10 Wines Perfect for Tu Padre

Father’s Day is a great time to buy a bottle of wine for your father (or any of your friends and family members who are also fathers). The only problem with buying wine as a gift is that it is either gone shortly after it’s opened or it gets put away, to be enjoyed in the future. Either way, something is lost in the sense of gratification for the gift-giver. The best way around both of these situations is to buy two bottles this Father's Day: one to drink now and one to be aged and opened later. Just a tip: choose wines that go well with grilled meat, the specialty of the holiday. Wines to drink now are all $15 and under, while wines to savor later are $30 and up.

Wines to Drink Now

Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2012: Zinfandel equals barbecue wine and the bright raspberry and blackberry flavors of this one suit the bill perfectly. Notes of chocolate and freshly ground pepper round out the flavor profile of this forceful wine.

DeMartino Legado Carmenere 2010: They do Carmenere well in Chile and aging in wood for 16 months adds complex texture and spice notes to flavors of black currant and cherry with touches of tobacco.

Dominio de Tares Baltos 2010: Made from 100% Mencia in Spain’s Bierzo region, this bright wine spent less than 8 months in oak, so fruit flavors are at the forefront. Cherry and cranberry are dominant on the palate, with touches of lavender and a nice mineral streak.

Wild Oats Central Ranges Shiraz 2011: Shiraz is another grilling favorite and when it comes to Shiraz Australia is where it’s at. The Wild Oats version is a pleasure to drink, with a nice balance between brightness and velvety tannins, a perfect package for flavors of blackberry and blueberry with whispers of clove and espresso.

Avant California Red Blend 2012: Mostly Merlot with Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this California red lives up to the adjectives on its label: “Rich. Silky. Smooth.” Flavors of cherry and raspberry mix it up with mocha and pepper. At first sip it’s fruity, but gentle aging in older oak barrels adds plushness to the finish.  

Next, wines to save for later… [pagebreak]

Wines to Savor Later

Fulcrum Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011: From a new winery in Carneros, California comes a deep red Pinot Noir with flavors of cassis, raspberry, tobacco, and herbes du Provence. Polished tannins, a long finish, and vivid acidity add up to a winning package.

J Vineyards Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012: Elegant yet powerful, this Pinot Noir offers a pleasing mix of fruit flavors and savory characteristics. Black plum and pomegranate flavors mingle with notes of thyme and truffle.

Sartori di Verona Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC 2010: This wine has already spent 3 years in oak and another few years in the wine cellar will make it even better. Flavors of plump raisins and cooked black cherries are wrapped in a silky layer of tannins and soft notes of spicy vanilla.

Castello Banfi Cum Laude 2010: A deep ruby-colored blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah, this wine has full-on flavors of black raspberry, plum, anise, and Mediterranean herbs. It is rich and full on the palate with a drawn out finish.

Salentein Numina 2010: Made from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this Argentine Bordeaux-style blend is sure to please the most discerning wine connoisseur. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, white chocolate, and baking spices are vigorous yet restrained right through the lingering finish.