Thanksgiving Surprises,

Saturday, November 17th, 2pm

Thanksgiving dinner is a wonderful meal filled with a whole cornucopia of flavors. And each year it raises the question of what to drink with it. This Saturday we have lined up a number of answers, some classic like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and others a bit more unexpected like Washington Tempranillo, all of them guaranteed to enliven the big meal. We’ve stuck close to home as all the wines are from the Northwest. Come see what suits your dinner. If you’ve already got the wine for the big day figured out, come anyway. These wines are good year round.
 
2011 Tori Mor, Pinot Gris $14
From Dundee, Oregon this lower alcohol Pinot Gris has a forward aroma of succulent peaches, licorice, and flowers. Its crisp acidity nicely accents hints of green apple and lush blossoms emphasizing a distinct mineral quality. The finish is long and lean, with spiciness throughout. It should cut the cranberries quite nicely.
 
2010 Forgeron, Chardonnay $25
96% Chardonnay, 4% Grenache Blanc
From her winery in Walla Walla, imported winemaker Marie-Eve turns out this tasty Columbia Valley Chardonnay. Peach and pear take center stage with gentle hints of oak, caramel apple, and floral perfume, it is balanced with the pretty acids of apricot, star fruit and ruby red grapefruit flavors. Its richness is balanced by good acidity and light minerality and can stand up to the stuffing and gravy.
 
2010 Cristom, Mt. Jefferson Cuvée, Pinot Noir $30
Outside of Salem Oregon, Cristom turns out some classic Pinots that get rave reviews. “Light, bright red. Red berry and floral scents are complemented by cinnamon and black tea. Racy and light on its feet, offering vibrant redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a touch of bitter herbs. Finishes tangy and lucid, leaving spice and floral notes behind.” –Steven Tanzer
 
2010 Idillico, Tempranillo $20
Idillico is Spanish Native and Washington resident Javier Alfonso’s lable that focuses of Spanish varrietals. Washington may be Tempranillo’s home away from home. The wine shows dark fruits, herbs and soy followed by a long and smooth pass over the tounge. Only 120 cases produced, but that should last through dinner.
 
2008 Forgeron, Merlot $30
86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon
A rich meal deserves a rich wine. The Forgeron Merlot has abundant aromas of clove, boysenberry, lilac & brown sugar. It has an amazing mix of concentrated ripe fruit, spicy notes of mineral & earth combined with lively acids. Forgeron only made 122 cases of the Merlot. Pass the gravy.

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