OCTOBER WINES FOR HALLOWEEN
With Hog football and cooler weather on the horizon I have a few ghoulish wines for you to sample and enjoy this Halloween. With Pumpkins from Paso Robles, Red Monsters and Toads from Mendocino County and even Ghosts from Sonoma County these wines will be sure to spark the spirits in all of us. We have the perfect witches brew simmering in the cauldron to make any Halloween celebration a huge hit. You will be sure to find that perfectly ghostly wine for even the faintest of heart.
AQUA PUMPKIN 2007 PASO ROBLES MERLOT – $13.72- Kenneth Volk is quickly becoming one of my favorite wine producers that utilize the Central Coast region, specifically Paso Robles. This extremely hot and sunny AVA situated almost exactly half way between LA and San Francisco produce some of the inkiest most flavorful wines. No wimpy Merlot here. Full of rich cassis and a solid backbone of red fruits gives the round mouth feel we expect from Merlot with the finesse that I have come to expect from Kenneth Volk wines. Aqua Pumpkin – Fine wine from happy grapes. No pumpkins were harmed in the production of this wine.
THE BIG RED MONSTER, CALIFORNIA RED WINE BLEND - $11.57- The Big Red Monster Team believes in using grape varietals that are most suited to California’s wicked hot climate, by using grape varietals that love the sun, heat and lack of rain. Winemakers Jeff Booth and Bob Pepi have blended a monster of a red wine; syrah, zinfandel and petite syrah into one non-vintage blend, making for one big, meaty red with black currant flavors and hints of cherry. It is a full-bodied, slightly spicy wine better suited for beef or lamb than popcorn or Junior Mints. Let the monster breathe a bit before consuming, and the taste won't scare you at all.
TOAD HOLLOW, 2008 UNOAKED MENDOCINO CHARDONNAY - $14.80 – This being the 16th harvest of this amazing little Chardonnay from the late Todd Williams, it is perfect for any Halloween celebration or witches cauldron potion. Beautifully balanced with hints of mango, melon, mineral and incredible acidity, the nose is delicately perfumed with citrus and green apple. This Chardonnay is a treat for the senses with a mouth feel that is rich and creamy while still displaying crisp and clean flavors that we have come to expect from Mendocino Chardonnay. Never seeing any wood seems to compliment the fruit character often lost in over oaked and under crafted Chardonnays. A lip smacking 90 point from Enthusiast makes the $15 price tag a real bargain. Perfectly matched with caramel apples and roasted marshmallows by the bonfire.
GHOST PINES 2008 SONOMA COUNTY ZINFANDEL - $17.70 – Louis Martini purchased 178 acres of land in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. The Martini family developed this land into a vineyard which they named Ghost Pines as a tribute to the native grey pines which at dusk appear to hover, solitary and ghostlike throughout the coastal valleys. This Zin draws from multiple winegrowing counties to create a wine as unique as this one. Strawberry jam and ripe plum flavors mingle with aromas of vanilla bean and mocha which are balanced with rich, chewy tannins that lead to long and supple finish. What an easy wine match with anything from spicy Chili to beefy beef steaks.
Hopefully you can find a ghoulish wine that can make any ghost or goblin happy. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions. Follow us on Facebook at Springdale Liquor Association or go online to countylineliquors.com to see our weekly specials. The next NWA Uncorked event will be a Champagne tasting on the Fayetteville square coinciding with the lighting of the “Lights of the Ozarks”. Contact me at nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net for further information on upcoming wine events.
