KENNEWICK — It's time for round two of picking wines for the Thanksgiving meal, which offers an opportunity to explore and enjoy predictable and surprising elements of wine and food match-ups.
And for budget-minded consumers, it's a great time to shop because many supermarkets and other wine outlets offer special prices for wine for the holidays.
In addition, Mid-Columbia wineries have special events and are a good way to explore the wine world, either in person or on the web. So, here are a few more nominees:
Hedges 2007 CMS Red, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- An approachable, easy-drinking wine, this offers nice berry aromas and flavors, plus essences of oak and a smooth finish. It will go well with old tom turkey and dark giblet gravy.
K Vintners 2008 K Viognier, Columbia Valley, $18-$20 -- Its clean, crisp orange flavors with a hint of jasmine will match nicely with cranberry and orange relish and some nice white meat from the turkey breast.
Alexandria Nicole 2007 Back Room Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $14 -- This crisp rosé made from Cabernet Franc sports floral aromas and light berry flavors. Try it with warm turkey breast and fresh, crushed cranberries.
McKinley Springs nonvintage Bombing Range Red, Horse Heaven Hills, $16 -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah blend into a smooth, mellow wine with plum and cherry components.
Stimson Estates nonvintage Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State, $10-$12 -- This comes in a double-size bottle for a big crowd. It's approachable and offers juicy, lovely berry and black currant characteristics. And it's fine for the whole turkey.
Three Rivers 2006 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19 -- Come-drink-me aromas lead to nice oak and bing cherry overtones. If a baked ham or beef roast is on the same table, this a good match. If not, carve off some meat from the thighs or drumsticks.
Barnard Griffin 2006 or 2007 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $15-$17 -- Whether you find the 2006 or the 2007, both are complex, lush wines offering vanilla, spice and herb aromas backed by cherry and plum flavors. Once you're past the shrimp cocktail, these will complement almost anything on the table.
Snoqualmie 2008 Winemaker's Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $6-$9 -- Loaded with aromas and flavors, including apricots, lemons and honey. Glazed sweet potatoes will pair with this.
Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine, Columbia Valley, $12 -- Right now it can be found for about $8 at some outlets. A crisp, pink-hued delight, it offers zippy cherry flavors and will be just right throughout the meal, starting with a shrimp cocktail and going all the way to pumpkin pie. But count on needing a second bottle for the pie, because the first won't stretch that far unless you're setting a table for only two or three.
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.
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