In just three short days Americans, in red states and blue states, north, south, east and west, will brave the elements, road hazzards and air traffic to join their families and friends for the feast of feasts. Haven't decided what you want to drink with your Turducken? Over the next few days I'll post our staff's favorite Thanksgiving picks to help ease the strain. So loosen those belt loops and think of what you're thankful for this year. It's turkey time.
—Leah Greenstein, K&L Wine Merchants

Brick's Backyard Picks: Thanksgiving
For me there is simply no better day in the year than Thanksgiving. The feast, the company and the drinking, although not unusual, are much more special on this holiday. Oh, and the football isn’t a bad thing to watch either, pre- or post-digestion. What to drink is always the biggest question, though, hopefully I can shed some light on this most important of choices.

Don’t underestimate the power of pinot noir. The medium-bodied weight and red fruit generosity make even the worst turkey disasters palatable and the triumphs bordering on sublime. The 2003 Westwood Los Carneros Pinot Noir ($59.99) is the perfect splurge for the holiday bird. This is powerful pinot, but power that is built on structure and balance not on huge alcohol. Full of Burgundian quality, honestly this may be even better next Thanksgiving, with notes of sous bois, mushroom and cranberry sauce. Never losing grasp of its sweet edge this comes at you with surgical-like precision and will highlight all of the trimmings as well as the main course. Only 400 cases were made of this gem.

Try gewürztraminer for something more off the beaten path. Both bone dry and off-dry styles work with the typical cornucopia standard on Thanksgiving. The 2006 Londer Dry Gewürztrainer, Anderson Valley ($23.99) would be, as the names suggests, completely dry. This lack of sugar is more than made up for by a hugely spiced nose of lychee, clover honey and freshly cut roses. Zippy and refreshing this would be a great foil to cranberry relish with its steely mango, fig and key lime fruit. This vibrancy will keep you awake during the dullest of conversations. Remember to always overeat—this day comes once a year, so enjoy it.
—Bryan Brick

Boutique Corner
This month marks the start to holiday madness: family dinners, long hours of shopping, office parties and Aunt Martha’s famous dessert. The holidays are always a great time for pinot noir. It goes perfect with turkey, duck or vegetarian-friendly nut roast.

2006 A to Z Oregon Pinot Noir ($16.99) This might be better than 2005. Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. In the mouth, the wine mirrors the aromatics with a succulent texture and good acidity. Beautifully balanced between richness and power, this wine possesses amazing depth and purity.

2005 Joseph Swan “Cuvee de Trois” Russian River Pinot Noir ($24.99) This balanced, fragrant and generous wine is a fine contrast to the oversized, oaky, high alcohol pinot noirs that are the darlings of the press. This small production wine is made by one of our state’s most consistent and experienced hands at pinot noir, Rod Berglund. The wine comes from three vineyards, including Saralee’s and the young vines on the Swan estate. It is aged in French oak, only 1/3 of which is new. The result is a brilliantly colored red wine with fresh red cherry fruit, subtle earthiness and a long, vibrant finish

2005 Roessler Cellars “Savoy” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($39.99) The wine out of the Anderson Valley is getting better and better every year. An earthier-styled pinot noir unlike many found in California, the Roessler Savoy from the Savoy Vineyard displays darker fruit, smoky, roasted meats, mushrooms and forest floor. Enjoy it now or cellar for a few years.
—Mike Jordan