Weekly Wine Reviews With Lain Bradford

Zubrowka ZU Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, Poland, $28 750ml, 80 proof

2012-02-03T05:07:14Z

In europe the last remaining primeval forest, Bialowieza, the continents last herd of bison graze on the flora known as bison grass. Each bottle has a blade of bison grass that imparts the aromas and taste of this unique plant, and adds a unique tasting experience. This vodka has a unique aroma of creamy limes, and once it hits the mouth the flavors take off, notes of creamy vanilla , key lime pie, and spice coat the mouth and subtle hints of pineapple and coconut tropical hints fill out the finish. This is one of the most unique and refreshing vodkas you will taste with a flavor that is one of a kind. Delicious on the rocks with a twist or a slice of apple or pear, or straight from the freezer.

2009 Foppiano Lot 96 Petite Sirah, California $13

2012-02-03T05:07:10Z

Petite Sirah is a grape that offers loads of fruit and structure without being as heavy as a Cabernet but more full bodied that a Pinot. It is often overlooked and is a great wine that works with many different menus and taste profiles. The 09 Foppiano starts with a nose full of ripe blueberries and cocoa powder, with a hint of white pepper. All of these aromas transition seamlessly into the flavors of the wine with the addition of black plums, cherries, and notes of vanilla. The finish lets all of the fruit flow together like red velvet and introduces additional notes of blackberries and a touch of acidity to keep everything fresh and lively. Terrific with grilled beef or lamb, also would work well with hearty pasta dishes topped with hard cheeses. A great wine for under $15.

2009 Plungerhead Dry Creek Zinfandel, California, $16

2012-02-03T05:07:01Z

This wine layers the big dark fruit sensation in every sip, it is a monster of a wine for a great price. Starting with a nose of dried cherries, white pepper, and a subtle sweetness. These aromas seamlessly carry into the mouth. Once the wine hits the mouth the magic begins, red raspberries, black plums, and dried blueberries, coat the mouth. On the finish, everything only mildly fades and allows spice, vanilla and hints oak to mingle into the flavors. A terrific wine delivering on many levels for under $20, a great deal. This wine also would work well with lamb dishes, ribs, pizza and red sauce dinners. The wine is big enough that it can handle almost any meal you throw at it.

2009 Swanson Pinot Grigio, California $22

2012-02-03T05:06:57Z

This is a true California Pint Grigio, keeping some of the old world style and adding loads of new world influences. The aromas were out of this world, layers of white peach and ripe lemon notes. The flavors were perfect, notes of crisp peach, vanilla, and pear were balanced perfectly with acidity of the citrus notes. The finish allowed the all of the sweet ripe fruit notes to slowly dissipate with the crispness showing through. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively with each sip making it a true food wine, perfect with crab, chicken or lobster dishes, in addition it would work very well with turkey.

Russian Standard Vodka Silver, Russia, 80 proof, $30 750ml

2012-02-03T05:06:52Z

This is one of the few vodkas still produced in Russia itself, not one of the break away regions. It has a crisp and very clean nose, with no artificial or harsh aromas. The flavors are true vodka, starting off with a smooth clean almost vanilla flowing taste, then on the finish the heat and mineral notes that I always associate with vodka come through. There is two camps of vodka lovers one that look for vodkas so smooth that you have none the warmth and grain or potato notes present, or the more masculine style which can be more heard and forward. This is defiantly more masculine and absolutely delicious.

The Black Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland 80 proof $34 750ml

2012-01-04T05:15:47Z

This a part of the Famous Grouse line of Scotch's and delivers terrific flavors and unique character in each sip. The nose starts with notes of smoked peat, dried orange zest and hints of oak, all of with carry over to the taste perfectly. Once it hits the mouth sweet earthy peat and smokiness are balanced perfectly with a citrus layer. The finish is long, allowing the smokiness to dissipate and the spice and fruit notes to linger. Overall a very nice blend with great complexity, a perfect alternative or addition to any scotch lovers collection.

Burnett's Hot Cinnamon Vodka, 70 Proof, $10 750ml

2012-01-03T01:40:48Z

In the past couple of years there has been an explosion of flavored vodka to hit the market. They are usually true to the flavor or have an artificial taste, and we have seen bacon to all types of cakes, fruit punch and cotton candy flavors and everything in between. This vodka falls into true to the flavor category for a great price. Everything from the smell to the taste screams red hots candy. A perfect balance of spice and cinnamon in each sip making for a smooth drinking experience. This vodka would be an easy drink on the rocks during a winter night around a fire, or blended with other classics to create a new signature holiday drink.

2009 Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, California, $14

2012-01-03T01:40:41Z

This is a powerhouse wine for the money, delivering structure, flavor, and style. Starting with a dark rich nose of blackberry jam and cocoa powder, that floats out of the bottle as soon as you pull the cork. The flavors are out of this world, starting with ripe juicy blue and black berries, hints of white pepper, and chocolate covered cherry richness. The finish allows some vanilla cream and oak to blend with the dark red fruit flavors. It would pair perfectly with sliced skillet steak, rib eyes or even hamburgers. This is a terrific wine for a wonderful price, I can remember this wine selling for over $25 years back, and it is nice to see that it is at the price point now that everyone can drink like a king without paying the price.

2010 Carmel Road Liberated Chardonnay, California $16

2011-12-20T01:45:58Z

The Liberated line of wines from Carmel road are fermented in stainless steel, seeing no oak, which gives the wine a cleaner fruit forward feel. This is also important for people who do not like oak or buttery flavors in their chardonnay or have allergies to oak in wine. starting with layers of bright citrus and apples that flow perfectly into perfectly balanced treasure of fruit and acidity in each sip. The fruit notes are complimented with a subtle floral aroma and a layer of minerality that provides a perfect structure. A great wine for people that want to taste what chardonnay is like without any oak influence for a reasonable price. Pairs perfectly with seafood for Caribbean foods.

Old School Peanut Butter Flavored Vodka, South Carolina, 60 Proof, $20 750ml

2011-12-20T01:45:53Z

There are allot of flavored vodkas on the market and it is always fun to try the new ones and mix them together for exciting drinks, and this one was terrific. From the name you can guess what the flavor is, but it has a terrific depth and smoothness that makes it perfect for sipping while enjoying dessert. The aromas were butterscotch with a creamy note, that flowed into the mouth where, you can guess the main flavor was, peanut butter. But in addition to the obvious there was a subtle chocolate and coffee note. It is smooth and sweet, making for a very dangerous combination that can sneak up on you quickly. Terrific chilled on the rocks, or with a chocolate liquor for a pent butter cup cocktail or with grape vodka in a martini glass for a PB and J martini. Right now it is only being sold in South Carolina and makes a great gift for out of town visitors.

14 Hands Varietal Wines Now Available Nationally at Retail

2011-12-18T23:00:44Z

14 Hands has announced the national
retail launch of its varietal tier of wines which includes Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling. The wines began shipping
nationally in August 2011 and are available for the suggested retail price
of $12.

14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once
roamed the arid, open landscape of eastern Washington. It was here that
these horses â€" measuring a scant "14 hands" tall â€" developed their
legendary endurance, strength, and tenacious spirit. Today, this landscape
provides the perfect conditions for grape growing. Sunny days, cool nights
and loamy-sand and gravel soils produce the premium quality fruit that
allows Winemaker Keith Kenison to craft bold, complex reds and crisp,
fruit-forward whites.

"I take a practical approach to winemaking and let the fruit express
itself," Kenison explains. "I guide the wine to its final destination with
as few manipulations as possible, making every decision by taste because,
ultimately, that's what matters to the person buying a bottle of 14 Hands.â€

2011 Thanksgiving Beverage Article

2011-12-18T21:19:36Z

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, great food, a relaxing day with friends and family, and lots of leftovers. I have cooked and been cooked for each year and always enjoy tasting the different touches that are added by each family tradition to the traditional meal. One of the biggest challenges is choosing wine that will satisfy everyones differing likes and tastes. Recently I sat down and reviewed tasting notes for the past year, reopened some of the wines and tried some new ones to see what would be a terrific crowd pleaser and excellent food wines for Thanksgiving.

White wine is always a staple at our celebrations, and the wine that works best with turkey, stuffing and all of the other flavors is a Gewurtztraminer, Pacific Rim from Washington $11, is one of the best bang for the buck ones we have seen this year. Layering notes of allspice and pear, with a delicate floral and fruit nose, great acidity and a touch of sweetness. A perfectly balanced wine that will bring out the flavors of the turkey and stuffing along with desserts. If you prefer something a little more full bodied and less sweet, Carmel Road Monterey Chardonnay $18 is a perfect choice, showing notes of pear, vanilla and creamy lemon bar notes. This is a full bodied chardonnay, with loads of finesse and elegance, it would work well with turkey, but would also stand up to quail and other game birds. If a real mixed bag of guests are coming by and you need something that will keep everyone happy, Kendall-Jackson's Summation white $17, which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay along with five other white grapes. The blend has notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and a touch of floral. It is a terrific wine that delivers loads of quality for the price, and would work perfectly with almost any Thanksgiving feast.

Red wines can be more tricky, you will have some that love the big, deep, dark cabernets and others that will want a lighter red to go with turkey. The wine that always says to me we have started the holidays is Beaujolais Nouveau. It is always released the 3rd Thursday of November, and becomes a staple at our holiday gatherings. The one that is consistently delicious and affordable is Georges Duboeuf Beaujolias Nouveau 2011 $10. This wine is full of ripe strawberries and cherries, also some notes of spice and acidity, but this wine has all of the freshness and style of a perfect food and everyday get together wine. You will be hard pressed to find another wine that makes everyone happy and goes with a Thanksgiving meal as well as this one. If you are serving beef or venison along with turkey, you might want to also have a more full bodied red, Franciscan Merlot $23 is terrific choice, waves of black plums, dark chocolate, black berries and a touch of oak, fill out each sip and would pair perfectly with more full bodied meals that a cabernet may overpower. If you are going to want to have a big cabernet, Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $105 would be a show stopper, big lush dark fruit notes along with hints of leathery earthiness, and creamy jam like feel on the finish. This is a big gun for a serious meal. If this is the wine you decide on, make sure you decant it at least an hour or two before you plan on serving it or find an older vintage.

Another part of the meal that you can have some fun with wine is the beginning and ending of the meal, but don't take me wrong, any of these wines could be enjoyed throughout the whole feast. Champagne and Sparkling wine is a perfect start to any celebration, with the popping of the cork and clinking of the glasses, you know it is time to start enjoying. Our neighbor in North Carolina, Biltmore Estate is producing a Blanc de Blancs Brut $32, made from 100% chardonnay grapes grown at their estate, it has layers of delicate citrus zest and pineapple notes in each dry and refreshing sip. Another winner is J Sparkling Rose $28, with notes of strawberries, rose petals, and a delicate dryness, this is a personal favorite that we always keep in the fridge and will look for any excuse to open a bottle. A new sparkling wine is Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Brut $10, delivering nice apple, creamy ripe pears and a zip of citrus zest on the finish. A terrific value sparkling wine for any occasion. All of the sparkling wines pair perfectly with seafood, especially shellfish in addition to fruit dishes. For dessert you might want to think about a port, especially if you are serving chocolate or nutty dishes. Cockburn's Special Reserve Port $16 delivers a concentrated dark plum and blackberry nose, and a velvety red berry sweetness in each sip.

You might want to to try a couple bottle of each kind and make it a culinary wine adventure this year. Be sure to stay safe and drink responsibly. Cheers!

2010 Robert Mondavi Privite Selection Pinot Noir, California, $11

2011-12-18T21:16:14Z

This is a terrific wine for the price, delivering flavor, style and structure for just over $10. The nose starts out with hints of violets, smoky oak, and vanilla bean and a dose of jammy dark fruit. These follow into the taste seamlessly. Once in the mouth mouth the wine delivers flavors of wild strawberries, cherry preserves, oak, and spice, along with some of the aromas introducing themselves as flavors. The finish has a nice acidity that give the wine a terrific lift and keeps each sip fresh and lively. Tis wine delivers allot more than what it is priced at, a definite deal. Would pair terrifically with grilled salmon, pork, or duck.

Specially Crafted Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine, North Carolina, 80 proof $20 750ml

2011-12-18T21:15:31Z

Nothing lights up a holiday get together like a little shine, moonshine that is. Catdaddy is triple distilled to remove any of the harsh flavors you may associate with no label mason jar varieties that were snuck to you in the past. On the nose there is almost an eggnog and cinnamon note that resonates from the crystal clear moonshine. Once it hits the mouth warm notes of anise, sweet creamy nutmeg, vanilla bean and caramel coat the taste buds and linger perfectly. The flavors are soft and smooth, making this a perfect compliment to any cocktail, or on the rocks. We enjoyed our in a holiday martini with Catdaddy Moonshine, eggnog, and a splash of Godiva white chocolate liquor, all of the flavors paired perfectly and was the hit o the party.

Mark One Vodka, United States, 80 Proof, $10 750ml

2011-10-11T00:44:34Z

This is a terrific vodka for mixing and martinis that will not break the bank. Smooth and clean, it is distilled 5 times. Subtle aromas of creamy citrus zest dissipates quickly, and the vodka delivers a clean bold flavor with a touch of pepper and alcohol that does not linger. Terrific in any of your favorite vodka drinks.

2008 Sledgehammer Cabernet Sauvignon, California $15

2011-09-28T01:20:24Z

Like the name says this is a powerful Cabernet, pounding layers of flavor in each sip. It starts with a nose of blackberry and clove and evolves into a full bodied tasting experience. Layers of plum, black currant, and spice are complimented with notes of dark chocolate and sage. There is a terrific balance of acidity and fruit with just right amount of tannins for a touch of dryness. A perfect match for a grilled ribeye or prime rib.

2009 Cardinal Beastly Old Vine Zin, California $10 750ml or $22 3 liter

2011-09-28T01:20:01Z

This wine has everything, loads of flavors, hints of oak, and a finish that just keeps going and going. Starting with a terrific nose of blackberries and sage, that then carry over to mouth with first sip. Once the wine hints the mouth the flavors come alive, layers of dark fruit, touches of spice and notes of creamy vanilla bean and oak. This is a full bodied wine that is still approachable and food friendly. A perfect match for full bodied tomato sauces or heavier meat menus.

2007 Sledgehammer Cabernet Sauvignon, California $15

2011-09-08T10:43:52Z

From the name of this wine you can deduct that it is going to be a big wine, and it does not let you down. As soon as you pour the first drop aromas of blackberries, cloves, pepper flow over your senses and start your mouth watering for the first sip. The aromas carry over into the flavors and add notes of black plums, cherry preserves, and allspice. All of the fruit flavors are complimented and balanced by notes of dry leather and tobacco notes. The finish lets the dark fruit and oak notes come together for one last time letting you know that this is a very well balanced wine, and for the price point they have done a terrific job with this wine.

2007 Blackstone Reserve Merlot, California $20

2011-08-14T22:07:07Z

The reserve line of Blackstone's wines have been delivering layers of flavors and elegance for a terrific price, for the twenty dollar price point this merlot delivers on all levels. It starts with a terrific nose packed full of leathery notes and black fruit, that flow into a mouthfeel of big juicy fruit sensations. Flavors of black cherries, black plums and currants, and balanced with notes of pepper and earthy cocoa notes. There is loads of structure that allow the fruit and spice to slowly develop in the mouth, and subtle hints of oak start to surface on the finish. The red fruit and oak linger on the taste buds for just the right amount of time until the next sip. The balance of fruit and oak, along with a note of acidity in the wine make for a terrific food wine, keeping each bite new and fresh. This wine will stand up perfectly to all cuts of beef and lamb.

2009 Glen Ellen Cabernet Sauvignon, California $6

2011-08-04T02:33:28Z

There have been allot of really good wine in the under $10 price range lately and Glen Ellen always delivers quality and taste in this price point. This wine starts with a terrific nose of black cherries and vanilla spice. It than leads into red fruit jammy flavors, plums and white pepper notes. The finish has layers of raspberries, oak, and vanilla bean, along with the jam like notes from the mouth. This is a terrific wine with grilled beef or with hamburgers off the grill. Also works perfectly with pasta dishes with tomato sauces. You will be hard pressed to find quality like this in a $6 bottle of wine. They also make this in a 1.5 liter which sells for $10.