By CAROLYN EVANS HAMMOND: ” If you’ve ever hosted a traditional Thanksgiving feast, you know the costs can add up. There’s the big bird to buy, the fixings, the pie, the centrepiece and of course the wine. I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great bottle of wine. So here are five tasty, crowd-pleasing bottles that go well with turkey — each for less than $16:
2012 Bodegas Valdelacierva, Rioja, Spain
Those who like big, lush reds no matter what they’re eating will no doubt enjoy this undervalued bottle just released in Vintages. This stellar oak-aged Tempranillo exudes warm aromas of stewed cherries and vanilla bean then swathes the palate with cashmere flavours of sweet macerated berries, toasted nut, warm toffee, cherry and blueberry. It’s quite a characterful, smart wine that is well worth snapping up.
Score: 94