Happy Halloween

I got pitched a lot of wines for Halloween, and as I wasn't attending any parties and the kids in my neighborhood don't trick-or-treat anymore, I wasn't really thinking about the holiday. (And a full bottle of wine will punch straight through one of those cheap plastic sacks.) But I got a puckish combination, and it didn't hurt that I had lunch with the CEO of Michael David Winery back in August.

On Facebook I invoked the voice of the late Vincent Price to say that this wineglass was... a scream. But honestly, take a trip down the seasonal aisle of your grocery store and grab some stupid wine glasses. They'll come in use eventually and over time you'll have enough for a proper October party. (See also my favorite Champagne flute.)

2010 Incognito White
Lodi
63% Viognier, 21% Chardonnay, 7% Muscat, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Roussanne
$18, 14.5% abv.

Peach and apricot nose with just a hint of banana creme pie. Bright and light fruit flavors that include pear and tropical fruits, but restrained and dry without any sweetness. Easily quaffable and a fun mix of competing grapes. Absolutely amazing with fried shrimp and a hot chili sauce. It's also approachable enough that folks making the transition from sweet whites should really enjoy this.

2009 7 Deadly Zins
Lodi
Mostly Zinfandel with some Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot in the woodpile
$16, 15% abv.

Blackberry jam aroma with hints of leather and bacon fat. Deep dark fruit flavor, mostly blackberry with edges of black cherry and plum. Soft tannins while cool, firmer as it warms up. Great with grilled burgers.


Note: These wines were received as samples.