Oregon is rightly proud of their state's ability to turn out delicate, well-balanced Pinot Noir wines, and Erath is a fine, moderately priced example. This fruit forward bottle has a nice smooth finish and is delicious on its own, though it does well with simple meat or poultry dishes.
Claret is a classic British term for dark, rich red wines from Bordeaux. This California version is affordable enough that you can serve a lot of it, tasty enough that you'll get compliments on it—and bold enough to hold its own among rich feast foods.
3Red: Mullan Road Cellars Red Blend
Washington State wines are also a place to find very good wines. A mix of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc, this medium-bodied red has notes of blackberry. Pair with spiced tenderloin and rich mashed potatoes.
4Red: Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend
If you can afford to splurge a little, this California Bordeaux-style red is well worth it. It's a very drinkable wine that can be enjoyed both before and during dinner—and if you are interested in aging wines, this promises to taste even better down the road.
