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Wines just right for dad this Father’s Day By Alison Bailin Batz
G
o back to when you were a baby. Remember how daddy would sometimes give you your bottle? Well then, why not turn the tables on him this Father’s Day by giving him a bottle right back…albeit a fabulous wine bottle made with the fellas in mind. Any of these would be perfect.
2015 STATION 10 RED BLEND Hook & Ladder (Russian River Valley) Not only is this wine made to pair with anything from the grill, but it was named for the fire house in San Francisco that the vineyard’s owner retired from in 1982 in his former life as a firefighter. It has rich fruit that can stand up to any meat, heavy sauce and even chocolate. $22. hookandladderwinery.com
2017 BABY BLUE BLANC Blue Rock Winery (Alexander Valley) If you’re the son, this is a perfect way to thank dad given the name. And if not, check out the sleek bottle made for gifting. It is also a perfect summer wine with its exotic floral and tropical notes. The bright acidity in it also makes it the perfect bottle to open together if hot on Father’s Day. $24. bluerockvineyard.com
2016 “THE CONJURER” RED BLEND Sleight of Hand Cellars (Washington) The bottle is reason enough to buy this wine. Yes, that is Neil Patrick Harris dressed as a magician on the bottle. The story goes that he and his family are fans (at one time even members), so he agreed to let them put his face on the bottle. The bonus is that is tastes as good as it looks. $28. sofhcellars.com
powerful Zinfandel, spicy Petite Sirah and then a little Lagrein, which is a little-known grape from northern Italy. Dad will give you bonus points for scoring something so outside of the box for him with this one. $35. coffaro.com
2017 NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL Rombauer Vineyards (Napa) Though it sounds an odd way to describe wine—every single sip of this wine melts in your mouth. Luscious and worth spending
2018 FOG CREST ROSE Fog Crest Vineyard (Russian River Valley) First off, the name totally sounds like a band your dad may have loved back in the day, which might be enough to make him love it. Beyond that, one of the fastest-growing segments of drinkers of rose in the United States is men. And whether new to rose or already a fan, this bottle—made using pinot noir—will please any palate. $29. fogcrestvineyard.com
2015 RAIZIN David Caffaro (Dry Creek Valley) Likely just as you and your father are; this is an interesting blend. It is a combination of JUNE 2019 / SCOTTSDALE AIRPARK NEWS /
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