Weekly Wine Reviews With Lain Bradford

2007 Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache, Australia $25

WineTalk — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:44:20 GMT

If you want an Australian red without the heaviness of Shiraz than this Grenache may be your next true favorite. Aromas of fresh roses and cherries start this wine off in the right direction, and evolve into a medium bodied red. The flavors were out of this world, bright cherries and raspberries with underlying notes of ash and dark chocolate in every sip. The finish develops into a long red juicy flavor profile that lingers for a long time. This is an exceptional wine for the money.

Bell's Pale Ale, Michigan, 5% Alcohol $10 6pack

WineTalk — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:48:20 GMT

This beer starts with an interesting nose of wheat and hops with a subtle note of lemon. These do carry over to the flavors but this is when the excitement begins, layers of sweet malt, subtle notes lemon and grapefruit, and a sweet almost grassy flavor fill out the tasting experience. This beer has a terrific balance of flavors and bitterness making it refreshing and delicious in each sip. A terrific match for chicken or seafood over salad or fresh off the grill, or just to enjoy after a long day.

Mount Gay Extra Old Rum, Barbados, 80 proof $40 750ml

WineTalk — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:48:04 GMT

This rum offers loads of flavors and aromas right out of the bottle, delivering exceptional taste in each sip. A blend of 7, 8, and 10 year old aged rums and aged in American bourbon barrels giving it a depth you usually do not find in other rums. An interesting point about Mount Gay is that it is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Americas operating since 1703 and one of the oldest in the world. A rich golden brown color leads into aromas of cinnamon and almost a banana foster like quality. The flavors do not disappoint, layers of sweet vanilla, notes of rich molasses, tropical hints and a touch of oakiness coat the mouth and make for a warm and smooth tasting experience. A subtle sweetness and smokiness linger with banana notes rounding out the tasting experience. A definite treat to those who enjoy fine rum.

2006 Ca Del Solo Sangiovese, California $23

WineTalk — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:47:49 GMT

This wine is made with the same grape they use in Italy to make Chianti, but in this wine you get the best of both worlds the subtle Chianti earthiness but with California fruitiness. Aromas of red raspberries and clove start this wine in the right direction, and than the flavors kick in once it hits your lips. Layers of soft mocha, cherries and cloves flow over the tongue like velvet, followed by a finish of earthy leather and blackberries. All the flavors mingle together perfectly to make a great food wine. We enjoyed ours with grilled chicken and Italian grilled vegetable, what a pairing of flavors, give it a try and grab a few bottles.

2006 Kendall-Jackson Merlot, California $19

WineTalk — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:39:39 GMT

Merlot can sometimes be overlooked for it fruit forward elegance. This wine has all the true classic hallmarks of an exceptional Merlot, Aromas of creamy black fruit and spice flow like velvet into a mouth full of luscious dark fruit and creamy dark cocoa powder flavors. A terrific food wine think of flank steak or a juicy ribeye with this wine.

2006 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Merlot, California $25

WineTalk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:45:23 GMT

Finding a Merlot this soft for this price point is getting hard these days, But once you taste this one you will think you are running your hand across velvet. With aromas of black cherries and spice on the nose, the flavors follow as soon as the wine hits the mouth. Dark notes of chocolate and blueberries fill the glass and develop into a smooth black fruit treasure. The finish is so smooth you will think that you are enjoying a dark fruit and chocolate dessert. Keep this wine in mind when shopping for steak or pork it will be a true hit.

Captain Morgan Lime Bite Rum, 70 Proof, $20 750ml

WineTalk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:00:06 GMT

One of my favorite fruits in a cocktail is lime, and when I say this new rum from Captain Morgan I was intrigued to see if it could deliver fresh citrus taste without artificial notes or being overly sweet, and after my first sip I was amazed and happy to see that they had accomplished this goal. It starts with a healthy nose of lime but there is also notes of zest and sugar cane notes from the rum. The flavors exploded in the mouth, of course lime, but it was not overpowering but more of a compliment to the rum. The natural flavors of the lime lingered nicely throughout the entire tasting experience and the notes of the clean sweet rum danced across the tongue. This was a terrific balance of a classic alcohol and flavor without being overpowering, looking forward to this summer and this new winner for The Captain. Some drink ideas is on the rock or try it with club soda or for some real fun substitute it in for your next margarita.

2008 Chateau St Jean Fume Blanc, California $13

WineTalk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:06:53 GMT

Chateau St. Jean does it again, making a terrific wine for an exceptional price. This wine has a terrific nose of cumquat oranges and melon with a very light hint of dried herbs. The flavors change across the taste buds first starting with lemon zest and Bradford pear notes, than developing into melon notes and finishing with a terrific fresh fig flavor. The oak comes through in a subtle smokiness and fig flavors. This wine would work well with menus of chicken or pork in a creamy mushroom sauce or butter sautÃ©ed seafood. Terrific for the price.

2007 Yangarra Estate Shiraz, Australia $25

WineTalk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00:26 GMT

As soon as this wine hits your mouth you will think that the wine cost easily three times the price you paid. This shiraz has the dark fruit notes of clove and anise on the nose which lead into an inky rich dark fruit laden treasure. Additional notes of black cherries and blueberry jam fill out the tasting experience, all along having the perfect amount of oak to compliment the fruit. A true winner in this price range from Australia.

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WineTalk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:24:21 GMT

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WineTalk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:23:08 GMT

2007 Clos Du Val Napa Chardonnay, California $24

WineTalk — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:56:28 GMT

This is a rich and full bodied chardonnay, with loads of fruit and oak influences to hold it own with dinner or by itself. Aromas of green apples and pears fill the glass and mouth, and develop into dried apple notes. The mid palette delivers some tropical fruit notes especially pineapple and mango notes. The finish is creamy and refined with the dried fruit and tropical fruit marrying perfectly with the oak and cream influence. This wine would be perfect with fuller bodied white meats and sauces.

2007 Clos Du Val Napa Pinot Noir, California $30

WineTalk — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:29:25 GMT

Aromas and soft flavors raspberries and strawberries hit the senses like a train getting every sense and develop with notes of allspice. These flavors continue on the palette and additional notes of cassis and smoky oak marry with the red fruit notes to create a soft and elegant wine with a hint of creaminess. Terrific with salmon or lighter meat entrees.

2007 La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma California $25

WineTalk — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:23:28 GMT

Another hit from La Crema, this Pinot has all the right fruit characteristics to make it a winner for any occasion. Aromas of black licorice and Binge cherries fill the glass and develop in the mouth. These marry perfectly dried orange peel and prune notes and slowly evolve into notes of cherry and rose petals. The finish has a great smokiness and clove like spice to it. Perfect with fuller bodied fish and even BBQ. You will finds loads of flavors and spice in this terrific value priced Pinot.

2008 Chateau St Jean Chardonnay, California $14

WineTalk — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:07:27 GMT

The nose on this wine was exceptional with aromas of nectarines and banana cream pie filling the glass. The flavors followed along the lines of the aromas but expanding the flavors, pineapple and melon flavors were finished on the palette with a subtle vanilla creaminess. Think chicken or even lobster with this wine, the fruit and cream notes would merry perfectly with mineral and sweetness of the seafood.

2007 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Pinot Noir, California $20

WineTalk — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:07:22 GMT

If you are looking for a medium bodied Pinot Noir than this is your wine. Aromas of ripe raspberries and plums start popping as soon as the cork comes out of the bottle. The flavors are creamy and smooth, layers of vanilla, cola and bright fruit in each sip. This is one of those pinots that you will find yourself wanting a second bottle after the first glass, so grab a few bottles and get some lamb which will be a perfect match for this wine.

2007 Yangerra Estate Cadenzia, Australia $25

WineTalk — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:50:12 GMT

To showcase the exceptional flexibility of Grenache several Australian winemakers are starting to produce Grenache dominate blends. This particular one is a mix of 49% Grenache, 36% Shiraz and 15% Mourvedre, all of which are old vine produced. When I opened this wine I said WOW and told my wife even if she was not in the mood for wine she had to have some. The nose with its layers of bacon smoke and inky dark fruit aromas engulfed my senses. The flavors were no less intense, vanilla, dark chocolate covered cherries flowed like silk into a finish of oak and dried red fruit flavors. The flavors just kept coming and coming making this a truly exceptional tasting experience.

J Winery Just Delicious, Just Fun, Just Festive, and Just Your Next Must Winery Visit!

WineTalk — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:47:59 GMT

I recently had the pleasure of attending a tasting at J Winery in the Russian River Valley and enjoying a session in their new featured Bubble Room. This state of the art tasting experience is like no other, when you step in it feels like a chic and hip New York club, with a delightful and attentive staff. This room is in addition to the regular tasting bar which has all of the standard wines and the treasures you can only find at the winery. Where the bubble room takes everything to the pinnacle of a tasting experience is that their executive chef Mark Caldwell prepares a six course symphony of foods to pair with the wines. While you are attending the tasting do not be surprised a member of the winemaking team to pop in and say hello. So when you are in the mood for some world class sparkling and still wines make this a must stop on your next visit.

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2007 La Crema Sonoma Chardonnay, California $23

WineTalk — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:10:10 GMT

It is nice to find a chardonnay at this price that does not overdo the oak influence. Oak is like salt and pepper on a meal just the right amount makes a meal terrific and to much can ruin any meal. The aromas and flavors of yellow apples, key limes, and vanilla, melt into a caramel burnt sugar note. All of these flavors together make for a memorable and rich delicious wine without to much oak. It would work perfectly with sea bass or herb rubbed grilled chicken the clean fresh flavors along with the herbs in the rub would draw out all the subtleties in the wine. A terrific under $25 Chardonnay.

2008 Martin Codex Albarino, Spain $15

WineTalk — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:55:16 GMT

When you first smell this wine you will probably think it will be sweet with all the honeysuckle and farmers market ripe melon notes in the air, but when it hits the mouth you get a true symphony of flavors and textures. The sweet nose develops in the mouth with layers ripe fruit especially pear, kiwi, and star fruit. The medium body and acidity temper the fresh fruit notes and make this a very well balanced wine. Terrific with sushi or spicy Thai food, the sweetness and acidity will calm down the hot elements.