Hirsch, Veltliner #1, 2007 (about $15): Refreshing, with good acidity and a hint of that snap pea character of Gruner, this wine got lots of thumbs up, particularly for the price. Ridge, Three Valleys, Sonoma (about $23). Another six-week session of my NYU class just wrapped up last week. How could it not be? MORE >>

2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille ( about $80 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley. In fact, the Bush White House served the Peter Michael “Les Pavots” 2003 ( about $275 ) to none other than Queen Elizabeth when she visited in 2007. For the full menu (pdf) , click here. Appetizers: crostini. Find it. MORE >>

Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2009. Mazzocco Sonoma Petite Syrah Aguilera 2007. Wilson Zinfandel 2008 Dry Creek. With its velvet texture, nose of well sorted fresh grapes, and fresh flavors, this is a well balanced New World Pinot that can match many foods, especially salmon, pork, rare duck. Macari Riesling 2009. MORE >>

Cataldi Madonna Montepulciano 2007 DOC Varietal: Montepulciano Stewed prunes, raisins, ripe cherries, granny smith apples, and spices with a brisk acidity. Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba 2008 DOC Cherry pie, red berries, blackberries, tobacco, polished. Well, here they are. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet. MORE >>

Dino Torti Forza Inter Pino Nero Oltrepo Pavese 2008 Italy Also soft pressed, complex aromas of almonds, fruits and flowers, flavors of nutty, apple and pear, dry but satisfying. I'd like to thank Kristen and her good friends for helping me taste this flight of wine picks for Thanksgiving. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40. MORE >>