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The teeny princesses, pirates and Sith Lord wannabes have greedily collected their candy treats (wisely disregarding their moms’ and dads’ entreaties not to be greedy) and retired to their respective castles, lairs and star destroyers. And I’ve devoured my share of chocolate-covered cherries during a screening of Poltergeist with the family, while sipping a Tuscan 2006 D’Aquino Chianti (via Trader Joe’s) to ward off any remaining undead in the neighborhood.
That done, what better time to tune into a Halloween episode of Wine Library TV with the irrepressible Gary Vaynerchuk!
Gary, after some sports-related ranting laced with a few expletives, as usual, tries out four seasonally aptly titled bottles:
We begin with a 2005 Pure Evil Chardonnay ($8.50) from Australia. Interesting name, but that’s about all it has going for it. It’s “off balance,” something like the jug wine you sneaked as a kid maybe. “You almost have to try to make a wine this off.”
Next is a 2005 Hocus Pocus Syrah ($17) from California, which sports a “quite pretty” color and “cherry … orange peel” aromas with an unexpected sun-dried tomato side. But unfortunately, “not delicious enough” to seek out, unless it’s the only one you might recognize on a restaurant wine list.
The Seven Deadly Zins ($13) California Zinfandel exuded a “burnt rubber BMX kind of thing” aroma and fell on its face with a “cherry juice in rubber glove” flavor. In case you needed further guidance: “I don’t really like it.”
The 2006 Owen Roe Sinister Hand ($22), a Washington State Rhone blend, hails from a respected winery and starts off with a dark fruit aroma but was “challenged” in the nose.
Sadly enough, clearly seems like more tricks than treats for Gary this year. But let me leave you on a positive note — the D’Aquino was real treat, with its straw-covered flask, Dionysian label, rich, earthy scents and smooth, dry fruitiness.
Oh, one other thing, Facebook members are encouraged to check out Gary’s aptly named Vayniac Facebook group. Yours truly just became a member.
And now for the drama …
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A great way to learn about wines is to watch an expert taste, rate and describe them. Selections are picked because the topic is timely or seems particularly interesting. Each week a new clip, via Viddler, WNR’s player of choice because it lets you add your own comments.
Looking for more? It’s called Wine Library TV for a reason: Visit Gary’s archive for other episodes.
