The Perfect Complement: Beverage expert helps you pick your next sip

2009 Kendall-Jackson Summation, California; $17

Eight grapes make up this white blend's composition: sauvignon blanc, viognier, chardonnay, semillon, roussanne, pinot blanc, riesling and muscat canelli. Each grape adds a unique flavor and aroma to the finished wine, which is a true crowd-pleaser. It starts with a beautiful nose of honeysuckle and melon with hints of ripe lemon that perfectly carry over to the mouth. The flavors dance across the tongue with notes of vanilla, dried apricot and cantaloupe that slowly dissipate and let a soft acidity surface to keep all the flavors fresh and clean. The finish shows subtle notes of oak and spice balanced by lemon zest. It makes any meal a feast.

BEER

Rogue Ales Brewery Shakespeare Stout, Oregon; $6

This is a terrific black stout that delivers flavors on nearly as many levels as words in one of the famous bard's plays. It starts with a healthy nose of hops and roasted coffee beans with a subtle note of chocolate and cream. When this treasure hits the mouth you get a load of espresso flavors along with a subtle earthiness. The hops later resurface with light citrus flavors on the back of the tongue. The finish lets all the dark flavors dance on the taste buds and the bitterness cleans the palate for the next sip. It's perfect with a great stew or a beef Wellington.

SPIRIT

Medea Vodka, Holland; $40

Besides being clean and smooth, this vodka has a really cool feature -- it displays up to six lines of text flashing across a programmable electronic ticker on the bottle. Think of the fun this will make at your next party or special occasion. Now on to the flavors: It starts with a soft and clean nose with a delicate hint of vanilla and slate, which flows into a clean and crisp mouth feel. There's no burn, and it has a smooth, soft finish. It's excellent on the rocks, with a twist or mixed into a martini or cosmopolitan.

Lain Bradford of Beaufort is a wine writer and reviewer who has achieved his first level master sommelier certificate and is working toward his Certified Wine Educator degree. He only writes about beverages that are available in South Carolina and Georgia. Follow him on Twitter under the name "winereview."