“Pop”-ping Bottles: Wine & Spirits Picks for Father’s Day
After years of homework helping, dinner prepping, science-project engineering, laundry, not to mention all of the hugs and support, it’s time to raise a glass to dads (uncles and and dad figures). Father’s Day is just one week away and we’re here to help you find the perfect wine to pair with the perfect dad ― yours. Whether your dad is a whiskey connoisseur, a lover of the vine, or brand new to drinking anything other than Bud Light, we’ve got a bottle that's just right. Besides, just about any drink looks great in these limited edition glasses from Claudia Pearson. Read on or click here to check out the rest of our Father’s Day gift collection!
Thomain Enfer d’Avier 2019
The vineyards of the Enfer d’Arvier appellation are situated in an amphitheater shaped site on steep slopes in a high-altitude valley in Italy’s Valle d’Aosta The shape of this ‘bowl’ of vineyards concentrates major heat from the sun, giving birth to the moniker “hell of Arvier.” A study in extremes, this as restrained as it is bold, as fresh as it is soft. A stunning gift for for lovers of intense, aromatic, smooth and earthy reds. Sustainable.
Aegerter Mersault 2018
Some Dads prefer a lighter touch, something as cool and different as they are. Enter this absolutely beautiful white Burgundy from critical and consumer darling, Aegerter. Meursault is famed for it's bold, balanced white wines. Hand harvested, then aged for 6 to 12 months in barrels that have been used in the past two vintages. On the nose elegant florals and toasted hazelnut with a little bit of flinty minerallity. Butter, citrus and honey are fully expressed in the rich full body of this Chardonnay. Amazing cellaring potential, pairs well with grilled shellfish, lobster, prawns, veal or poultry in white sauce.
La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Rioja Reserva 2016
A romantic red, determined to tell the rich story of Rioja through flavor, Vina Alberdi Reserva 2016 is a great gift for dads who love history or who love to grill. Founded in 1890 as a cooperative of 5 Riojan and Basque families determined to create a modern wine on par with the world’s most famed producers, today the group is known as one of the foremost producers in all of Spain. Made from 100% Tempranillo, hand harvested, aged for two years in American oak barrels, the wine offers intense, intoxicating aromas of red and black berries that give way to vanilla, nutmeg, and cedar. Full of personality, budget friendly, and endlessly versatile, this wine is a win-win. Sustainable.
Château de Laubade Armagnac
Chateau de Laubade was founded in 1870, in the heart of Bas Armagnac, widely regarded as the best terroir for producing rich, luxurious brandies. Today, the third generation of the Lesgourgues family is at the helm with a vested interest in sustainability as they care for their 260 acres single vineyard plot. On top of sourcing their own grapes that they tend to and farm to their uniquely high standards, they also make all their barrels on-site from trees grown on their land. The care and craft that goes into each aspect of production of this exceptional Armagnac shines through in the final product leaving you with a rich, unique spirit quite unlike any other. These unique vintage brandies are made exclusively from sustainably farmed fruit harvested and distilled at the Chateau, capturing the essence of these two remarkable years. Both are available in a gorgeous hand-crafted wooden gift box as well. Château de Laubade Armagnac 1991. Château de Laubade Armagnac 2001.
New York Distilling Ragtime Rye Hand Selected Barrel #284
Co-founded by Allen Katz & father-son duo Tom and Bill Potter, we’ve been big fans of New York Distilling Co. for years. All have a love of distilling and love for flavor integrity that are second to none. When we had the chance to collaborate with Bill and the team on a single-barrel Greene Grape exclusive bottle, we ran, jumped, and skipped to take advantage of such an incredible opportunity. We tasted through several barrels, each unique in their own way, but it was Barrel #284 that called out to us from rack house 16C, with its lush apple and pear blossom notes, cinnamon, vanilla, and peppery spice. Aged for 4 years and 1 day, this barrel had nuance for days.
Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey
This award-winning line of American whiskies is inspired by the first known African-American master distiller, Nathan "Nearest" Green. This 7-year-old small batch is mellowed using the Lincoln County Process, a unique filtering of bourbon through sugar maple charcoal that has been confirmed to have been brought to Tennessee by enslaved people and taught by Nearest Green to Jack Daniels, the most famous Tennessee Whiskey maker of all time. History in a glass, every batch of Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey is hand-selected by the company’s founders and curated by fifth-generation Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler, who’s signature is on the back of each bottle. Aged a minimum of 7 years, and bottled at 93-proof, this is a smooth sipping whiskey. A blend of premium aged whiskies between 8 and 14 years old, Uncle Nearest 1856 Tennessee Whiskey is 100-proof, bold and spicy, with hints of maple, dried stone fruit and flowers on the palate. On the nose, fresh hay, dried grass, pumpkin seeds, and sweet caramel.
