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.

• 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

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.

Wow, a nice wine, but just a baby. Almost black in color with a nose that reminds me of baking a berry pie. Tart raspberry flavors with charcoal and cedar notes. Significant but smooth tannins in this balanced wine promise even a better future and long life. If you don’t have Jean Edwards wines to your cellar already, you’re missing out on a small Napa gem. Hold this wine for 2-3 more years. Decant to remove sediment.

The vines at Butterdragon are ready for spring, which judging by the downright balmy temperatures today, is already here.

I also had a great vertical tasting today of our 05’s – 07’s. All the wines were nice but the 2005 Baconbrook and the 2007 Butterdragon are in a really special place right now.

2010 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Rarangi Vineyard – one of the more distinctive Sauv Blancs we tried on our trip to New Zealand. Besides the tell-tale typicity, it showed distinct jalapeno pepper, asparagus, and celery seed. It was more attractive and interesting in the tasting room than on the dinner table but still… ***1/2

2010 Wither Hills Chardonnay – non distinctive

2011 Wither Hills Pinot Gris – nicely balanced, peach, 9g residual sugar ***

2009 Wither Hills Pinot Noir – lean but with some charm and upside potential. *

2008 Wither Hills Pinot Noir – Rounder than the 09 with spicy notes. **

2011 Te Whare Ra “Toru” – Perhaps the best of an outstanding lineup from wife and husband winemakers/owners Anna and Jason Flowerday. A lovely blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, it’s cotton candy and bubblegum but deftly avoids being cloying with just the right balance of acidity. “Toru” is the Maori word for “three” meaning the 3 varieties making up this wine. ***1/2

2011 Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) – almost clear color, delicate, pineapple **

2011 Te Whare Ra Riesling “D” – their Dry Riesling… Banana… Nice. **1/2

2011 Te Whare Ra Riesling “M” – their Medium Dry Riesling *

2011 Te Whare Ra Pinot Gris – bubblegum flavor *1/2

2010 Te Whare Ra Chardonnay – really lovely drinking with distinctive roasted coconut element ***

Te Whare Ra is a biodynamic and organic winery.

We had a great night last night at a benefit for MSforward, physical training and fitness for folks living with Multiple Sclerosis. Today we’re pouring at Omaha Wine Company.