Eye Of Newt, Screaming Kitty & Witch Creek…

…Once upon a time, on a foggy night before All-Hallow’s-Eve, a dusty box was removed from the back of a darkened closet. Inside the unmarked cardboard lay a dozen haunting bottles; however, just one of deep-red and another an eerily glowing pink were recovered… The bottles were closely examined, opened and within seconds out poured a very bold screaming kitty, and from the other an unmistakeable eye of newt?! A 2010 Screaming Kitty red wine blend, and a 2009 Eye of Newt dry rosé to be exact, and they’re far from frightening! Though this witch creek business sounds more likened to a Halloween ghost story, it is in fact one of my favorite wineries, located here in Southern CA. I have been a member for over 5 years now and have come to love their winery, staff and vast array of well-crafted red wine varietals. Witch Creek is located in Carlsbad, CA and they as well have a second tasting room in the local mountain town of Julian. I have posted about one of their cuvées previously that is a personal favorite. If you’re unfamiliar, WC is a small, non-pretentious winery with a casual vibe, yet serious about making wine! I visit monthly to pick up my shipments and look forward to each new release. I have laid down many bottles to date, aging them till perfectly pour-ready (though they’re still good upon first bottling).

Just so happens in honor of this bewitching day, a little Eye of Newt and a black Screaming Kitty seem appropriate celebratory choices! I mean, not every wine has a label of a black cat with fangs & a cauldron? These wines were conjured-up by none other than Witch Creek’s awesome winemaker, Ryan Baker. He used 40% Petite Sirah, 40% Primitivo and 20% Teroledego varietals for the Screaming Kitty blend. All this bubble-bubble toil & trouble yielded one smooth, yet distinctive crimson combination, which offers a full wine with a smooth finish. From this one I get a full nose of ripe plum, with a bright acid to intrigue the palate. Safe to say this red has mellowed with a little aging, and it’s a winner regardless of the holiday! Eye of Newt is one of my most favorite wines – a dry and easy drinking Pinot Noir rosé, which boasts subtle hints of fruit, but remains non-sweet & clean. I could drink this one chilled summer or winter alike… and who isn’t looking for a local source of eye of Newt for their next potion?

I think these wines would go perfectly with chicken marsala, and well… maybe I’m just hungry right now, so since there’s none of that on-hand, they’ll go perfectly with the Halloween candy I have, and I think Whoppers make for good wine pairing, right? Much more to come in the near future from the Witch Creek crew, but until then, check them out at www.witchcreekwinery.com. If you’re in the San Diego or Carlsbad vicinity, pick up a bottle to bring with you for the festivities tomorrow; I guarantee you’ll enjoy it! If not, you can as well order their fine bottles online.

I’ll be having a glass with friends, while celebrating Halloween with a scary movie & far too much chocolate…

Cheers & Happy Haunting!

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