It’s Halloween so let’s get our BOO-ze on!!
D.I.P – 2014 Drink in Peace Merlot – Flora Springs, Napa Valley $130
Flora Springs is known for their spectacular Halloween-themed wines and this year’s Drink in Peace does not disappoint. Housed in a spooky casket, this darkly saturated, plum-colored Merlot from Rutherford offers a black currant and raspberry-scented nose and a palate dominated by rich black cherry fruit, spicy oak, toasty vanilla and cedary smoke. This is a full-bodied, seamlessly styled Merlot that will drink well for the next 10-15 years.
2016 Ghost Winery Malbec, Flora Springs, Napa Valley $60
Flora Springs has the distinction of being home to one of Napa Valley’s original “ghost wineries” – wineries built between 1860 and 1900 but abandoned in the early 20th century due to the triple threat of the vine disease phylloxera, the Great Depression, and of course Prohibition.
This Malbec offers a cauldron of forward black cherry, blackberry and blueberry along with spellbinding notes of leather, coffee and tobacco. A trickster’s treat for Halloween!
2015 LVE Red – Legend Vineyard Exclusive, Napa Valley $50
The LVE Red Blend has rich aromas of Santa Rosa plum, Bing cherry and a hint of pepper. The harmonious blend of weighty tannins with the a fruity suppleness creates a complete wine with length and persistence on the palate. Notes of cocoa nibs and coffee accent the finish on this dark and mysterious Halloween pick.
2015 Rabble Red Wine, Rabble Wine Company, Paso Robles $16
“We cannot command nature except by obeying her.” This red blend is a blend of carefully sourced grapes from the wine region of Paso Robles, CA and is truly a terrifying tempest.
2017 Casillero del Diablo – Red Blend – Concha Y Toro, Chile $10
Concha y Toro presents another date with the devil for Halloween this year, with their 2017 Red Blend. This wine has a velvety smooth and balanced texture, highlighting mild tannins with hints of toast and spice, followed by a satisfying finish.
2013 Alba de Domus, Miapo Valley, Chile $20
This Chilean blend offers chocolate and orange zest, underscored with leather and balsamic hints to create a spookily delicious finish.
Brut Sparkling Wine, Dark Horse, CA $13
It’s not a Halloween party with a bottle of bubbles. These are deliciously dry with citrus undertones, yet are housed in a dark and mysterious bottle. A perfect toast on a dark and stormy Halloween night.
2017 9 Lives Reserve Sauvignon Blanc , San Pedro, Chile $10
El Gato Negro -the black cat- has prowled the vineyards of Viña San Pedro for years. In homage, the winemakers toasted the mysterious feline with their 9 Lives Reserve Blend, a bright and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that is frighteningly well-balanced.
2017 Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy $10
Dressed up for Halloween in robber’s stripes, Alice + Olivia have designed the signature spooky look for the 2017 Pinot Grigio bottle. The exotic fruit notes and lush tropical nature of the wine make this wine an absolute crime if you miss it.
2017 Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Ron Rubin Winery, CA
Another bottle dressed up for Halloween hides away inside a refreshingly fruity and light-bodied chardonnay, with a beautifully transparent, pale yellow color. It has showy fruit aromas of Asian pear and Golden Delicious apple; and, ripe citrus, like key lime and tangerine. Grab a bottle!
Never tricks and always treats, my wine picks will have you celebrating a truly spooky Halloween night!
