THIS is my very favourite time of year. My lovely wife and I were married on hallowe’en (the wedding was fancy dress optional) and our three daughters get very excited about the dressing up, the pumpkin carving and (of course) the sweeties. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of recommending some spooky bottles to put on the table this weekend.
From Tasmania, the Devil’s Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (Inverarity One to One, £14.49) is a must for lovers of both Marlborough-style Sauvignons and the more traditional Sancerres. It’s soft and approachable with a lovely crisp, fruity palate and a good minerality. Tasmania has a cool climate, ideal for growing grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. The island’s sparkling wines are also worth a look, being of a high quality and very good value for money.
The Bogle Phantom 2011 (Inverarity One to One, £19.99) is a genuine limited edition cult classic from Clarksburg, California. We never manage to get hold of more than a few cases per vintage, and it’s always really good. The 2011 is a blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon with a pinch of Mourvedre and it broods menacingly in oak casks for two years before bottling. It’s full bodied, dark and a little bit haunting. Grab a bottle quick, as we’ll have a long wait for the 2012.
If you’re having a party this weekend, it’s worth popping into Majestic for the Silver Ghost Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (£5.49) and Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (£5.49). These are exceptionally gluggable party wines with a ghostly edge, they have mass appeal and they won’t break the bank.
Pete Stewart is Glasgow director of Inverarity One to One, 185a Bath Street, Glasgow. www.inverarity121.com
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