21st ANNUAL HOLIDAY WINE PICKS

16 Judges tasted through dozens and dozens of wines to determine what wine is the best value Sparkling, White and Red wine under $15, as well as what is the best high end Sparkling, White and Red wine over $35. SEE RESULTS >

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Zig's 2011 Thanksgiving Wine Picks:

Thanksgiving Wine Sponsors:

275 Wines were entered this year from 8 countries! A panel of 18 judges tasted the wines blindly - each one together with turkey to see what really goes. Of course, the dessert wines were tasted to pair with pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and as a stand alone dessert wine. In all, the wines were terrific across the board. There were some big surprises, (like Toad Hollow, not once but twice?!) which is why we love blind tastings! It was a hard decision but the results are really amazing. Noted by each wine are the descriptors for the wine by the judges.

2011 Thanksgiving Wine Picks

Bubbly

Toad Hollow Vineyards, "Amplexus" Crémant Brut, Limoux-Langeudoc, France, Srp $16.99
Citrus, Fun Tiny Bubbles, Rich, Complex, Yogurt, Lemon Zest, Clean, Delicious, Long Finish
www.toadhollow.com

Rosé Wine

2010 Toad Hollow Vineyards, "Eye of the Toad", Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Srp $10.99
Strawberries, Supple, Cherry, Spice, Floral, Watermelon, Pretty Finish

-Runner up, by one vote, very noteworthy to mention-

2010 Starmont, Rosé, Napa Valley, Srp $18-
Rhubarb, Strawberry, Full Bodied, Balanced, Tasty, Vibrant
www.starmontwines.com

White Wine

2010 Chamisal Vineyards, Stainless Chardonnay, Central Coast, Srp $18-
Guava, Lemon-Lime, Tropical, Apple, Nice Acid, Pear, Yummy
www.chamisalvineyards.com
-TIED WITH-
2010 Dutton-Goldfield, Gewürztraminer, Dutton Ranch, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Srp $25-
Pear, Floral, Juicy, Spice, Almond, Green Apple, Balanced, Sexy
www.duttongoldfield.com

Red Wine

2009 Peterson Winery, Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Srp $22-
Cedar, Plum, Leather, Red Licorice, Mixed Black Fruits, Black Pepper, Ripe Cherry, Spice, Earthy
www.petersonwinery.com

Dessert Wine

2007 Inniskillin, Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula VQA, Canada, Srp $60-
Honeysuckle, Luring, Apricot, Lychee, Gorgeous, Complex, Rockin', Honey-Laced Oranges
www.inniskillin.com