Thanksgiving ever sneak up on you? It happened to me.

Here we are days before the big day, and I haven’t even made a list. Not one list. I’m pretty confident it’ll all happen. I have faith. Somehow between all the extra work and volunteer jobs that this month brings, we will still be reminded to be thankful for each other and have way too much food everybody’s favorite dishes. Right after I plan & shop & cook. How will I pull that off?

Thanksgiving Wine – Of course!

• Steve loves my stuffing
• Karissa loves my Apple Pie
• Joey loves the City Ham
• Jake loves Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Sauce and Sparkling Cider

And, even though everyone that lives in my house works at the Grocery Outlet – ALL the shopping is my responsibility. That is horribly wrong and should be corrected will never change.

I’m not gonna lie, I do love planning and cooking Thanksgiving Dinner. But, don’t tell my family. I’d rather go down in history as a Thanksgiving Martyr.

Here’s our wine picks to pair with your Thanksgiving Dinner 🙂

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Privilege Sauvignon Blanc ~ Fabio Viviani Chardonnay

A to Z Pinot Noir ~ Willow Crest Merlot

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2015 Drouet Freres Privilege Sauvignon Blanc ~ France

elsewhere $19.99 ~ Our Price $5.99

Larry liked the citrusy taste after a long day of golf, it’s refreshing. Joe R. said it was light, yet sturdy. Steve called it fruity and Ethan, Arvin and Lauren all agreed. Scott thought this was a nice wine, it’s got a zip to it. Ethan added that it paired well with the spicy gouda appetizer and Nancy commented that it goes great with company.

I couldn’t find any community tasting notes for this French Sauvignon, but it did get 3.6/5 from Vivino.com

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2013 Fabio Viviani Chardonnay ~ California

elsewhere $14.99 ~ Our price $4.99

I noticed the buttery-ness of this Chardonnay right away, Scott agreed. I have heard people say ‘this has a nice mouthfeel’ but until I tried this wine, I hadn’t had that experience. Now I know what they were talking about! Arvin said it was so buttery you could put it on popcorn, yet Nancy found it to be lighter but buttery. Larry said, like oleo?

90 Points from Tastings.com: Golden yellow color. Bright, fruity, oaky aromas of toasty praline and apple tart with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long pineapple cake, crème brulee, and smoked nuts finish with fine tannins and light oak. A round and welcoming chardonnay with pleasing oakiness.

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2012 A to Z Pinot Noir ~ Oregon

elsewhere $$12.99 ~ Our price $3.99

Larry commented on the aroma of current. Terry asked, “how do you know what currents smell like?” Joe R. called this Pinot a nice replacement for cranberries at the Thanksgiving table. Ethan found it nice and light. Larry also thought he thought he noticed some tobacco notes and Steve nodded, “yeah, lil’ bit.” I thought this 1/2 bottle was very food friendly, it paired nicely with the Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. Plus, because of it’s size, it’s cute to add to the table for guests.

86.6 Points from CellarTracker.com: Juicy berries, with lavender and violets. Medium-bodied and reasonably plush, with great complexity.

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2011 Willow Crest Estate Grown Merlot ~ Yakima Valley

elsewhere $19.99 ~ Our price $7.99

Terry spoke right up on this Merlot from Washington State, she liked it. Steve added, “nice”. Joe R. tasted current & dark berry, plum-ish (nobody questioned whether he was familiar with currents). He added that it was nice, strong and dry, the way he likes wine. This was Lauren’s favorite of the night. We paired this with desert of blackberry cobbler and vanilla ice cream, which disappeared quick.

89 Points from CellarTracker.com: A bit more substantive than the same producers of 2011 Cabernet Franc. Red fruits, mineral, juicy finish. Well made in a tough vintage.