As October comes to a close, it’s time to finish up our round up of things that go bump in the night.  While werewolves are certainly terrifying, they might be considered just overly large wolves, that happen to be people.   What better way to deal with an oversized wolf, than with a trap?  While The Wolftrap, which the wine is named after, has never actually captured a wolf (to the record of the producer), The Wolftrap 2013 does contain syrah, mourvèdre, and viognier matured in oak.  Is it worth becoming trapped by this interesting combination from South Africa?

Sight:  The Wolftrap pours a brickish red with hot magenta edges

Smell:  There’s a good amount of raspberry, cranberry, and a subtle leather / cigar box flavor that wafts off the nose.  Baked cherries jump in to build on the already solid amount of fruit flavors.

Sip:  The body is firm, with lots of cherries, raspberries, and blackberries.  The overall feeling is of baking pies with a bit of caramel, baking spices, and jamminess.  The weight is firm, and round, with just a hint of bitterness. [A.B.V 14.5%]

Savor:  The ending is full of blackberries baking, complete with spices.  There’s a nice amount of tannin in the ending, with just a hint of plum skin.

The Wolftrap is quite nice, a little edgy, but contains a good fruit and oak balance.  As a big wine, there’s not much to complain about here, the alcohol isn’t overwhelming and adds weight where it’s needed.  The fruit flavors work well with the oak, giving a slightly baked quality.  The oak is subtle, and contributes the spice without overpowering the fruit.  As Halloween wines go, The Wolftrap is going to be worth the exploration to try.

Verdict:  Blackberry, Raspberry, Large Body, Baking Spices
Price: $9.99
Franschhoek, South Africa