Tasting Notes For Friday 11/16/12

Some Thanksgiving history to go with our tasting notes:

NCWC THANKSGIVING WINE TASTING 11/16/12

J VINEYARDS BRUT ROSE
The first Thanksgiving lasted 3 days. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians might have kept going longer if they’d had a few cases of this gorgeous sparkler, which makes a great food wine. The pretty nose shows cranberry and strawberry fruit, then the palate reveals a delicate mousse loaded with those same flavors plus tart cherries and perfect yeastiness. Delicious! 93 points Connoisseur’s Guide. $22.97

EFESTE RIESLING 2010
Ben Franklin wanted the turkey named our national bird, but Thomas Jefferson killed that idea. Perhaps if Ben had bribed Tom with this lovely wine, things would have been different. It is “densely packed and slightly off-dry, with terrific thickness cut by racy acidity. It boasts excellent complexity to the peach, anise, stone and mint flavors, finishing long, tactile and brisk.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer. $15.97

CASAEDA GEWURTZTRAMINER 2011
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, but he condemned innumerable turkeys to death when he established a national date for Thanksgiving in 1863. At least those birds will go down in style if accompanied by this awesome Gewurtztraminer. Zippy and refreshing, this beauty shows notes of peach, citrus, and a little dash of ginger on the dry, snappy finish. 88 points Tobin Brothers. $11.97

BAILEYANA PINOT NOIR 2009
Since 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President with a live turkey, which he always “pardons.” The First Family doesn’t go hungry, though; they also get two dressed turkeys, which will go wonderfully with Pinot Noir. This one “is a very pretty wine that expresses freshness and vibrancy above all else. Sweet red berries, flowers and spices meld together nicely in this lithe, mineral-driven style. I especially like the tension and energy of the finish. This is very much a wine for the dinner table.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $19.97

BONNY DOON CONTRA 2009
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920’s. Bonny Doon winemaker Randall Graham made this blend specifically for food, and it may become a Turkey Day tradition as well. A mix of elegance and muscle, it begins with aromas of ripe raspberries and blackberries. While there’s also plenty of fruit on the palate, decorated with spice notes, the tannins and acidity keep things in balance and always, always ready for the dinner table. 87 points Jim Tobin. $11.97

HIDDEN RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed 86 pounds. You’d need a lot of this Cab to wash that down; fortunately, it’s up to the task! “It’s perfectly ripe, offering an array of blackberries, cherries and currants wrapped into beautifully mature tannins and grounded with a firm minerality. Defines the elegant concentration of a high Mayacamas Mountain Cabernet. Drink now and over the next 10 years, at least.” 94 points Wine Enthusiast. $39.97

YALUMBA MUSCAT DESSERT WINE
Mature turkeys have 3500 feathers, but that’s no help to commercially raised birds, which can’t fly at all. But enough of this liquid dessert will have you flying regardless. This rich, unctuously-textured wine “boasts luscious aromas and flavors of marmalade, figs, chocolate, melted caramel, prunes, and toffee.” This very high quality sweetie is an amazing value! 98 points Wine Advocate. $18.97