Thanksgiving Day Half Bottles

Wine loving, food hedonists have a few holidays throughout the year when it’s expected that we overdo it. Thanksgiving is one of them. But this year, with parties predicted to be smaller all around, it’s going to be obvious that you took thirds instead of seconds. That goes for wine too. 

It’s why we scoured the globe for the absolute best half-bottles we could get our hands on. The turkey may be smaller this year, but you deserve the most of your wine experience, and that means enjoying smaller pours—of more great wines. 

Experience the joy of opening up several half bottles regardless of the size of your party.

Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 

Pop the cork, give yourself a nice pour, and get to chopping all the celery, carrots, and onions for the stuffing. Keep the bottle out on the counter and let it warm a bit as this Premier Cru blanc de blancs Champagne reveals its intricate complexity sip after sip, while you dice away.  

Tasting Note: Pale straw with platinum reflections throughout the fine tiny bubbles. The nose is pointed and clean, with crisp notes of green apple, citrus zest, and faint while flowers. The palate is squeaky clean and precise with a chalky mineral edge reminiscent of sea spray. Focused and composed on the finish, this wine shows a very lively side of blanc de blanc. Drink now - 2025.

2018 Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford Napa Valley 

The only suitable follow-up to great Champagne, (and best cheese course or salad companion) is a no-brainer Sauvignon Blanc from Thomas Rivers Brown (the “most successful winemaker in California,” according to Town & Country). Sourced from vineyards that lie between Andy Beckstoffer’s Georges III and the vines owned by Caymus, this is Rutherford royalty and another half-bottle you’ll fall for.

Tasting Note: Radiant lemony hue. Herbs meet exotic guava and stone fruits on the nose. The palate has piquant lemon-lime notes followed by ripe nectarine and more fresh guava, a citrus laden zippiness, and mouthwatering minerality. It’s lively from the entry to the bone-dry and lingering finish. This is a sweet spot for Sauvignon Blanc lovers. Enjoy now - 2022.

2014 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Eola Amity Hills

After decadent French sparkling wine and exotic Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc, when the 8-hour brined and roasted-to-perfection turkey comes out, you must go up—and by up, we mean north, to Oregon’s Eola Amity Hills AVA and the region’s all-time greatest Pinot Noir house. Cristom’s estate wines easily compete with top-end Burgundy for elegance and finesse, and this six-year-old Pinot boasts a fine spine of juicy acidity making it the best possible pairing for forkfuls of turkey and mashed potatoes, backed by the sumptuous earthiness that makes it the only proper pairing for umami-rich green bean casserole. 

Tasting Note: Bright ruby color with medium density. Complex, with aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry complemented by intense aromas of violets, wild herbs, and five-spice. Medium-full bodied, with a satiny texture and fresh grippy tannins framing a solid black and red fruit core, with lingering floral notes and a hint of smoke on the finish. Drink now - 2025.