Thanksgiving Wine

[lsethi]

I am in charge of purchasing wine for a traditional thanksgiving dinner (app. of shrimp with cocktail sauce, salmon pate, and artichoke fondue and a dinner of turkey, stuffing, etc.). I used to drink a lot of wine, but haven't really kept up with good vintages/producers. I have already decided I would like to go with a pairing of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with dinner. I know for example that a '94 oregon pinot would be great, but would cost me an arm and a leg (and would be really hard to find). What I really need help with is suggestions on vintages/producers for the wine which I might find (and be able to afford) as well as a wine to go with the appertizers. Any help would be much appreciated.

[This message has been edited by lsethi (edited 11-24-1999).]

[Jerry D Mead]

Artichokes hate wine, but the rest of your appetizers would go nicely with a Champagne Rose or a California Blanc de Noirs Sparkling.

For a moderately priced Pinot that will do your bird proud and that is widely available and moderately priced...check out Meridian.

A value Chardonnay that I'm very high on at the moment is Stonehedge 1998 "Barrel Fermented." It's about $10 a bottle.

[This message has been edited by Wine Curmudgeon (edited 11-24-1999).]

[Randy Caparoso]

Yikes, times a wastin'. Good, widely available, low priced Pinot Noir ($16 and under) is definitely hard to find. In my opinion, Rex Hill "King's Ridge," Erath, Mirassou, Olivet Lane, and Napa Ridge are as good as it gets for the price. And hey, in the pinch, Kendall-Jackson is not bad either -- slightly smoky and sweetly spiced.

As for Chardonnay, the best deals under $11 for me are Heron from California and Veramonte from Chile. Gallo also does a great job under its Indigo Hills and Turning Leaf labels. Fetzer and EOS are also pretty solid. Those are the best recent finds for me.