We all know the look when Dad is not happy. The look in his eyes says it all. He speaks. What did you do? Why did you do that? What were you thinking? Go to your room and we’ll discuss this later. Or something like that… Yep, he’s seeing red and you’re on the hot seat.
But Sunday is Father’s Day, the day set aside for all children, young or old, to thank their father for teaching them many of life’s lessons and helping them become brilliant contributors to the universe (because of course you know you are). What better way to honor Dad than to give him a bottle of delicious wine? You know he won’t be angry about that!
Following is a roundup of five reds, all sent to me as samples, that I’ve loved during the last few months. From a variety of tastes to price points, I know you’ll find a wine that your dad will love as much as he does you.
Happy Father’s Day!
Garcia + Schwaderer Pinot Noir 2011 – From Chile’s Casablanca Valley, this wine in the Burgundian style showed intense aromas of cherries, blueberries, and white pepper. On the palate, its mouthwatering acidity, supple tannins, and abundant fruit coupled with floral notes, vanilla, spice, and minerality led to a long lasting finish. Aged for 18 months in used French oak, the Garcia + Schwaderer Pinot Noir 2011 was lightly filtered and bottled. Dad will most likely open this as soon as you give it to him! Cost is $35.
Matanegra Vendimia Seleccionada 2010 – The tempranillo in in this wine is from 80-90 year old vines located in the
D.O. Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Aged for nineteen months in French oak barrels, aromas of cherries, vanilla, exotic spice, and hint of florals were lovely. On the palate, soft tannins and medium acidity were braided with notes of more vanilla and spice as well as cocoa and minerality. This elegant, smooth as satin Tempranillo was one of the best I’ve had in awhile and I’m guessing Dad will agree. Cost is $60.
Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT 2012 – If you love red blends then you’ll be thrilled to taste this medley of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Italy’s region of Veneto. The name “Alanera” means “black wing” of the raven, “corvino” in Italian, and is a bow to the region’s signature grape, corvina. Throughout the area, the appassimento method of drying grapes is used; the concentrated juice from those grapes adds unique aromas and flavors. 50% of the grapes harvested to produce Alanera Rosso are partially dried for 45-60 days. Aromas of currants, vanilla, sweet spice, and dried cherries were intense and indicative of that traditional appassimento method. On the palate, I found sensuous notes of raisins, dark berries, vanilla, and coffee along with well integrated tannins and lively acidity. Balanced and bright, this wine with its $20 price tag could be mistaken for one that costs much more. Trust me, Dad will appreciate this!
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – The Faust is a perfect example of a wine from a vintage year that was ideal. A beautiful summer of warm days and cool nights in Napa led to a harvest offering no surprises from Mother Nature. Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford and Coombsville, and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from growers in Atlas Peek, Mount Veeder, St. Helena, and the Oak Knoll District were hand picked, double sorted and crushed, then cold soaked and fermented in French oak and stainless steel tanks. After maceration and malolactic fermentation in the barrel, the wine was aged for 19 months in 100% French oak. Aromas of mint, chocolate, red fruit, flowers, and sweet vanilla spice were rich and intense. On the palate, this dry wine with mouthwatering acidity and well integrated tannins burst with juicy ripe berries. Balanced and complex, intense yet graceful, the satin like finish with a touch of spice reminded me with every sip why I love wine. Dad will understand. Cost is $49.
Cornerstone Cellars 2011 Napa Valley “The Cornerstone” – Graceful and pure, complex and luxurious, this is everything a wine should be. It can be held for several decades…but that wasn’t about to happen. “The Cornerstone” is a blend of selected barrels from Oakville Station Vineyard in Oakville. A true masterpiece, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc join to create intense, lush aromatics of dark rich cherries, licorice, plums, blackberries, and sweet spice. On the palate, sweeping strokes of deep red berries and more spice are framed by well honed tannins and bright, mouthwatering acidity which provide harmony and balance. Its finish is long, elegant, and intriguing. Give Dad nothing but the best. Cost is $200.
Devil’s Collection Red 2013 – From the
Rapel Valley, a sub-region of the Cachapoal Valley and the largest wine producing region in Chile’s Central Valley, aromas bursting from the glass were of lavender, black cherries, and vanilla. Aged in French and American oak, I found notes of sweet spice, black pepper, herbs, chocolate, and red fruits with a touch of earth. Balanced with integrated tannins and a long, tingly finish this wine of 60% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Carmenere paired well with burgers on the grill. After aerating for a half hour or so, you may sip and savor this interesting red with game meats, pizza, meat with rich sauces, or hard cheeses. For the Dad who loves good wine and a reasonable price…cost is $15.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
