So, I have to start by saying that I have the coolest Dad in the world. Sorry, I know you think it is yours, everyone does, until they meet mine. Then when they do meet him, they all end up saying (I promise unprovoked) that my dad just happens to be the greatest guy ever and they aren’t jealous about it, they’re just happy they met him. This hasn’t been the smoothest sailing year for my dad and all of us who love him, but no matter what (and one of the things that I love best about him) is that he believes every day is a special occasion. Sneak in a breakfast out before work, a long lunch with friends, watching the sunset or late night Chinese fest - he’s always up for fun, food, friends and a glass of wine. We could all use a bit more of that in our lives! So I hope tonight you will all join me in raising a glass to Captain Pete and wishing all the dads out there the happiest of Father’s Days.
2007 Tenuta Le Calcinaie Vernaccia di San Gimignano D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy $14
As Matt always says… This is for all of you who have traveled to the quaint town of San Gimignano and return looking for that wonderful white wine you had with lunch! This small Tuscan estate was born due to the enthusiasm of the owner Simone Santini, who in 1984, once his oenology studies were over, started his activity with very little means. But in this field of work passion does miracles! At present Santini manages 8.8 hectares of vineyards with excellent results. He started working organically in 1995 and was certified in 2001. Interestingly, there are other wines called vernaccia found throughout Italy, but ampelographers (grape scientists) have determined that there is no genetic similarity between the different grapes. The term vernaccia comes from vernacular and this was used to describe the “local” grapes of many areas. The Tuscan style is by far the most famous and is a fantastic quaffer with crisp citrus notes and a hint of fresh green herbs. Transport Dad to a Tuscan hillside with one sip!
2008 Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $21
Pure refreshment! Dog Point Vineyards is always one of my favorite New Zealand producers. Winemaker James Healy and viticulturalist Ivan Sutherland were formerly at Cloudy Bay, which pretty much put New Zealand Sauvignon blanc on the map and into our glass. They since launched their own winery and success continues to roll their way. The Dog Point Vineyard is so named as this particular hill was a favorite spot of the local sheepherding dogs of the earliest European settlers. Those who escaped from their farm duties formed a pack that claimed this hill as their own and from here would stage raids on the herds. The vineyard is located in Marlborough (Northern tip of the Southern Island) in the beautiful Wairau Valley. This area gets plenty of sun balanced by cool evenings and a long growing season. The result is well-balanced sauvignon blanc with fresh fruit character, a zippy palate and lovely complexity. This is a favorite with shellfish, so why not a seafood fest for dad!
2006 Domaine Serene “Yamhill Cuvée” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $38
In 1989, Ken and Grace Evenstad found this beautiful spot in the Dundee Hills of the Northern Willamette Valley. Thus, this year is the 20th anniversary of this winery that was instrumental in introducing the world to the beautiful potential (and now reality) of world class Oregon pinot noir. (As a side note, this was the same year the Berlin Wall fell and the world wide web was invented.) Domaine Serene is committed to producing the best possible wines and therefore keeps yields extremely low for better fruit concentration, harvests and sorts by hand to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the blend, ferments in small lots and uses only the best French oak (aged 11 months in 34% new barrels). This cuvee sourced from estate fruit grown only in Yamhill county is always stunning, but the 2006 is particularly noteworthy. Growing conditions were near perfect with a long, warm growing season. As they say it was a “vintage made in the vineyard”. The harvest was thinned to one cluster per shoot and the result is a gorgeously silky pinot noir with hints of crème brulée with fresh berries. Yumm… Grab is while you can, most of the 2006’s are already gone!
2008 Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $13
While we often think of the Argentine wine industry being relatively young, this winery was actually established in 1890 in the Maipú Valley. Pascual Toso journeyed from his home in the Piedmont region of Italy, where so many of our favorite wines come from. Upon arriving he saw the potential for quality wine production particularly in the area known as Las Barrancas, which today is considered the best spot for wine in all of the country! Well-known and respected winemaker Paul Hobbs is currently the consulting winemaker and yes, he does actually go to the winery to make the wines, unlike so many “flying winemakers”. The wine is fermented in steel tanks and about 30% is aged in oak for added dimension. This is the style of malbec that I most enjoy. It has big, bold fruit, but also coffee undertones and a rustic quality that gives it more personality and a voice that calls out for grilled meat.
2001 Aribau Cuveé Rioja Reserva, La Rioja Alta, Spain $25
This small estate is relatively young, but has old roots. This prime spot along the banks of the Ebro River, near the town of Cenicero has been the site of grape growing and winemaking since 1895. Brothers Jordi and Albert Rotllan Torra are now revitalizing it. (Jordi also has a famous and successful winery in the Priorat region) This duo carefully walks the tightrope between tradition and innovation and they appear to have great balance! Their 6 hectares of vineyards are in an ideal location with high elevation but also protected from the cold winds of the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Not too hot, not too cold – just right. The Reserva is a selection of the best grapes from the best vineyard sites and is all hand harvested. It goes on to spend 24 months in a blend of both French and American oak. This is a dark, powerful brooding style of Rioja that would pair will with strong cheeses, grilled meats or long conversations by the campfire.
2006 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California $40
What could be more classic for Father’s Day than a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Honig is always a great choice that definitely delivers, but doesn’t break the bank. There is also a great family story here. In 1964, Louis Honig purchased this 68 acre ranch in the heart of the Napa Valley and planted cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc. He dreamed of the day that he could retire from his advertising job in San Francisco and make his own wines, but had to content himself with selling his grapes in the meantime. Unfortunately, Louis passed away before realizing his dream and the estate was left to his children. In 1981, the family rallied together and produced several hundred cases of sauvignon blanc and showed it at the Orange County fair in tribute to Louis. In 1984, at the age of 22, Louis’ grandson, Michael took over management of the winery and through sheer determination and hard work has grown the estate into a true success. The winery is now committed to sustainable farming, uses solar power and even is part of an innovative program that trains yellow lab puppies to detect vine mealy bugs in the vineyards! Enjoy this classic cabernet with the special people in your life this weekend.
