Despite the fact November rolled into Boston today teasing us with 70 degree temperatures, there’s no denying we’re on the slippery slope to full-on cold weather and the holidays.  Never mind that I saw my first Christmas tree, like, several weeks back at Costco.  While wearing shorts.  First up is Thanksgiving – bearing down on us like a freight train full of Butterballs.

I’ve started putting some thought against my Thanksgiving dinner wines.  I usually go the hearty red route to stand up to gravy and cranberry sauce – plus satisfy my craving for big reds at this time of year.  And Arlington’s Mystic Wine Shoppe will be spotlighting a beauty during this Saturday’s tasting.

The Bogle Vineyards 2010 Phantom is a blend of 51% Old Vine Zinfandel, 47% Petite Syrah and 2% Old Vine Mourvedre.  It’s a big, lusty, fruit-forward wine: bright ruby red in the glass with great dark fruits and leather/smoky aromas.  On the flavor front, it’s black cherries, tobacco and oak with a nice long, spicy finish.  (I bet this would be *killer* with a piece of chocolate pecan pie.)

Joining the Bogle Phantom on Saturday’s tasting lineup are several other Thanksgiving-worthy options: a 2010 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2010 Blue Pirate Pinot Gris and a 2012 Josh Chardonnay from Josh Cellars, one of the Joseph Carr labels.

The Saturday tasting will be held from 4-6 p.m. and as usual, all featured wines will be discounted by 10%.

I’m away this weekend, but would otherwise be hitting up the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox “rolling rally” before making my way to the Mystic tasting.  It’s been a surreal season for the Sox, just what the doctor ordered for the City of Boston.  Congratulations to Big Papi, Petey, Lester, Lackey, Shane “the Flyin’ Hawaiian” Victorino, “crazy eyes” Johnny Gomes, Koji, and all the other bearded wonders.  I seriously love each and every one of you.  Thanks for making our spring, summer and the month of October a whole lot sweeter!  It’s our (bleep) city, right??!!