Tasting Room
Thanksgiving RedsWINE OF THE WEEK
Echelon Vineyards
2005 California - Pinot Noir ($14)
A feminine pinot with a soft texture. Notes of black cherry, tobacco, smoke and root beer.The bright fruitiness works well with the earthiness of Thanksgiving yams and herbal components of the stuffing.
2005 Sonoma County - Pinot Noir ($11)
Slightly controversial. Proponents liked its fruit-forward style. Detractors didn't like the alcohol. Not a great turkey match.
2005 Pinnacles Ranches, Monterey - Pinot Noir ($15)
An elegant, earthy pinot. Notes of raspberry, cherry cola and vanilla. A good match with turkey and the side dishes.
2003 Anderson Valley - Pinot Noir ($35)
The panel concluded the pinot was undermined by off aromas and flavors. Two bottles were tasted.
2005 Julienas, France - Beaujolais ($16)
A bold, spicy beaujolais. Aromas and flavors of plum, raspberry and pepper. A lovely match with turkey.
2005 Verna's Estate, California - Pinot Noir ($24)
A fairly rich pinot, with notes of black cherry, spice and ripe plum. Earthy. Marries well with roasted turkey.
2005 France - Beaujolais ($12)
Aromas and flavors of rose petal, meat, green plum and tangy cranberry. The turkey improved the wine's flavors.
2005 Russian River Valley - Pinot Noir ($26)
Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and mint. An average match with turkey.
2005 Garnet, Carneros - Pinot Noir ($20)
A savory style of pinot. Aromas and flavors of dark cherry, cola and spice. A good match with turkey and stuffing.
TASTING PANEL: Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne Winery; Tom Simoneau, KSRO's "Wine Guy," radio's Ziggy Eschliman, the "Wine Gal;" and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com