Hauntingly Good Fall Wines
Guide to fall wines: Darkly divine cabernets, spirited whites and enchanting blends
Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
A bewitching balance of darkness and grace, this cabernet from Jordan Vineyard & Winery feels tailor-made for a haunted harvest night. The first swirl reveals blackberries and midnight-blue blueberries cloaked in whispers of clove and cocoa nib. On the palate, notes of dark fruit, white pepper, and subtle earth unfold like a moonlit spell, structured by firm tannins and aged to perfection in French oak. Elegantly haunting to the very last sip. $60
Beringer 2014 Vogt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
From the misty heights of Howell Mountain, this darkly alluring Cabernet delivers aromas of black currant, cedar, and graphite. The palate unfolds with deep layers of cherry, cocoa, and espresso, enriched by smoky oak and a touch of licorice. Full-bodied and velvety, it leaves a lingering, almost haunting finish, making it an indulgence as rich and mysterious as a moonlit Halloween evening. $170
Sterling Vineyards 2019 Petersen Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
From the shadowed slopes of Napa Valley, this Cabernet is darkly seductive. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and toasted vanilla swirl with subtle hints of clove and graphite. On the palate, it unveils deep flavors of black cherry, mocha, and spice, supported by firm tannins and a long, silky finish. $140
Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
2020 ONE HOPE Pinot Noir, Monterey County
The cool climate of Monterey coupled with sandy soils gives this particular brand exceptionally textured tannins and generous aromas cherry and cranberry. As sipping, do not miss the hints of sassafras and truffle as well. And a bonus: 10% of each bottle benefits charity. $40
Charles Krug 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The ultimate Halloween pour, this Cabernet balances indulgence and intrigue. Aromas of dark cherry, cassis, and currant intertwine with brown butter, baking chocolate, and spice. The silky, medium-bodied palate reveals baked berries and vanilla framed by toasted oak. Smooth and sophisticated, it is beautifully paired with caramel apples or chocolatey Halloween treats. $60
Eleven Eleven 2022 Calesa Pinot Noir
With its deep ruby hue and spellbinding layers of fruit and spice, this Pinot Noir feels made for those who embrace a little witchcraft and choose to leave negativity behind. Aromas of ripe cherry and vanilla mingle with hints of toasty oak, while the palate unfolds with notes of black tea, mineral spice, and silky tannins. Elegant and structured, it’s a bewitching sip under a Halloween moon. $85
Ehlers Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc. (Photo courtesy of Ehlers Estate)
Ehlers Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc
For those who like to indulge in the dark side, this wine casts a spell of black cherry, cocoa powder, and tobacco spice. Aromas of violet, graphite, and bergamot tea evolve into waves of kirsch, pomegranate, and baking chocolate. Focused, polished, and quietly powerful, it lingers with a supple texture and tension that feels both mysterious and refined. $75
Bricoleur Vineyards 2022 La Rumeur Red Blend
Whispers swirl through Sonoma’s vineyards, and this alluring blend from Bricoleur captures their essence in every sip. Composed of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, La Rumeur is cloaked in a deep ruby hue, teasing the senses with aromas of brambly fruit, worn leather, and dark plum before unveiling luscious layers of black cherry, blueberry, and a haunting trace of peppercorn. $65
Doubled Diamond 2022 Proprietary Red Wine
This is a bold Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. With inviting aromas of mixed berries, crushed ivy, iron, and vanilla bean, it delivers a rich, full-bodied experience layered with ripe black fruits, warm spice, dark chocolate, and espresso. $90
Mount Veeder Winery 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
This beauty offers tasting notes of brooding red fruit flood the palate and aromas of baking spices, cedar, fig, and black cherry. After all the planning and prepping, this bottle is the ideal way to show any Halloween party host your gratitude as their guest. $150
Robert Mondavi Winery 2022 Reserve Oakville Fumé Blanc
Perfect for the white wine lover in the fall, this vintage opens with bright citrus and unfolds into flavors of tropical fruits and mango, followed by aromas of lush peach, yellow jasmine, herb, and lemon. (cost varies by retailer)
Intrinsic Red Blend
With its graffiti-style label and deep crimson color, Intrinsic Red Blend embodies Halloween’s edgy allure. The wine opens with aromas of raspberry, lavender, and fresh mint, followed by flavors of fig reduction, milk chocolate, dark plum, and licorice root. Its bold yet balanced texture and long, chocolate-laced finish make it an expressive choice for those who like a little danger in their glass. $25
Mount Veeder Winery 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. (Photo courtesy of Mount Veeder Winery)
Métier 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark, moody, and effortlessly elegant, this Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a celebration of shadow and spice. Aromas of black cherry and plum rise from the glass, leading to bold flavors of dark fruit, baking spice, and a juicy midpalate that gives way to a dry, structured finish. Smooth, balanced, and hauntingly good with autumn fare. $24
Le Vigne 2021 Estate Nikiara
Le Vigne’s 2021 Estate Nikiara, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, is a wine cloaked in mystery. Deep ruby in color with layers of cherry, goji berry, and chocolate, it carries subtle notes of earth and leather that whisper of ghost stories by candlelight. Exotic yet elegant, it’s made for crisp fall nights when the moon feels just a little too quiet. $75
Priest Ranch 2021 Snake Oil Cabernet Sauvignon
Named for the deceptive charms of the serpent, Snake Oil Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, mysterious, and dangerously smooth. Full-bodied with rich notes of dark plum, cassis, and cedar, it finishes with a touch of tobacco spice and dark chocolate. $70
Le Vigne 2021 Estate Nikiara