My favorite holiday is Halloween, even though I sometimes feel too old to celebrate it.  And I was intrigued when I received samples of Halloween-themed wine from Elk Creek Vineyards.  The labels are really cool, but the critical question is “how is the wine?”

I have to admit that my expectations are low for wine from Kentucky.  Nothing against the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but it just doesn’t have the climatic or geographic conditions ideal for creating exceptional wine.  I’m a big fan of Kentucky bourbon, but I don’t expect much from wine from this part of the country.  But I’m glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

In general, I think Midwestern wineries have to try a little harder than those from California, Washington or even New York. Wine is such a commodity that having a winery in the Midwest really becomes as much about the experience as it is about the wine.  And Elk Creek seems to understand that, as they have done loads to build an experience at their vineyard.  In addition to the wine, they have a resort where you can stay, live music performances, a clay pigeon shooting range (best used before trying the wine) and other activities.

So, what’s up with the Halloween-themed wines?  Well, they aren’t just another creative way for Elk Creek to market their wines.  Vineyard owner, Curtis Sigretto, is part owner of the Halloween Express, the second largest Halloween shop in the country.  So, you could say he has an affinity toward Halloween… maybe even more than I do.

Enough background, let’s check out these wines!

Bone Dry Red – Cabernet Sauvignon

I admit that I was skeptical about this wine before I tasted it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Oak is the most prevalent characteristic on the nose, but it comes to life in an eerie way, it has a somewhat floral aroma that smells like hops to me—as in the hops you’d find in a hoppy ale.  Odd, but not offensive.  There’s a bit of dark cherry in the nose as well, but it takes a back seat to the oak.

The palate is both fruity and oaky with cherry, blackberry and notes of chocolate.  It’s a bit off balance.  The tannins are rather firm and you do get a heavy dose of oak on the finish.  If you’re looking for a well structured, fine Cabernet Sauvignon this would not be my recommendation.  But if you’re looking for a fun wine with a Halloween theme, I would not be embarrassed to serve this at a party.

Wine: Elk Creek Vineyards – Bone Dry Red
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 13.8%
Rating: 82
Price: $19.99

Ghostly White – Chardonnay

I absolutely love the label on this wine.  And the wine is decent too.  The nose is tight, but shows cool flint, slightly caramelized oak, hay and soft apple.  The palate has good acidity with mostly apple flavors.  There’s not a lot of complexity to it, but it’s enjoyable.  It get’s slightly buttery on the finish, which is surprisingly long.  A friend told me that it pairs exceptionally well with kettle corn, but I didn’t try any with it.

Wine: Elk Creek Vineyards – Ghostly White
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 12.8%
Rating: 83
Price: $14.99

So here’s the part where I feel like a shill, but I do this for you (the reader) more than I do it for the producer.  They gave me discount codes that you can use for a discount if you buy wine from their website.  I don’t get a dime from it if you do, so don’t think that I’m putting this here for my own benefit.  This is just to save you a couple bucks if you want to buy this wine.  You can use code SCARYWINE for 10% off 3 wines, or code SCARYCASE for 20% a case (any varietal) and free shipping.  Apparently these codes work for any of their wines too, not just the Halloween stuff.