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Wines you need at your Halloween party


Are you planning a scary good time at Halloween this year? Don't forget the wine. Winemakers got a bit creative this year with spooky names for your spirits. But, before you get seduced by labels and names, be sure to do your research. You should try it, or obtain a recommendation from your premium Fine Wine and Good Spirits Store. I have a few suggestions for you below.

Ghost Pines 2013 Chardonnay

It has a small amount of butter or a creamy mouthful, but also has those tropical fruits, apple, and pear with a finish of vanilla. This wine is made using grapes from Napa, Sonoma and Monterey. It has won the gold medal at the Dallas wine competition and the silver medal at the San Francisco wine completion. Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 84 points. It is available for $17.99.

Broomstick Brew from Tomasello Winery

This wine can be served slightly warm and is a blend of red wine and mulling spice. You do not want to heat it too hot or you will burn off all the alcohol. For those that might like a sweeter dry red wine, this might be a great wine for you to try at only $8.99. Wave a magic wand, hop on a broom and enjoy this fun wine. This isn't a wine for critiquing, but something great for a fun party.

Charles Smith 2013 The Velvet Devil Merlot

This is from the Columbia Valley in Washington State. The wine is a bit complex with flavors of tobacco, cherry, and rose petals with hints of spice and herbs and has a velvety finish. This is a medium bodied wine and well made. Robert Parker awarded this wine with 87 points. If you have ever said, "I don't care for Merlot." Try this one, it might change your mind. Cost in Pennsylvania is $13.99. If you have several glasses, you might feel a little devilish.

Bogle Phantom 2011

It is a red blend that consists of 46 percent Petite Syrah, 40 percent Zinfandel, 11 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3 percent Mouvedre and won 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. It costs about $19.99. This is a full bodied lush wine. It is a ruby red color in your glass and will haunt you with is rich berry and spice flavors of the first sip. It is very smooth with tones of vanilla, toasted coconut and moderate tannins which leads to an intense finish. It will disappear right before your eyes.

Zombie Zinfandel 2011

This wine might chase you right home with several bottles. It has a dark blood red color. Perfect for that Halloween party. It smells like dark fruits and dried herbs. Upon tasting, you will experience flavors of blackberry, cherry jam, cinnamon, and a hit of black pepper. This is rich and complex with a long finish for only $12.99.

Not all wines are created equal. Selecting several from the list above for your All Hollow's Eve party will surely be a hit for your guest. For the true wine lovers on your guest list, they will enjoy the Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot or Bogle Phantom. These were my favorites. Zombie Zinfandel will be enjoyed by those that like a jammy, fruit forward dry red. The Broomstick Brew is for those sweeties on your party list that enjoy sweeter wines and the Ghost Pines Chardonnay is for the white wine lovers. When planning a party, please know your guests and what they enjoy. It is important to provide several options.

Happy Halloween and have a boo-licious good party.