Galloping Toward Thanksgiving!

The week ended and the weekend slipped by so quickly that I had no time to blog about Jeff's suggestions for Thanksgiving wine, but I will NOT let another day go by without sharing last Thursday's offerings:

2008 DAEDULUS BLANC 'JEZEBEL'~~ From an extremely small winery in Dundee Oregon in the heart of the Williamette Valley, comes our white wine pick. Only 845 cases were produced of this charming blend of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling that can flourish with Turkey or quiet the masses as an apertif. A nose of peach and honeysuckle gives promise to a palate full of crisp honeydew melon, granny smith apple and almond that teases with just a hint of sweetness. The finish highlights show a balance of acid and structure found in what Oregon can do and do well. Although it works very well in late November, don't think this pleasing little selection wouldn't work the other 11 months of the year. (MY NOTE: This was a very nice white wine, a little more robust -- if you can ever call white wine "robust" -- than what you would expect. It would definitely hold its own with a Thanksgiving feast.)

2008 APOLLONI 'LAURINE' PINOT NOIR~~ Also coming out of the wonderful and famed Williamette Valley, here is a stand out on what is probably Oregon's best known grape. Cooler growing conditions really highlight what has always been considered the 'hardest grape to grow' and mix that with a little winemaker savvy, and you get a true crowd pleaser. Using Dijon and Pommard clones (considered some of French Burgundy's finest) and 100% French Oak, this Northwest native brings an abundance of possibilities to the table. A nose of earthy dark berry and mushrooms gives way to a palate of blackberry, coffee and sweet smoky vanilla that all meld into one whale of a sip. Finishing strong and tight, this beguiling fusion of happiness and satisfaction can bring out some of the best of what you decide to put with your Turkey or Ham. (MY NOTE: Excellent choice; great pinot. But read on . . .)

2007 K VINTNERS 'THE DEAL' SUNDANCE VINEYARD SYRAH~~ Folks, if you have never showed up at one of our Thursday Night Soiree's yet, this should give you more than enough reason. Famed winemaker (and certified crazy) Charles Smith has a gift of making what some of the greatest Wine Critics consider the finest Syrahs on the planet. Getting no arguement from me, this borderline Masterpiece approachs perfection on nearly ever level. It delivers more aromatically and on the palate than just about any big red. Bacon, game, lavender, incense, and blueberry scents jump from the glass and tease with true conviction and intrigue. Velvety on the palate with layered dark fruit, succulent blueberry and cassis flavors with a plethora of spice notes, not to mention impeccable balance, this pleasure-bent Syrah shows what grape juice in the hands of a true artist could and should be. The only problem may be that it can almost make you forget about the Turkey.
Robert Parker, Jr~~~94 POINTS (MY NOTE: Awesome wine. We bought a bottle but are going to save it for a special meal, perhaps a tenderloin. It really stands out.)