The perfect wines for Father’s Day

If I had my curmudgeonly hat on, I would say that Father’s Day is just a commercial exploitation with no basis in any tradition or ritual whatsoever. On the other hand – it means a good excuse to drink wine with my husband – so who’s arguing? Not me! Here are a few ideas for you to celebrate with your special parent.

Delheim Pinotage Rosé 2016 (R59 cellar door)

Cos real men drink pink – you know that, right? I have no time for men who quibble about this – if you’re eating anything fishy/Mediterranean-y/or involving strawberries, this is the best match and to hell with the colour! Actually, it’s a very pretty colour and lovely delicious flavours of strawberries and a hint of perfume from a tweak of Muscat. It’s lovely, it’s fruity and it should be drunk more widely in my humble opinion.

Beyerskloof Traildust 2014 (R100 cellar door)

This may be my find of the year so far. I really didn’t expect to like this, not being the greatest Pinotage fan but if anyone is going to convert you, it will be Beyers Truter and his winemaking son, Anri. It’s a fascinating blend of 1/3 Pinotage and then 1/3 each of its two parents – Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Pinot Noir blends are seldom successful, but this one was just lovely – pliable, chewy, fresh and lively. And as for the price – sheeeesh, order up now.

Val de Vie Ryk Neethling 2011 (R135 from specialist retailers)

Is your Dad a sports fan? Then how about this made in honour of SA’s gold medalist swimmer? It’s a Rhône blend – so Shiraz, Mourvedre, Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault – and it’s a great example of this popular category. Lots of bright black fruit, hints of chocolate and spice, soft and pliable tannins – the ideal gift for anyone who loves sport and definitely for anyone who loves wine.

Boplaas Gamka 2013 (R175 cellar door)

I recently judged on the port and port-varieties challenge and it came as absolutely zero surprise to anyone that Boplaas was right up there grabbing all the medals as usual (we were tasting blind by the way!). The Nels have really got these varieties sorted and this is evidenced by their willing to combine them with other grapes – in this case Shiraz – to create stonkingly-good wines. I love this Gamka (named for a river) – dark, dense, chewy but still layered, perfumed and delicious. Cries out for smoked meats.

Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir Reserve 2013        R183 cellar door

Sometimes living up to your Dad’s reputation can be tough, and hats off to Takuan von Arnim for not being phased by having the most famous sabrageur in the Cape as a father! These are seriously-big shoes but as Takuan takes over more of the reins at HC, it is clear that he is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. I really enjoyed this wine, just starting to be savoury, hints of ripe red fruit and nicely oaked. Great with tuna or duck.

Matthew Krone Alexandra de la Marque 2010    R250 from Wade Bales Wine Society    

There’s always something nice about a wine with a family connection – in this case, Alexandra is Matthew’s daughter and the wine is made in honour of her. It’s been 5 years on the lees and is a blend of mainly Chardonnay with 20% Pinot Noir, a combination which is generally one of the more successful in SA. It’s a very pleasing savoury/biscuit affair with nice acidity and good length. And – just for an extra quirk – subsequent vintages will only be available in Leap Years. So grab it whilst you can.

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