Tasting Notes Friday 11/18/11

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 complemented by tart cherries and perfect yeastiness.  Delicious!  93 points Connoisseurs’ Guide.  $19.97.

GINA GALLO SIGNATURE CHARDONNAY 2009

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 carries spicy apple and pear flavors in exceptional balance with restrained oak, a leesy mouthfeel, and perfectly food-friendly acidity. 92 points Robert Parker.  $23.97.

EROICA RIESLING 2008

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 Riesling.  Aromas and flavors of mandarin orange and lime, with hints of pineapple, white stone fruits, and ginger, are balanced by vibrant acidity.  94 points Wine & Spirits, 93 points Connoisseurs’ Guide.  $18.97.

DOMAINE DES ROSIERS MOULIN-A-VENT BEAUJOLAIS 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 Beaujolais.  Moulin-a-Vent is one of 10 Crus, and it’s so much better than Nouveau!  Enjoy its exuberant flavors of cassis and boysenberry with notes of leather and minerals.  91 pts. Wine Enthusiast.  $15.97.

GINA GALLO SIGNATURE PINOT NOIR 2009

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920’s.  With her Signature Series, winemaker Gina Gallo absolutely takes holiday wine traditions to a new level.  This Russian River Pinot is Burgundian in style.  Very balanced and great with food, showing cherry and light vanilla flavors with earthy notes, this is pure liquid elegance.  91 points Robert Parker.  $23.97.

GINA GALLO SIGNATURE CABERNET 2008

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!  Unlike those one-sided “bomb” style Cabs, this one has the balanced acidity to pair beautifully with food.  You’ll love the toasted oak over blackberry and spice, with well-integrated tannins coaxing the fruit across your palate.  This is one classy Cabernet.  93 points Robert Parker.  $23.97.

KLINKER BRICK ZINFANDEL 2008

Mature turkeys have 3500 feathers, but that’s no help to commercially raised birds, which can’t fly at all.  But enough of this Zin will have you flying regardless.  Layers of black cherry, fresh strawberry, sweet vanilla and spice dance all the way through the smooth finish.  88 points Tobins.  $14.97.