Betsy's sister was hosting Thanksgiving. They're pesce-vegetarians, but not fanatics, so had no problem having us do turkey for everyone else. Betsy made a 20 lb bird (draping the breast with salt pork), plus a breast, with gravy. She also made cranberry relish, spinach salad, a giblet and fruit dressing/stuffing and a mushroom one. My sole contribution was oyster dressing. We got everything over, and sat down with 16 for dinner (Cal had made salmon, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and potatoes). Cal, Kath, Bets, and I all had both our parents and our in-laws there, yet surprisingly few buttons were pushed. Not a big drinking crowd, but we tried:
2006 Gundlach Bundschu Zinfandel
Not sure how long this had been opened. Nice berry fruit, some spice, ok length. Maybe lacking a bit in midpalate. Pretty nice Zin. B
2006 Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Warm red fruit, garrigue/herb, a touch of cedar. Some tannins, and running a little hot. I like better on its on than with food. With time, it's very nice on its on. B+/B
2006 Weinbach "Cuvee Theo" Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Just off-dry, full of ginger and spice, very nice length. Best food match. B+/B
2006 Havens "Bourriquot" (Napa)
Tight as a drum on opening, not showing much at all. Some black fruit, but more tannin than any flavor. But after a while with air it begins to show quite nicely. Blackberry and cassis fruit, a little anise, cocoa. B-/C+ for pop and pour, I'll say B+ for potential.
Maybe not stunning wines, but very nice Thanksgiving, I hope all who celebrated has as good a time as we did.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.