THANKSGIVING STAFF PICKS! Howie says, Everybody remembers Sideways’ Miles (Paul Giamatti), whose famously outrageous and ornery opinions about Merlot led to a 2% sales decrease back in 2004. The fact is, Miles was and is wrong; Merlot is f***ing fantastic—especially this 2024 bottling by Emme Wines dubbed “It’s Not a Phase.” Foot-crushed and aged for 10 months in oak, there’s much to recommend this wine as a choice selection for Thanksgiving 2025. For starters, the texture is all velvet and violets, while the palate offers a plump and pleasant pluminess without ever feeling crowded. Pair with every holiday fixin’. Even the driest turkeys will be edible with this wonder wine on hand.