New Belgium Somersault Ale

Last week I picked up a 6 in Atlanta (alas I don't think it's available in Birmingham). Delicious! "Easy drinking summer ale tumbling with citrus notes."

1912 Ventoux - 2009

This red blend from Provence is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah is a great everyday red with a nice balance of fruit and spice.  Cycling fans will note that Mont Ventoux is the rock-covered moonscape that is frequently a stage finishing point on the Tour de France. Its height is 1912 meters, thus the name. Very Good.

The website is good too with a flash presentation about the mountain.

Available in Birmingham at Whole Foods.

Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2009

This is a blend of Sauv Blanc (50%), Semillon (40%) and Muscadelle (10%).  An easy-drinking summer white. Thanks, Claire, for bringing this to our attention.  Very Good. 

U.S. Wine Market Appears More Robust

June 1, 2011
 
Domestic wine sales grew 7 percent last year, according to the Wine Institute in San Francisco. And, the Los Angeles Times reports Americans are ordering more bottles when they dine out, rather than single glasses.

http://www.npr.org/2011/06/01/136845559/the-last-word-in-business

Hedonistic Fruit Bombs?

Hedonistic Fruit Bombs - The debate over wine alcohol levels is getting out of control.
By Mike Steinberger, Slate.com

The author discusses the trend, particularly in California, toward higher alcohol contents.
http://www.slate.com/id/2293895/

Birmingham's Good People Brewing puts its beer in cans

Good People is now available in stores from Birmingham to Huntsville. I saw it this weekend at Whole Foods.  Read the story:
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2011/02/good_people_brewing_puts_its_b.html

Vogt Vineyard 2007 Cabernet

This is the delicious Napa Cab we enjoyed with dinner at Gianmarco's in Homewood. Not sure if it's available in local stores.  4 stars.

Bliss Merlot 2008

Not very good, don't buy it.  1 star

Gnarly Head Zinfandel 2008 Lodi

Winery: "Robust berry flavors and exotic spice notes from the small grape clusters are balanced with French, American and Hungarian oak, which creates heady layers of vanilla and chocolate and a lingering finish.

This luscious wine pairs well with raucous fun at barbecue or pizza parties, a family dinner of hearty pasta or chili, and on its own to celebrate  personal triumphs.

Gnarly Zin grapes are from Lodi, the zinfamous appellation due to its ideal climate – long, warm summer days and cooling nighttime breezes from the ocean – and its well-draining, sandy soil."  And here's more on Lodi.

Liked it. 3 stars