Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer 2005

9 1/4 Screwcaps

So Thanksgiving is around the corner and you don't know what to get? BUY THIS GEWURZTRAMINER!!!! OK, let's start out by saying it correctly. Sound it out: "ga-VERTS-tra-mener," or in short you can say "ga-VERTS." People seem to walk into the misconception that chardonnay is the key wine for Thanksgiving and that is ok, but remember, with turkey, you are also having stuffing, cranberry, yams and other flavors. Nothing can bring these flavors out like a solid Gewurz, especially from the people at Zind Humbrecht. This wine has flavors of melon, honey and slate, which enhance fruits and vegetables. PLUS, the spiciness of the stuffing is complemented perfectly with the subtle touch of sweetness in the wine. (By the way, for that reason, Gewurz is also amazing with Asian Cuisine!) Turkey will melt in your mouth with this wine. Serve it cool, but not cold.

Ch. Haut-Bages Liberal, Pauillac 2004

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Mid-priced Bordeaux with high quality isn't the toughest item to find, but it isn't always easy on this side of the Atlantic. My example for this superb quality is Haut-Bages Liberal from the Left Bank of the Medoc River. Cabernet leads with Merlot and Petit Verdot as supporting characters, which when combined form a black currant, blackberry, minerality and peppery taste with a nose of plum, slight bacon and a hint of cherry. Try this wine with either a New York Strip or some Gruyere or Comte. You won't regret it!

Palin Syrah 2006

8 Screwcaps

Oh you betcha this is a nice syrah. You can drink this while looking at Russia from your house! Oh, it has a nice black cherry and coffee aroma with a great maverick taste of cherries, minerals and licorice. You can drink this now or wait as long as 4 more years to enjoy this Chilean wine, valued at $17.00. Try it with Manchego Cheese or any type of glazed moose...I mean, pork.