Yes, dear readers, another witchy wine! This one? Phantom, a blend of old vine Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and old vine Mourvedre from Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg, California.

This wine is so witchy, I don't know where to start. The image of twisted old vines, the dense, earthy qualities of zinfandel and mourvedre. I mean, the word mourvedre even sounds like it should be the name of a potion.

When you go to the description of Phantom on the Bogle website, the first thing they offer is the dictionary definition of bogle:

bogle \bõ’g?l\ n. [Scots, perhaps from Welsh] A goblin; a specter; a phantom; a bogy, boggart or bugbear.

Then there are the winemaker notes:

The black magic is back…Phantom. Three unique varietals combine lush berry and fierce spice into a full-bodied wine. Intensely fruit forward on the entry, this deep ruby apparition begins with aromas of blueberries, violets and chocolate-covered cherries, dusted with touches of black pepper. From the deep dark depths, subtle notes of spice, clove and mocha emerge and compliment the concentrated fruit characters of this wine. Aging for two years in 1, 2 and 3 year-old American oak barrels has yielded a vexing array of toasty oak aromas to Phantom. Though this wine is remarkable now, age in the bottle will only integrate the three distinct varietals more. Welcome the winery ghost into your home again with this latest vintage, and enjoy with full-flavored and hearty meals…before it vanishes again.

And last but not least is the vignette on the rear label of the bottle:

In the dark recesses of the cellar you sense a a presence, hear footsteps. Why is it these things only happen when you are alone? In the shadows, a glimpse of muddy boots and old blue jeans...the lurking legacies of hard work an determination left by those who have come before you.

We are proud to carry on the traditions of our founders with this unique red wine: a deep ruby apparition that personifies the true spirit of the Bogle.

How wonderful! Just don't drink it alone!

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 5:32 PM