Which of these California red wines are the best wine recommendations for Thanksgiving in your opinion?

4 Comments

1. mark says:

   February 9, 2010 at 11:03 am

   I like a nice Red Zin but honestly Thanksgiving is the traditional beginning of Beaujolais Nouveau. I would give the new Beaujolais a go on Thanksgiving. It’s available beginning Saturday before Thanksgiving in case you want to give it a try before committing to serving it on Thanksgiving. The two brands I like are Labour Roi and Debouf
2. Fred S says:

   February 9, 2010 at 11:03 am

   Zin or Syrah, and here’s why -

   Pinot is a very mild wine, with subtle falvors that will get drowned out in acacophany of strong flavors on a Thanksgiving table. Merlot also will have difficulty standing up, though there is enough of a range of styles in Merlot today that you could fine one you like with 14% or greater alcohol it might do (more alcohol means they used riper grapes, which means more flavor – though sometimes over-ripe merlot can be harsh – most merlots will be 13.5% or so).

   Zin and Syrah tend to have the higher concentrations of flavor. California Syrah tends to be "juicier," and Red Zin tends to be drier and spicer, so the syle you prefer is the one should pick. Try Bogle’s Phantom (red zin blend) or Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend (Syrah blend from Australia, made in a Calfornia style). Seghesio and Ridge would be other good zin choices.

   Also note (re: the guy above) – Beaujolais Nouveau is available on the third Thursday in November every year – it is a light, juicey/fruity wine that works fine for a crowd. Look for George DuBouef.
3. Lisa H says:

   February 9, 2010 at 11:03 am

   Pinot NOir is the quintessential Thanksgiving wine. It goes very well with the sweet and savory things that are usually present on Turkey Day. It isn’t too heavy for the turkey, but would stand up well to ham, stuffing, candied yams etc.

   I would probably serve either Cambria Julias’ Pinot NOir or KJ Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir.

   As a second choice I would do either a Red Zinfandel like Ravenswood or Cline Cellars or maybe a Beaujolais Noveau. Beringer makes a Noveau that comes out at thanksgiving time.
4. Kathy H says:

   February 9, 2010 at 11:03 am

   Pinot Noir complements a variety of dishes making it a top Thanksgiving wine selection where dinner often means a diverse group of dishes contributed by different family members. Pinot Noir is a smooth silky red wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy.

   A wonderful Pinot would be:
   Hartford Court 2005 Lands Edge Pinot Noir
   Balanced acidity, layers of complexity and firm tannins will allow for long and graceful aging of this highly expressive, inaugural vintage of Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir. Complex aromas of ripe cherries, violets and cedar are followed by flavors of perfectly ripe, firm black cherries, mixed red and black berries. Allspice and coffee notes complement a long, multi-faceted finish in this exciting, new Hartford Court Pinot Noir. This wine is a silky delight that will go well with your Thanksgiving turkey. Rated 96 by Wine Enthusiast.($44.99)