Halloween seems to have come of age. No longer the preserve of the US, we in the UK have adopted it with a passion.

Children’s fancy dress has long been in the shops and clubs and bars are advertising themed nights, but what if you want a not such a quiet night in with friends?

For those who would like to throw a Halloween Celebration at home Laithwaites have come up trumps with two wines that will not chill your blood or your wallet.

The aptly named Waxed Bat 2019 is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from Argentina and is a full- bodied young wine with a depth of colour.

On the nose the spice comes through, along with Blackberries and liquorice and on the palate the rounded tannins offset the peppery blackberry flavours. Waxed Bat would be perfect with a rich meat dish or some mature cheese.

The finely drawn label on Red Head’s 2018 Night of the Living Red is bound to be a conversation topic, even before the bottle has been opened. A male torso with open Thorax and heart replaced by a bunch of red grapes. It is as beautiful as it is macabre.

Night of the Living Red comes from Australia and is a full bodied (all puns intended) blend of Durif Petite Sirah), Shiraz and Touriga (said to be one of Portugal’s finest grapes) and definitely a wine that grabs you by the throat (I mean this in a good way).

Night of the Living Red is aptly named as the wine is almost inky black with spice, big autumn fruits, raspberry and vanilla oak on the nose.

A mouthful of this velvety wine delivers firm tannins and generous ripe fruit that has a long finish.

There is sufficient age in the bottle to keep until 2029 providing that is, you can resist the temptation.

Laithwaite’s RedHeads Night Of The Living Red 2018, £19.99