Top 10 wines in the US press

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2015

Celebrating the first Beaujolais Nouveau releases of 2015, Sandra Silfven of the Detroit News describes this wine as having the “cranberry, dark berry character we expect from Beaujolais wines, but this Nouveau also has lovely rich texture in the mouth and more substance than usual.

“The whole package – from labelling to wine – is a joyful presentation for Thanksgiving Day guests,” she writes. “Traditionally it’s served slightly chilled but this one can probably hold together nicely without it.”

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2013

Turning her attention to Marlborough’s favourite grape Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand producer Greywacke, Dallas Morning News wine writer Rebecca Murphy describes this as “a supple and elegant wine with focused grapefruit, melon aromas and flavours interwoven with stony mineral notes and hints of fresh herbs.”

She continues: “It’s light-bodied with vivid acidity that intensifies and heightens the flavours, making it an apt partner for sushi or grilled shrimp with a citrus-based sauce. I also love it with a Caesar salad or fresh spring asparagus, which can be unkind to wine.”

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2013

Next, Laurie Daniel of the San Jose Mercury-News recommends this wine for those looking to “splurge” out on wine this festive season. “The 2013 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir is bright and refreshing, with raspberry, spice, a whisper of sage and a supple texture,” she writes.

Amavi Cellars Syrah 2013

Continuing, Daniel suggests pairing Syrah with that staple festive bird, turkey. “The Walla Walla Valley has gained a great reputation for Syrah”, she writes, “and a good example is the 2013 Amavi Cellars Syrah.

“The wine, which displays bright berry, some spice notes and fine tannins, is easy to drink but also has some weight and seriousness.”

Beaulieu Vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

“With grapes grown in the prestigious Rutherford growing area, this wine is full-bodied and brimming with ripe black fruit,” writes the San Diego Union-Tribune wine critic Michele Parente.

“Though young, it’s from the drought-stricken and exceptional 2012 vintage (same for the 2013s). It’s plush but not too soft; the BV’s grippy tannins make this a wine to drink with food, not sipped solo,” she continues.

“A friend and co-taster thought its finish had too much of a bite; I chalked it to up the signature Napa eucalyptus charm.”

Domaine Foretal Nouveau 2015

“Beaujolais Nouveau, released each year on the third Thursday of November, has become a marketing cliché,” argues Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post. “But it is also a celebration of the recent harvest, the same reason we observe Thanksgiving, a week later,” he continues.

“For nearly two decades, Ed and Barbara Addiss of Wine Traditions have been importing fine French wines from family-owned wineries, including some top notch Beaujolais Crus. This is their first nouveau, and their timing was excellent.

“2015 has been a terrific vintage throughout France. This wine has tannin and a stemmy earthiness to balance the traditional fruitiness and banana flavours of nouveau. It’s delicious and food-friendly, and it might have you toasting ‘Vive la France!’” he writes.

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Continuing with his wine picks for this Thanksgiving week, McIntyre writes: “Jenny Wagner does not produce your typical Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. No mango or other tropical fruits here: just a stony minerality that evokes some of the earthier, primal white wines of the Loire Valley in France, arguably the touchstone of Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is captivating.”

Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Stacy Vreeken of the Santa Cruz Sentinel commends this Californian winery for putting out “a versatile, well-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from its home turf in Paso Robles.

“This is the ‘go-to’ wine from its portfolio,” she writes, “approachable and appealing, and an affordable entry into the world of Justin wines, which scale up in Bordeaux-style reds.”

Domaine des Terres Dorées Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay 2014

The Chardonnay from Beaujolais by “revered” winemaker Jean-Paul Brun is “fresh and crisp, with notes of lemon and slate and a beautiful complexity and balance,” writes LA Times wine writer S. Irene Virbila. “This is the wine to pair with oysters or a seafood platter. Great value, too.”

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir ‘Tavola’ 2013

And finally, “Ponzi Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs have been benchmarks for more than two decades,” according to Virbila. “The Reserve is consistently excellent, but for everyday drinking, winemaker Luisa Ponzi has introduced ‘Tavola.’

“Think of it as Pinot Noir 101,” she continues. “Blended from sustainably grown grapes from as many as 10 vineyards, it’s made in a fresh and lively style for drinking now.

“This youthful Pinot leads with lots of supple, bright fruit – raspberry, cherry, plum – woven with sweet spices, liquorice and gentle tannins.”