Happy Thanksgiving (apologies turkeys)!

The two-year-old is asleep, so I have to pop out a wine review, before the moment slips. For Thanksgiving, something supple, medium bodied, mildly tannic but with good acidity to keep the food coming. It is a worthwhile moment to share an aged wine and something American.

Lucky us, a beer friend offloaded his 2003 Pinot Noir by Lange from the Cancilla Vineyard in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

 The APPEARANCE looks a medium intense garnet with a medium clear rim, casual lean legs, and a touch of sediment.

AROMAS glow of medium intense honey, dried orange peel, black cherry paste, strawberry, brooding clove and nutmeg powder.

The PALATE seems rich, thanks to a thick velvet texture, but is medium in body, silky smooth for two thirds until a twang and tannic finish.

FLAVORS still hold pleasantly fresh and complex, with black fruits akin to dark cherry and blackberry, light cigar ash, iron flecks, wrapped in a mellow honey of medium plus length.

Fresh into the glass, Lange’s 2003 holds well and is outstanding (5 of 5) for its age. However, do not forget it. As each hour passes that fruit falls out, inch by inch. By the end of a meal it is a shadow. Nice work for the holiday.