There is no doubt in our minds that some food-and-wine pairings are spectacular, creating a “wow factor.” We have experienced this explosion of flavors at winemakers’ dinners and at many special restaurants.
That being said, we are also strong believers that people should have whatever varieties of wine they want, including for special occasions. Our preference for Thanksgiving happens to be robust red wines – some with a bit of funk, such as 2009 Reynvaan In the Rocks Syrah, and some that are rich and smooth, such as 2009 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon, which we experienced for the first time at Taste of Tulalip last weekend.
In addition to those two beauties, here are the wines (in alphabetical order) that we are considering opening this Thanksgiving – all are from Washington unless otherwise noted:
- Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2010 Mr. Big Petite Sirah
- Avennia 2010 Sestina
- Barrage Cellars 2009 Outcast Cabernet Franc
- Burrowing Owl 2009 Cabernet Franc (B.C.)
- Cooper Wine Company 2008 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
- Efeste 2009 Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon
- Fidelitas 2008 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Forgeron 2009 Primitivo
- Gilbert Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc
- Goosecross Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet (Napa Valley)
- Guardian Cellars 2009 Gun Metal Red Bordeaux Blend
- Hall 2006 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- JM Cellars 2009 Margaret’s Vineyard Estate Red
- K&M Wine 2009 Cuvee (Oregon)
- Ken Wright Cellars 2007 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir (Oregon)
- L’Ecole 41 2008 Perigee
- Long Shadows 2007 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon
- Mark Ryan 2009 Dead Horse Red Bordeaux Blend
- Northwest Totem Cellars 2009 Qo-ne’
- Obelisco 2009 Electrum Cabernet Sauvignon
- Plumpjack 2008 CADE Cuvee Cab (Napa Valley)
- Seven of Hearts Wine 2010 GSM (Oregon)
- Seven of Hearts 2010 Chateaux Figareaux Cabernet Franc (Oregon)
- Tinhorn Creek 2010 Cabernet Franc (B.C.)
- Va Piano 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- William Church 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Woodhouse Wine Estates 2006 Dussek Cabernet Sauvignon
What’s on your list of Thanksgiving wines?
Cheers!