wine with cooked plum and wood smoke. Less sweet and less heavy than a port. Wishing for a nice blue cheese to pair with this one.
The Musee du Vin in Paris would appeal to big wine geeks and collectors of wine paraphernalia. Self guided tour through the tunnels with English language audio guide and well conducted tasting by their experts of 3 wines = 27 euro.

Interesting and entertaining backstory of the band that happened to include George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.

• 2010 Bokisch Vineyards Albariño Terra Alta – USA, California, Central Valley, Clements Hills (5/7/2012)
  Charming light white with melon and tropical fruit flavors. Zippy fresh citrus acidity. At only $11.99 this wine performs well above its pay grade. I’d like to pick up some more for summer. (89 points)

Posted from CellarTracker

Kayak Napa Valley – a GREAT way to celebrate Earth Day.  Yesterday Sasha and I joined Kayak Napa Valley as a group of about 16 picked up trash along the waterline of the Napa River from below downtown to the Oxbow.  Afterwards, Compadres Rio Grille provided tasty (and free) meals to the grubby, sweaty kayakers.

Liza and Laurie, the owners of Kayak Napa Valley, are great and a recreational kayak trip would be a fun way to burn a few of those calories we consume when visiting the Valley.  They also do about 4 clean up kayak trips a year.

Kayak Napa Valley
(707)-501-8585
Email

Compadres Rio Grille
505 Lincoln Ave
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 253-1111
Email

Alcohol sharpens the mind, research finds – Telegraph.

Author Jennifer Wiley told the Daily Mail:

The bottom line is that we think being too focused can blind you to novel possibilities, and a broader, more flexible state of attention is needed for creative solutions to emerge

They don’t mention this, but I wonder if a little of the improvement is also because inhibitions are lowered allowing the men to answer the quiz questions more quickly because they are less afraid of being wrong.  I know I’m never “wrong” when tipsy.

Don’t drink it too cold. At cellar temperature peach aroma and flavor lilted deftly above a nice stoney minerality. Thick, full mouthfeel but bone dry. Over-chilled, a sour lemon started to overwhelm. As the wine warmed back up, a nice long finish of petrol was evident. Good wine that should develop additional complexity over time.

Do wine writers write only for the one percent?.  That’s the question blogger Dr. Vino is asking.  What do you think?  With our customers, my totally unscientific, anecdotal evidence leads me to believe that while enjoying wines at our price point and above certainly does require disposable income, those that spend the most on wines aren’t necessarily the wealthiest people.  Wine for most of our customers is a passion.  It enriches their lives and their experiences at meals and celebrations.  For this passion, they may sacrifice in other ways.  Other folks may choose boats, sports, music, photography, shoes, travel, cooking, tech gadgets… heck, even comic books.  Whatever you choose to spend that extra dollar that you worked hard for… cheers to all 100% of you.

World tennis #1 Novak Djokovic practices at the La Quinta Resort, Indian Wells, CA during the BNP Paribas Open.  He closes his practice session with some fun and games with his coach and hitting partner.  The next day, Djokovic would be defeated by 6’9″ American John Isner.  Notice when practicing returns of overhead slams, his coach climbs a ladder.

Finally! That big drawback of classic books — reading — can be a thing of the past.

Good grief…