I love turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and all of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes but sadly, I wear those dishes for quite a while, post-gorge. I especially enjoy family, loved ones, and dear friends over the holidays. But when it comes down to it, I could entirely forget the holiday meal and just enjoy some great wine. I could dispense with the turkey but not the meaningful social experience of sharing good wine and, the season is upon us already so let the sharing begin.

Hanging with my wonderful wife, my great brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew give me a lot to be thankful for. We four adults have had numerous and very memorable wine experiences together and although this year may not be as grandiose as other wine explorations, it will be decent. Sharing good wine is always rewarding to me, as is the ensuing and deep conversation about wine.

So here’s what’s on deck this Thanksgiving:

-        LaSirena Muscat, 2006

This is Heidi Barrett’s label and of course Heidi was responsible for making all of the great vintages of the very famous (and incredibly expensive) Screaming Eagle. This is vinified bone dry so there are fabulous tropical fruit and grapefruit notes as I recall, very nice complexity, and a long, clean finish thanks to its crisp acidity. It really drinks perfect with turkey.

-        Louis Latour Volnay En Chevret Premier Cru, 2005

This red Burgundy is young and on the more muscular side but the vintage was so good and the fruit so ripe that it was drinkable and enjoyable almost upon release. It should compliment nicely the bolder flavored dishes that will be passed around the table. I’ll be happy to have another go at this because, as I remember it, the wine was very deep and rich with a powerfully long and flavorful finish and it’s been three years or more since I’ve cracked one open so it should be even better this year.

-        Château Doisy-Védrines, 1988

Second Growth Bordeaux from the Barsac appellation, this dessert wine should be in its perfect drinking window right now. The color is fairly deep amber at this time, which indicates that it is aging as expected - these great wines are somewhat pale upon release and darken with age and become ever more complex. We’ll serve it up with the classic pairing of fresh bleu cheese – this is a dessert to savor.

-        Château Gruaud Larose, 1989

Second Growth Bordeaux from the St Julien appellation, this wine is one of my all-time favorites in many vintages and is still a very reasonable bargain, I believe, because it never made it on the list of Robert Parker’s so-called ‘Super-Seconds’. That list made superstars out of a few Second Growth Bordeaux and drove their prices higher and although I very much enjoy the Super-Seconds, Gruaud Larose offers nothing less than any other Second Growth. This will be for later in the evening I suspect, but will likely deliver smoky, beautiful black fruit with a gorgeous bouquet, palate, and finish. Really there’s nothing left to ask for in a fine wine – I’m a huge fan of this châtaux.

These wines may be considered modest by the great trophy-wine standards of the world but I don’t have to drink First Growth Bordeaux, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Burgundy, or a Château d’Yqum to be happy or enjoy wine. I am truly grateful to my family, and friends (which certainly includes my wine friends) and have every reason to give thanks to many, including you, dear readers.

I’d like to know what everyone else is drinking for the all-important feast this year – please send me your lineup. I wish you a great and safe Thanksgiving holiday filled with wine and loved ones.