10 Pinot Noirs for Thanksgiving 2022
Hey Wilfred, my parents are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. This is the menu; please help me choose the right wine
my darling Alice’s turkey in the oven (November 2021)
Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018
When I was on the floor selling wines over three decades ago to customers at Ashbury Market, I always felt it was my responsibility to choose the perfect wines for our customers and their needs and occasions. I did this daily and received their thumbs up or down (usually favorable). On the calendar, The Thanksgiving dinner required the most attention. Choosing the right wines and careful attention to details. I had to understand what each customer was accustomed to drinking and who their guests were for this important meal.
Here is my list of 10 Pinot Noirs for Thanksgiving (in alphabetical order):
· Amor Fati Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Murmur Vineyard 2019 I was slightly familiar with this winery when I tried it on August 23, 2022. Production of 265 cases, this wine was authentic with flavors of red and black fruit accented with notes of savory spices, dried leaves, and earthiness. Should be excellent for those who enjoy wines that are designed to play a background role to the meal at hand. (My Score 92 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $64
· Carpe Diem Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2018 I have enjoyed my share of vintages of this wine, and the 2018 vintage are one of their best wines to date. Bright with aromas of cranberries and tart raspberries, and lively on the palate. This wine is designed with food in mind as it never overwhelms the food served. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail: $35
· Cobb, Sonoma Coast, Doc’s Ranch Vineyard Pommard & 114 Selection 2018 One of my favorite wines of the year, this wine offers a wild ride with strawberries and mineral notes. Owner/Winemaker Ross Cobb is a zealot in making wines. He is as pure to cause as one can be. If you and your company are good with stretching the limits of your food and wine experiences, this is the choice. This producer’s wines are some of the most sought-after wines among wine professionals. (My Score: 96 Points) Suggested Retail: $80
· Chanson Père et Fils Beaune Clos des Marconnets Premier Cru I always find myself fortunate to taste this domaine’s wine annually. When I tasted this in February 2022, I was impressed! Full depth, rich from start to finish; ripe berries; satisfying on the palate; so much going on. This is the one to find for those who want excitement at the dinner table. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail: $80
· Laroque Pinot Noir, Cité de Carcassonne 2020 For the budget minded, this straightforward wine could be the best choice. When guests are made primarily of non-wine types, this works well. Ripe fruit, savory spices, and rustic earth flavors abound. Perfect with a full-fledged Thanksgiving dinner and easy to drink. (My Score: 89 Points) Suggested Retail: $12.00
· Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, 2018 I have followed this wine since the early 1970s. I usually taste the wines upon their release, and I have a few after years of age. The 2018 vintage features chalky notes with hints of red and blueberries. Its sandalwood finish pulls it all together in the end. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail: $75.00
· Migration Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2020 Migration, one of the most recognized Pinot Noir producers in the wine trade, is consistently fine. This vintage deftly combines red fruit and minerality. Its bright finish is enticing. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail: $44.00
· Rapaura Springs Pinot Noir, Marlborough – New Zealand 2019 For those who love New Zealand wines, this wine is as delicious. Fresh berries, alive on the palate and lively in the finish. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail: $27.00
· Rayburn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2021 Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley is home to some of the world’s top Pinot Noirs. Focused red fruit; excellent palate presence; straightforward with shading of oak. Great value! (My Score: 89 Points) Suggested Retail: $25.00
· St. Francis Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2019 A surprise entry for me. I have tasted other grape varieties this winery has produced, but Pinot Noir was not on my radar. When I tasted this in July, I was happy to discover that I can Pinot Noir to my annual target-to-taste. Bright with red fruit and light spices, excellent balance, and a delicate note in the finish. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail: $22.00
Give them a follow: https://www.toothandnailwine.com/collections/amor_fati
The persistent 2019 Amor Fati Santa Maria Murmur Vineyard Pinot Noir from Tooth and Nail Wine Company
