Nearly 500 supporters of the Ronald McDonald House of Indianapolis spent the evening in France last Friday night. I was there, beret on head and wine opener in hand, pouring a variety of bottles from the land of "oo-la-la."

The VIP reception involved Champagne. Remember, all champagne is sparkling wine but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. The French have that long standing rule that only sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France can carry the name of Champagne. On this night, I offered samples of four outstanding champagnes. Yes, they are pricey, but if you are looking for something special to serve before the Thanksgiving meal, or a holiday gift for your favorite wine fan, these are all worth considering.

After the VIP reception I poured wines from the Bordeaux region. I last visited the area about five years ago. It's a beautiful city, the second largest in France, surrounded by rivers and vineyards. The red grape of note in a Bordeaux blend wine is merlot. It's often snubbed elsewhere, but if you want a true, rich, bold expressive Bordeaux, Merlot makes the magic. Bordeaux reds are most popular but don't overlook the whites, which are based on Sauvignon Blanc. For those who really don't like the zippy tangy gooseberry edge of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or the soft peachy tones of California Sauvignon Blanc, give a white Bordeaux a try. The Sauvignon Blanc grape grown here has more of a mineral edge with a slight hint of lime.

While many Bordeaux wines are priced through the stratosphere the ones I poured at the RMH event are not. And all were rated top favorites by at least 200 of the tasters that night. AND they are all quite affordable, available and would make scrumptious beverages for the bird on November 27th.

Heidseck Monopolie Brut-Slightly yeasty, smooth with hints of vanilla.

Barons de Rothschild Brut-Lush, smooth, teeny tiny bubbles-lovely notes of lemon, vanilla with round clean mineral notes on the finish.

Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut-The chardonnay spends extra time in oak barrels before going into the blend thus creating a yeasty, creamy, big bold dry bubbly with lingering finish.

Pommery Rose-Crisp, dry, elegant, uplifting with a slight salmon colored hue makes for a stunning visual in the glass as well.

Chateau Timberlay Blanc-(70% Sauvignon Blanc 30% Semillion)-Dry white with inviting notes of lime and tropical fruit. Clean crisp refreshing finish.

Barons de Rothschild, Lafite Speciale Blanc-( 70% Semillion 30% Sauvignon Blanc)-Smooth, lush inviting notes of honeyed apple, pear and vanilla with a hint of lime-tropical paradise. PERFECT Thanksgiving White wine.

Chateau Timberlay Rouge-(Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc)-Big, earthy, ripe dry red; blackberry, black cherry, plum and oak. This wine goes on and on.

Barons de Rothschild Lafite Speciale ROUGE-(70% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon)-smooooooooth! On its way to being jammy but takes a turn and lets the lush fully ripened red and black fruit come forward then pulls back with enough chewy tannins to purple your teeth.