Did you know that whilst Mothers’ Day actually has some basis in religion and traditional worship, Fathers’ Day is an entirely manufactured excuse for a party and a good time? Which is absolutely fine with me – I’m all up for a little commercialism and good reason to spoil the man in my life – so here are a couple of wines I’ve received recently which you might want to think about sharing with your Pa, Grandpa or partner on Sunday. Cheers boys!
Groote Post Old Man’s Blend Red or White 2014 (around R60 – R70 from most major retailers)
This winery has made it really easy for you to give a bottle of this to your old man this year with each bottle boasting neck labels which you can personalise for your special chap. The red is a mix of Bordeaux varieties with some Shiraz and the white is also Bordeaux grapes with a fair-sized dose of Chenin in the middle. I’ve loved these wines for so many years – always good value, reliable, honest and they make you happy. Sounds like my Dad to me.
Wijnskool Tree of Knowledge Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (R85 from www.wijnskool.co.za)
My father taught me to appreciate sherry at a shockingly early age – and look where I ended up?! Bartho Eksteen’s Wijnskool actually teaches much more than drinking – it teaches entrepreneurship, winemaking, wine marketing and responsible use of alcohol at the same time. It’s a great project and it’s nice to know that buying a wine such as this helps support young people, as your Dad did for you (hopefully). And of course, because it’s Bartho, you also know that it’s a delicious Sauvvie as well!
Klein Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013 (R148 from specialist retailers)
There is nothing reserved about most families in my experience, families being a group of people to whom you can say anything, at any time and which you will mostly (generally) get away with. Any awkward spats (such as whinging about your sisters on twitter without realising they’re stalking you – oops!) should be smoothed away with this wine. A big award-winner in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, this is one of the most satisfying, balanced, rounded and rich wines I’ve had in ages. Cures ALL ills!
Spier Frans K. Smit 2008 (R745 from cellar door)
To paraphrase a hair products advert “Because he’s worth it.” Alright, this might not be everyday drinking for most of us, but your Dad isn’t an everyday kind of guy. This is the flagship wine from Spier and this year it’s a blend of Cab, Merlot, Shiraz and Pinotage – the very best selections given the very best treatment and then blended into something beautiful. They’ve aged it for you as well which is rather handy, and it comes in a lovely box just waiting for your gift tag. And the wine itself? Big, powerful, structured, spicy but with a good deal of grace, some elegance and lashings of black-berried fruit.
Happy Fathers’ Day Dad!