I give you two local reds, both roughly $16 a bottle, supple and complex enough to redeem even the driest roast turkey.
We love the Ridge Vineyards 2004 Three Valleys blend, from Paul Draper, whom the San Francisco Chronicle recently dubbed winemaker of the year (and many would agree). At 14.1% alc. it’s robust without aggression. The exquisitely balanced blend of zinfandel, carignane, syrah, petite sirah and grenache fills the cup with blackberries, cloves, brown licorice and a hint of gunpowder. The nose is abundant and this wine also loves pasta and lamb. . . . From Hallcrest comes a disarmingly delicate Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2002, Ciardella Vineyard, also weighing in at 14.1 % alcohol. This is a bright, ruby-colored vintage of extreme clarity, and loaded with pomegranate and plums, with a light licorice back. A beautiful wine with seafoods and, of course, that roast turkey.
