Having drank a bottle of the Laird Cabernet Sauvignon and loving it, I had rather high expectations for the Laird Chardonnay and it did not disappoint. I have tried more Chardonnays than any other varietal so I know what I like and this Chardonnay I like.
Gold color in the glass with aromas of smokey white cheddar, toasty vanilla and subtle oak. On the Palate creamy butter, toasted pineapple, crisp apple. hints of lemon and grilled peaches. Excellent Chardonnay will purchase again.
This wine would pair well with Braised Pork & Pearl Onions with Grapes, Pan Roasted Scallops or Roasted Chicken.
I had been meaning to try this Rioja wine for some time and finally last week I did. It had or year or better in my cellar. It is 100% Tempranillo.
Predicador is the inexpensive wine that Benjamin Romeo brought onto the market in 2005. Benjamin Rome is a cult winemaker in Rioja (Cult wines are those for which dedicated groups of committed enthusiasts will pay large sums of money. These wines are often seen as trophy wines to be collected or as investment wine to be held rather than consumed.) Benjamin Rome is responsible for such amazing wines as Contador, La Cueva de Contador, La Viña de Andrés, all priced around $120 or higher. The English translation for the Spanish word Predicador is Preacher which I found interesting.
The color of this wine is dark purple, typical for Rioja wines. On the nose sweet cherry, spicy oak nose…really intense and attractive though not super complex. On the palate, intense, smooth mouth feel, very fresh acidity. Vanilla and cherry fruit, a bit of spice. Really long finish with lots of ripe, silky tannins. Fruit lasts long as well.
