Now that it’s getting closer to Halloween, I am going to feature offbeat wines that you can bring to a party. Here is one of my favorites. I admit freely that I am a big fan of Michael David Winery. As a matter of fact, I have liked every single Michael David wine I have tried, which is a rarity for me.

Named after winemaking brothers Michael and David Phillips (hence the name Michael David), the winery truly put Lodi on the national wine map with the success of its 7 Deadly Zins, one of my favorite Zinfandels, and the top selling Zin in the United States right now. But Michael David Winery is also famous for Freakshow Cabernet, Petite Petit (which I have reviewed previously), many award-winning reserve and limited edition wines, and now a delicious red blend, also called Freakshow.

Freakshow Red is a rich blend of Lodi Syrah and Petite Sirah, and it’s a treat. There’s a nutty blackberry aroma when you open it, and the characteristic velvety mouth-feel I have come to expect from Michael David wines. I tasted really bold blackberry and plum, with coffee and dark chocolate on the finish. This is a smooth, delicious wine that is available for around $15 just about everywhere.

On my five-cork scale based on taste and value, I give the 2016 Freakshow Red Blend 4 corks! It’s another crowd-pleaser from Michael David Winery.

If you’d like to try interesting wines like this, please join me at our next private wine party at Eighteen the Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront Hotel’s rotating steakhouse in the sky! I host a wine dinner there every month, and we feature several interesting wines, each paired with a delicious course. There are always cool prizes to win, too, so listen Wednesday at 4:15 to win your spot on the guest list, or click here for a chance to win!