#grammies. Abrupt transition from hip hop to country!

Merlot, Merlot, Merlot - My new reviews are up at Winesnw.com Great wines, great values, more fun with sausage and spaetzle!

Thanksgiving is coming! Wine recommendations come out on Monday on Winesnw.com Meanwhile enjoy a Merlot on Blue Friday!

Pick a Pinot or a flavorful white wine for Thanksgiving. Next Monday a new column showcases Cabernet Sauvignons. winesnw.com

Not many wineries craft Pinot Noir AND Bordeaux style blends. Seven of Hearts in Oregon does! See Luminous Hills Pinot Noir in my new column

Cabernets for Thanksgiving at all price levels are featured in my new column at winesnw.com. Grand Ciel, Pepper Bridge and more!

Pork tenderloin and turkey breast roast for Thanksgiving. Pulling corks on Pinot Noir, Gruner Veltliner and Bubbly Segura Viudas Cava.

The best Pinot Noir with Copper River salmon? This week's picks include Reustle Vineyards and a dozen others. See winesnw.com

White wines for seafood have been featured in my column during the past month, check out winesnw.com.

Check out Bordeaux Buddies on my WinesNW column - this week Malbec, next week Carmenere.

White wine shoul be a part of Thanksgiving dinner. Montinore Estate Gewurztraminer adds a bit of spice and balance - winesnw.com

Bubbly with the bird? Try Evolution by Sokol Blosser Sparkling Brut - toast with it then serve it with dinner! winesnw.com

I just recommended Firesteed Pinot Noir to a friend for Thanksgiving dinner. You should try it too! Widely available at a good price.

Don't forget Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc for Turkey Day. Elk Cove Vineyards is a favorite of my tasters. winesnw.com

Cabernets are here for the holiday season. Compass Wines has a good selection of Quilceda Creek, this week's favorite. Bring $$$.

Upchurch Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was the favorite with my tasters on WinesNW.com Warm and fruity and complex!

Some top Italian varietals this week: Woodward Canyon Barbera, Ponzi Dolcetto and King Estate Pinot Gris. Enjoy a sip with your pasta!

Two Italian Pinot Grigios really lit up my tasting panel last week. Look for Attems 2015 from Venezia and Peter Zemmer 2015 from Sudtirol.

Photos from Jon Rowleys 50th birthday party in 1993.

My Merlot and Sausage Challenge is underway! Mark Ryan Little Sister Merlot topped the locals with Cakebread Napa Merlot for the CA wines.