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No matter his penchant, we have a wine for Father’s Day, June 16, that will make him pleased as punch. Whip up some dinner (see the irresistible recipe link below from Jordan Vineyards) and uncork one of these stunners — suddenly, you’ll become his favorite child.
Summer Refreshers for Dad
If he likes something racy, Ferrari Trento is the official partner of Formula 1 due to its prestigious history and award-winning status. The Ferrari F1 brut stands out due to its harmonious complexity, which is an expression of chardonnay from the mountains of Trentino. Fresh and persistent with fine bubbles, broad fruity notes of ripe Golden Delicious apples and wildflowers are underpinned by a whiff of fresh baked bread. Presented in a modern F1 gift box. $43.99 750 ml, $409.99 3 L
Goosecross Cellars 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
The winery touts several lines of selections ranging from light and refreshing to big and bold, all crafted by former Duckhorn winemaker Bill Nancarro. Goosecross’ Napa Valley Selection features varietals like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, rosé for Lucy, syrah, and other reds. 2023 was a superb vintage for sauvignon blanc, making this an ideal bottle for serving or gifting this season. Mouthwatering lychee, lemon curd, honeydew melon, peach and flinty minerality awaken the palate. Pairs beautifully with summer salads, fresh fruit or a day at the beach! $39
If you can’t make it to the Texas Hill Country in June, Heath Family Brands is offering a Gift Pack for Father’s Day that includes two of Invention Vineyards’ most popular red wines, a Bordeaux-style blend and a Sangiovese, and the Grape Creek Cuvée Blanc — an award-winning white blend. $139
Tenuta Regaleali Buonsenso Sicilia DOC 2022
Cataratto/Lucido is a historic grape variety native to the Etna region that has been cultivated since ancient times. It plays a significant role in numerous Sicilian white wines, with a straw-yellow hue infused with fruity and floral aromas, a robust structure, balanced acidity, and elegant finish. Put this delicious white wine on ice and let the party begin! $20
Domaine Curry 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
Just in time for warm weather sipping, the wine brand from sisters-in-law Ayesha Curry (wife of NBA’s Stephen Curry) and Sydel Curry-Lee just released its newest vintage of sauvignon blanc. Balanced white aromas of orange blossom, guava, and honeydew melon with bright notes of citrus and lengthy acidity, it marries well with salads and spicy grilled foods. $45
For the Pinot Noir Fan
Rockhound Wine 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
Megan & Reed Skupny, the second generation of well-known winery Lang & Reed Napa Valley, just released the second wine in the company’s portfolio. The 2021 Pinot Noir is sourced from Radian Vineyard, bordering the Rita’s Crown AVA, in the Santa Rita Hills. This Burgundian trifecta maintains the structures and complexities for which they are prized while resulting in a harmonious blend. A ripe wine not for wimps! $90
Benovia Winery 2021 Tilton Hill Estate Pinot Noir
Here’s a very special wine for a special man. Benovia Winery’s coveted Tilton Hill estate vineyard is perched on a ridgetop, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Sonoma Coast AVA. This Pinot Noir is a favorite and winemaker/co-owner Mike Sullivan describes the Tilton Hill vineyard as a “high risk/high reward” site. Only 371 cases were produced. $75
Wise Cellars 2021 Nobles Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir
Sourced from the coastal vines of Fort Ross-Seaview’s Nobles vineyard, this wine has red fruit aromas with firm tannins that envelop and linger. The 2021 vintage is a resonant expression of pinot noir that will age gracefully in the bottle for years to come. The ambitious winery boasts multiple tasting rooms in the Sonoma and Napa Valley regions and other well-made wines including syrah, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and chardonnay. $75
Treat Dad to a Cab
Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make this a decadent wine for food pairing. Its elegance, acidity and spice notes complement grilled or roasted dishes such as roasted salmon, grilled lamb or pork tenderloin, and wild mushroom risotto ($62). Its 2019 chardonnay ($45) is also seamless, so why not gift both?
2021 Band of Vintners Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This Napa Valley red is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and bolstered by small percentages of cabernet franc, petit verdot, and merlot. Aged in new and once-used French Oak, it reveals a blend of fruit and savory notes — opening with bright cherry and cassis that transitions into subtle leather and tobacco undertones. Elegant tannins and vibrant acidity result in a refreshing, food-friendly texture, complemented by spice elements of nutmeg and pink peppercorn that linger. $39
2021 Alta Nova Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
A more youthful counterpart to its Reserve, this wine is also one hundred percent cabernet sauvignon from the Napa Valley AVA. Aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels, this wine’s high-tone aromas of dark briary and red fruit leap from the glass. Pomegranate, chocolate-covered cherries and açai berries bring a rich, red-and blue-fruit forward profile to the nose. Fermented tea tobacco, nutmeg, and clove spices add layers of nuance to the dense ripe fruit character. $70
Wild Card
Dad should get a chuckle when he opens this gift with a whimsical bottle and label! Voted Irish Whiskey of the Year, the libation mixes the craft or Irish Whiskey with the aging techniques of a bourbon. Natterjack, like the Irish, is versatile and mixes well whether neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. $39
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Cover photo Miguel Lecuona
Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living, and Houston House & Home. Her work appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s, and Private Clubs Magazine.
