Thanksgiving Wine Picks

The '06 Pinot Noir from J Vineyards has sourced its grapes from Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, known for producing some of California's best Pinot Noir fruit. This sets some lofty expectations and J Vineyards fully delivers on several fronts. First the nose sets the tone with ripe cherry, earth and a blend of warm, brown spice. On the palate silky, elegance showcases unmistakable presentations of strawberry, cranberry and cherry fruit driven on by well-honed acidity and a lovely vanilla-laden finish. If you are looking to experience a Pinot Noir that delivers what it promises, then look no further than the '06 offering from J Vineyards.

Penfold's Bin 28 '06 Shiraz is an incredibly well-priced gem for what the bottle presents. On the nose, expect dark, ripe fruit and vanilla spice. The palate begins with the lush fruit flavors of blackberry, cranberry and cherry laced with spiced mocha. Well-established tannins, a gripping profile and a generous finish, make this a winning wine to pair with roasted turkey.

I love how Gewurztraminer pairs with herb-filled stuffing and roasted turkey, the acidity cuts through the fluff of flavors with steely authority and puts all of the competing flavors in a complementary line. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer does exactly this with its characteristic spicy aromas and compelling grapefruit and orange nuances set against a backdrop of riveting minerality. Certainly a wine to showcase amidst the tangy flavors of Thanksgiving sides.

The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Montes is an ultra-crisp, citrus-filled, medium-bodied white wine. Fantastic acidity makes it a top-pick for its food-pairing flexibility - definitely one to consider for effortlessly handling the cacophony of flavors presented on Turkey Day.

A medium-bodied wine with plenty of fresh fruit flavor and perfectly poised acidity to engage your palate. The flavor profile runs through bright cherry and strawberry and then takes a turn towards tobacco and earth-driven herb. A sturdy tannic backbone provides the structure and endurance to give this red wine a leg up on pairing with hearty fare.

This is a remarkable Zinfandel with all of the hallmarks of a "keeper" vintage. I love that it shows that Zinfandel oomph, but also realizes a balance of elegance, complexity and purity of varietal fruit character through and through. You'll notice ambitious plum on the palate but reigned in by the more subtle flavors of blackberry, mocha and sage. A versatile wine that is well-equipped to take on turkey and sides with ease.

The Zind-Humbrecht Riesling from the Alsace region of France is a dynamite wine all the way around. It starts with fresh, sliced pineapple on the nose and moves on to grapefruit in the glass. This is a crisp wine with delicious acidity and a vibrant, full flavor finish.

A beautifully balanced rosé wine from Tavel, an AOC in the southern Rhone that is known for their exclusive dibs on rosés. This rosé is a tasty, light-bodied Rhone blend (50% Grenache) with the juicy flavors of strawberry and cranberry on the forefront and a dash of citrus on the palate. Maison Bouachon (an offshoot of Robert Skalli) brings consumers a fresh, well-made rosé from southern France. Rosé wines are among the most versatile wines around and offer a resilient, food-friendly addition to the Thanksgiving table.

Oregon's King Estate is known for their stellar Pinot Gris and the 2007 vintage definitely lives up to the reputation. You'll find that citrus and tropical tones take palate precedence with a touch of creaminess displayed mid-palate and finishing with solid acidity. A delight to serve on Turkey Day.

The Jaboulet Cotes du Rhone "Parallele 45" is a consistent Grenache-Syrah based blend year in and year out. The 2006 vintage has plenty of palate appeal, with cherry and blackberry dominating the fruit profile and an attractive smoke and earth contingent supporting the fruit. You can expect beautiful balance, subtle, silky tannins and a nice smooth finish. This is a very welcoming medium-bodied red wine that will play well with many traditional Thanksgiving meals.