Zig's 2012 Thanksgiving Wine Picks:

Thanksgiving Wine Sponsors:
200+ Wines were entered this year from 7 countries! A panel of 15 judges tasted the wines blindly - each one together with turkey to see what really goes. Of course, the dessert wines were tasted to pair with pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and as a stand alone dessert wine. In all, the wines were terrific across the board. There were some big surprises, which is why we love blind tastings! It was a hard decision but the results are really amazing. Noted by each wine are the descriptors given to me by the judges for each wine.

Bubbly

Gloria Ferrer, Blanc de Noirs, Sonoma- Carneros, srp $20-
Wild Strawberry, Guava, Toast, Lush, Creamy
www.gloriaferrer.com

-TIED WITH-

Barefoot, Moscato, California srp $9.99
Cranfruit, blissful big bubbles, Juicy Strawberry, Fun, Mouth Party
www.barefootcellars.com

Rosé Wine

2011 Merriam Vineyards, Rosé, Sonoma County, srp $18-
Earthy, Cranberry, Dusty Raspberry, Crisp and Savory
www.merriamvineyards.com

White Wine

2011 Davis Bynum, Chardonnay, River West Vineyard, Russian River Valley, srp $25-
Appley-Pear, Fleshy, Tropical, Citrus, Honeysuckle-Popsicle, Creamy Vanilla
www.davisbynum.com

Red Wine

2009 Starmont, Merlot, Napa Valley, srp $26-
Dark Cherry, Herbed Plum, Currant, Bay Leaf, Smooth-n-Sexy
www.starmontwines.com

-TIED WITH-

2010 Peterson Winery, Zinfandel, Bernier Zinyard, Dry Creek Valley, srp $28-
Spiced Berries, Cherry Tobacco, An Adventure, Awesome Black Fruits, Tasty
www.petersonwinery.com

Dessert Wine

2011 Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Late Harvest Muscat, Bartolucci Vineyard, Lake County, srp $25
Apricot, Citrus, Spice, Floral, Sexy, Seductive, Beautifully Balanced
www.bonterra.com

-TIED WITH-

2009 Russian River Vineyards, Botrytis Chardonnay, Mendocino Co., srp $41/$82
Apple Blossom, Sweet Love, Yummy, Dessert in a Glass, Wildflower-n-Herb
available in 375ml and 750ml
www.russianrivervineyards.com

...And the Runners-Up.....

It seems that with more than 200 wines it is only fair to list the excellent wines that paired great with turkey that were "runner up" or wines that made it to the final round.

2011 McNab, Rosé of Syrah, Mendocino Co $12-
2011 Wente, Chardonnay, Riva Ranch, Arroyo Seco, $19.99
2011 McManis, Viognier, California $10.99
2011 Navarro, Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley $19.50
2011 Ironstone "Obsession" Symphony, California $8-
2011 Red Car, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast $38-
2006 Palmeri, Syrah, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley $34-
2010 J.Rickards, Malbec, Ashley's Vines, Alexander Valley $26-
2009 Cesar Toxqui Cellars, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $34-
2010 Navarro, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley $19.50
2010 Lost Canyon, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $45-
2010 Davis Bynum, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $35-
2010 Murrieta's Well, The Spur, Livermore Valley $24.99