HobNob Wicked Red Blend, 2012

How devilishly clever of the folks at HobNob to proffer the perfect easy-drinking red just in time for Halloween: the limited edition bottles were done by award winning England-based design studio, ilovedust, who embellished with an appropriately spooky sugar skull, sure to please the adult ghosties and ghoulies on your All Hallow's Eve party list.

The wine is a smooth blend of grenache (40 percent), cabernet sauvignon (35 percent), shiraz (15 percent) and pinot noir (10 percent), and clocks in with 13.5 percent alcohol. The nose tickles with stone fruit, spice, and cacao, with just enough peppery kick to remind you that this is no simpering, innocent red. Round and light- to medium-bodied on the palate, with a bright smooth acidity and a hint of orange zest in the finish, it is also priced well enough to make filling your party cauldron (or handing out individual bottles as party favors) easy on the pocketbook as well. Though the limited edition bottle will disappear after Halloween the wine won't; after the skull is gone it will be sold as the Wicked Red Blend. All treat, no trick, Happy Halloween!

HobNob Wicked Red Blend, 2012, limited edition bottle

HobNob Vineyards, Pays d'Oc, FranceSRP: $10.99