Father’s Day is quickly approaching, just in time for stores to open in Phase 2 as well. If you want to get dad a gift he probably really needs, go to the liquor store (they’re essential)! Here I have a short and sweet list of great wines as well as whiskey’s dad will love for Father’s Day. You will be able to order most of these online as well as pick them up at your local retailer.

WINES

Black Stallion Estate 2018 Chardonnay: This Napa Valley Chard is ideal for dad when he wants to sip something bold yet refreshing. Full-bodied with nice citrus notes and a creamy texture that comes from the lees stirring. The fruit for this wine was sourced from five different Ava’s, from Carneros to Rutherford. Overall this wine has beautiful acidity and is a great appetizer wine that will pair nicely with a large pretzel and some beer cheese, or shrimp cocktail! $22

Black Stallion Estate 2017 Gaspare Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: This Napa Valley Cabernet is ideal for dad, and is from the Oak Knoll District of Napa. This is a single vineyard 100% Cabernet in which the site is named after Gaspare Indelicato, the Indelicato family patriarch, who planted the family’s first single vineyard in 1924! As a Napa Cab should be, this wine has bright acidity and because it’s from a cooler part of Napa, it has excellent balance, beautiful fruit notes, and a long delicious finish. $75

Beaulieu Vineyard 2016 Tapestry Reserve Red Blend: Another beauty from the Napa Valley area! This one however is a bit more old world in style and is a blend of five Bordeaux Varietals which add to its complexity and layers. The Cabernet adds bold notes of blackberry and blueberry, while the Merlot brings in dark riper berries to the nose and palate. The Cab Franc and Petit Verdot add some nice complexity, floral, and herbal notes which really makes this wine stand out in many ways. Pair this with a nice grilled steak or some short ribs for dad’s special day, and give him a really nice treat! $65

Stags’ Leap Winery 2016 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: I have chosen another wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon, one that is high end because this wine is delicious and age-worthy! It’s rich and delicious with alluring notes of macerated strawberries, black fruit, spice, and a luxurious finish. This wine is STELLAR! Dad will surely be impressed with the complexity, espresso notes, and lingering spice on the palate of this wine. Overall this wine is great to drink now (I recommend decanting) but can absolutely age if Dad wants to have something special for another time. Pair this with prime rib, grilled swordfish, or fresh homemade pasta with lamb ragu! $115

WHISKEY/WHISKY

Suntory Toki Whisky: This premium Japanese Whisky is ideal for any dad who wants to sip something lighter and different. I first tasted this whisky in a high ball cocktail and fell in love with its smoothness, spice notes, and lighter style. This is a timeless style of whisky which combines the old and new house of Suntory styles. This unique whisky is unlike anything he will drink on the market, full of green apples, honey, and grapefruit.  It’s great for sipping on its own as well as for mixing in cocktails. $38

The GlenDronach 18: A beautiful Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky that’s deep tawny in color, and has bold notes of fruit, cherries, and caramel. Its rich, dark, and seductive, and was matured in the finest Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks. Dad will absolutely love a bottle of this beauty for his bar, and can enjoy it with steak as well as citrus-driven and chocolate desserts! $179

Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey: This Irish Peated Single Malt is wonderful if Dad loves a little complexity and peat flavors in his spirits. It has a nice sweet taste with those striking peat notes which add nice smokiness to this whiskey. This is a truly unique one that will pair nicely with a Davidoff Cigar, something bold and spicy from the Winston Churchill collection or Arturo Fuente! $50

 

Dad deserves something special, especially since 2020 thus far has not been as bright as we all thought it would be. Brighten his day with wonderful wine and a great bottle of whiskey!