Trick or Treat: "Boo-tiful Reds" to Enjoy this Halloween!

I don't know about you, but Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays of the year! Fall is here, there's a chill in the air, not to mention all the scary movies (The Exorcist gets me every time) and fabulous, creative costumes. It also really gets me in the mood for red wine and what could be better than combining one of my favorite holidays with one of my favorite pastimes? Absolutely nothing!

Here are a few of my favorite "Boo-tiful Reds" to enjoy while trick or treating or, frankly, anytime this Fall season. I hope you enjoy them - Cheers!

2007 Bearboat Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: This reasonably priced offering from the Russian River Valley is a blend of 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Old Vines "Gamay Beaujolais" - a California designation for a particular selection of Pinot Noir. The climate of the Russian River Valley is ideal for growing grapes that thrive in cooler temperatures such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This wine has lovely aromas of black cherry and flavors of strawberry, cherry and spice. It's food friendly acidity makes it perfect for pairing with dishes such as salmon, roasted pork and duck. (Total Wine, $17)

2009 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre Contra Costa County: Known around the globe as Mataro and Monastrell, Mourvèdre (more-VEHD-ruh) has been a part of California “field blends” for more than a century. This lovely expression of this "alternative" red, best known for its success in Rhone-style blends, is made from the highly concentrated fruit of 80-120 year old vines! On the nose, this wine offers aromas of ripe black fruit and a hint of eucalyptus with flavors of ripe plum, chocolate and supple, well-integrated tannins. This wine will pair beautifully with grilled lamb, mushroom ragout, duck confit or peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin. (Total Wine, $14)

2007 Robert Oatley Shiraz Mudgee, Australia: Robert Oatley Vineyards is built around the Oatley family’s extensive vineyard holdings and modern winery in Mudgee, New South Wales. Mudgee is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and is known for producing deeply colored and intensely flavored Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Shiraz has an opaque ruby color with aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry jam, black pepper and spice. This wine is a juicy, full-bodied red with well-integrated tannins, perfect for pairing with a variety of fare including steaks, lamb chops or BBQ ribs. (Total Wine, $18)