Rhône Blends, Carignane, Grenache, Oregon Pinot Noir, and Other Reds for Thanksgiving
I created two lists of my favorite Thanksgiving wine choices, and I received comments that I neglected some possible excellent decisions from what I have tasted this year. I went back to my spreadsheet and found 10 wines that would be outstanding. This list includes wines I highly recommend
The Outstanding Nicolas-Jay L’Ensemble Pinot Noir 2019
The Grounded Wine Co. Paso Robles Public Radio Grenache - Syrah 2018 is a lovely and affordable wine for Thanksgiving
I created two lists of my favorite Thanksgiving wine choices, and I received comments that I neglected some possible excellent decisions from what I have tasted this year. I went back to my spreadsheet and found 10 wines that would be outstanding. This list includes wines I highly recommend.
· Amor Fati Grenache, Santa Maria Valley, Murmur Vineyard 2019 A vivid wine exploding with bright raspberries and nicely weighted on the palate. Yes, it should do well with slices of turkey topped with tangy cranberries (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail: $70
· Cristom Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2020 I did neglect Oregon with my first list of Thanksgiving recommendations (sorry!). This wine drinks exceptionally well. I have been a fan of Cristom for more than a decade, and I taste the wines nearly every year. Pleasing red and black fruits, slightly elevated on the palate; smooth and frisky in the finish; nice wine at the beginning of the feast that one can stay with throughout the meal. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail: $36
· Carol Shelton Carignane, Alexander Valley, Oat Valley Vineyard 2016 I tasted this wine in January with a bunch of wine judges, including winemaker/proprietor Carol Shelton, in a hotel party room. While the noise was loud, this wine spoke quietly with persistence. Bright and sassy; bright fruitiness, lively acidity; excellent for food lovers at a meal setting full of extraneous noise. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail: $28
· Grounded Wine Co. Public Radio Grenache – Syrah, Paso Robles 2018 Owner/Winemaker Josh Phelps is making some of California's most exciting wines and many at affordable prices. This wine is exceptionally fragrant with aromas of red fruit, mineral notes, and chalkiness; packed on the palate with a fine lift in the finish, it should rock with foodies at the dinner table. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail: $25
· Nicolas-Jay L’Ensemble Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 This could be my #1 wine of 2022. I still have 500 or more wines to taste, but it is my favorite as of this writing. Ever since I attended the launch of this winery, I became a fan. This wine is in a class by itself. Red and black fruits, dried leaves, earth, and authenticity abound; it is slightly elevated and lasts long on the palate, perfect if you have wine geeks and professionals at the grand feast. (My Score: 96 Points) Suggested Retail: $70
· The Ojai Vineyard Grenache, Sta. Rita Hills, John Sebastiano Vineyard 2019 I have followed this winery since its inception, and the wines always impress me. This wine shows excellent precision; active red fruits stay bright from beginning to end, another excellent choice for foodies at the table. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail: $30
· Skylark Red Belly Syrah – Carignane – Grenache, Mendocino County I tasted six wines from this winery at the Springboard Wine trade tasting, and this wine, along with the others, stood out. A Rhône Valley grape variety blend, this wine is one of California's best red wine values. Excellent and energetic red fruits, nicely textured and easy on the palate. Family and friends will like it. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $20
· Vermillion Red Wine, Sonoma County – Sierra Foothills 2018 A winery that I am familiar with, I found this wine satisfying. Black fruits, some dried spices; good weight on the palate, a hint of tannins; black fruits and licorice in the finish. Should do well with turkey dark meat. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail: $50
· Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Westside Neighbors 2020 I rarely pass up a chance to taste the Williams Selyem wines. This dazzling wine is complete; crushed berries, oaky notes, slightly tannic; bright fruit in the finish. If you have wine aficionados amongst your guests, this wine is the ticket to their joy. (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail: $115
I hope I enticed you with this list of ten American wines perfect for a Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving!
Outrageously good - The Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2020!
