Ghoulishly good wines, perfect to serve on Halloween.
Even though my own children are now off at college and no longer roaming the neighborhood asking for candy, it appears that our home is still a popular stop among neighborhood parents. And since Halloween falls on Saturday night this year, I suspect that more than a few adult “trick-or-treaters” will be knocking on our door, plastic wineglasses outstretched, looking for a bottled “treat” of the red or white varietal.
So despite my own plans for a Saturday night Halloween party, I will probably sit at home and man the door, corkscrew and bottle in hand, waiting for trick-or-treaters of legal drinking age to stop by — with or without costumes — and enjoy one of these ghoulishly good wines that I plan to serve this Halloween.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
What’s scary about the 2013 Witching Hour Deep Red Blend Reserve from California is how good this wine is for the money. With aromas of dark fruit and espresso and flavors of dark cherries, black plums and vanilla, this magical red wine is sure to leave your palate spellbound. $10
(Photo Courtesy Witching Hour)
Photo Courtesy Witching Hour
Wine producers and brothers, Michael and David Phillips, originally thought the white grapes they bought were Roussanne, but they were pleasantly surprised to find that DNA testing revealed that the main ingredient in their 2013 Michael~David Winery Incognito White Wine is actually Viognier masquerading as its French cousin.
Blended with small amounts of chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon, the wine sports beautiful flavors of peach, apricot, pineapple and orange rind that float over the entire palate. A highlight of candied nectarine provides remarkable depth on the luscious finish. $18
(Photo Courtesy Michael~David Winery)
Photo Courtesy Michael~David Winery
If you’re wondering what Robert Mondavi, Jr. is up to these days, he’s been casting his spell on wine lovers with the 2013 Spellbound Petite Sirah from California.
Rob crafted a fun, easy-drinking wine that features aromas of black cherry, black currant and roasted coffee on the bouquet and juicy flavors of blackberry, black plum and baking spices on the fruit-driven palate. A touch of earthy bramble on the smooth finish lends a rustic touch. $13
(Photo Courtesy Spellbound)
Photo Courtesy Spellbound
According to the winemaker, the 2013 Armida Winery “Poizin” Zinfandel from Sonoma, California is a wine “to die for.” This medium-bodied zinfandel is from Dry Creek Valley is full of red cherry, dark raspberry and ripe blueberry flavors that fill the mouth on a juicy frame. The finish features dusty tannins and a touch of black pepper. $23
(Photo Courtesy Armida Winery)
Photo Courtesy Armida Winery
It has been a few years since I have reviewed this cultlike Cabernet from California, but the 2012 EMH Vineyard ‘Black Cat’ Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley continues to haunt my palate.
This massive, brooding wine exudes scents of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and toasty oak on the explosive bouquet. Commanding flavors of dark plum, jammy blackberry, cassis and mocha are kept in check by sweet tannins and followed up with notes of chocolate and toasty oak on the impressive finish. This wine can be hard to find, but it is worth the hunt. $75
(Photo Courtesy EMH Vineyards)
