A wine savvy myself, I would like to get a nice bottle of exclusive wine for Father's Day. I read this article in Forbes and thought would share it with you guys. Happy Father's day to you all...
Spare dad the lame tie gift this Father’s Day and buy him something with finesse and style; something that can age or be enjoyed immediately. It’s the most versatile gift in the world: wine. To keep things interesting, you might consider wines that pair perfectly with your father’s personality. No doubt, navigating the thousands of wine choices is not always a joy. Here’s a guide to get you started (and save you some time) with a few suggestions defined by style and personality.
The Thinker Madeira is America’s wine (the Founding Fathers loved the stuff, in fact, it would not be surprising to find a Madeira wine stain somewhere on the Declaration of Independence). The beauty of Madeira is the fact that it will age indefinitely and once opened will remain stable and fresh for years — much like a bottle of vodka or gin. TRY: D’Oliveira, Malvazia, 1989, $100: A contemplative wine, with brilliant acid to keep your palate from getting bogged down in sugar and alcohol. Perfumed with caramel, butterscotch, apricots, and nuts, it can be enjoyed with a meal or a quiet evening of great conversation.
Life of the Party Bubbles make a party and a good pairing for a dad that lives large. TRY: Domaine Chandon Etoile Brut, $40: Aged for 5 years in the bottle, this is a 92 point California sparkler has beautiful finesse with apple-cinnamon, citrus and cream coming together in the glass. You might also try Laurent Perrier Brut, $34, which gets three years of cellaring before release. Vibrant and fresh with a distinct mineral complexity, the glass just bursts with an effervescent riptide of bubbles.
Big and Bold For the dad that loves power in a wine, it makes sense to reach for Cabernet or a red blend from California. TRY: the HALL “Jack’s Masterpiece” 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $110 (sold online only) is a signature red blend from former HALL Winemaker and now President, Mike Reynolds, in honor of a special ‘masterpiece’ his 2 year-old son presented to him on Father’s Day in 2006. Halter Ranch Ancestor, 2008, $44: Powerful and rich, this wine can cellar for 10 to 15 years, or open it now and enjoy with a grilled ribeye. It’s a Bordeaux styled blend consisting primarily of Petit Verdot (which lends this wine its silky lush edges) and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Adventurous Head to Portugal for unusual varietals and special terroir. TRY: Herdade do Esporão Touriga Nacional 2008 $45: Crafted from one of the classic grapes used to produce port wines, this rich, balanced red has a violet, feminine sensibility rounded out with spicy chocolate. A great food wine.
Financially Savvy Look for a second label Bordeaux from a respected producer for some of the wine world’s best values. TRY: Les Fiefs de Lagrange, Saint Julien, 2009, $23. Les Fiefs is the ‘value’ label for Chateau Lagrange , located in the St. Julien appellation of the Medoc. They produce a lovely grand cru classé Bordeaux which is a wine built for long-term aging. Les Fiefs, a ripe blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, is less formal and designed for everyday enjoyment. You’ll give dad a wine with tart cherry aromas, followed by the enchanting smell of forest, leather, and dark chocolate. Dad will be so happy with the ‘deal of a wine’ you gave him, he’ll go out and invest in a case.
A note on finding these wines— most are distributed nationwide. Ask your favorite wine retailer to special order these if you don’t see one on the shelf. The only wine that must be bought online is HALL.
