What with the World Cup, international rugby, the F1 Grand Prix and Wimbledon about to start, you’d think that Dads had enough treats at the moment without having to have a special day when they get to do what they want and get thoroughly spoiled by their children. Yes – it’s that time of year again and what better way to show your appreciation of all your Dad has done over the years than with a great bottle of wine? Unfortunately, my dad won’t be on hand to drink these with me as the miles get in the way, but not to worry Dad, I’ll drink your wine for you! Cheers
All wines sourced from Checkers and all prices correct as of 17/06/2010. Not all wines are available in all stores.
Groote Post Old Man’s Blend White 2009 R41.99
Well we had to start with this one didn’t we? And it’s a great place to start as well – this is a blend of Sauvignon and Chenin with a little Semillon as well and is crisp, fresh and fruity. If your old man prefers red wine, then they also make one of those too for R44.99. As appropriate as it gets!
Nederburg Twenty 10 Sauvignon Blanc 2009 R54.99
I drank this on Thursday with Razvan Macici, cellarmaster at Nederburg who tells me that he is cutting down on all his overseas trips to spend a bit more time with his young family. So in celebration of a great dad, try this wine – fresh and tropical fruity with zip and zing.
De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2008 R49.99
This is a great wine to recommend for Dads’ Day from the father of Chardonnay here in South Africa. And it’s even more fitting now that Danie de Wet has been joined in the vineyards and winery by his two sons, Johann and Peter. This is an unwooded Chardonnay with distinct lime-y overtones and a long finish.
Lourensford Five Heirs Sauvignon Blanc 2004 R42.99
I initially wondered about recommending it because of the age. But – it’s a screwcap which helps keep the freshness in, it’s from cooler slopes on the Helderberg and I recently had a great 2004 SB from Groote Post so thought it was worth a go. Gooseberry fruit with a hint of honey – a worthy gift for a dad from any son and heir.
Ribshack Red 2008 R36.99
Is your Dad a braai-meester? Then this is the wine for him. Made from mostly Pinotage with 20% Shiraz, it’s a smoky, chocolatey, robust number with chewy black fruit and good length. A fun wine for some father-son bonding over the braai tongs.
Barista 2009 R44.99
For all the times he bit his lip and said nothing at your latest pierced-nose boyfriend, for all the times he had to come and fetch you at 3am, for all the times he’s lent you money until your paycheck arrives – he deserves a bottle of this great little choc-coff to say ‘thanks Dad, you’re the greatest!’
Château Haut Blaignan Appellation Controlée Médoc 2004 R44.99
Want to impress the old man but lack the funds? Then try this imported Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet at a totally outrageous price! I can’t believe you can actually get wines like this for so little money and frankly, if you don’t all get there quickly, I shall be back to snaffle the lot!
Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2005 R99.99
A fiveway Bordeaux blend of complexity and charm, this is full of sweet black berried fruit with elegant vanilla tannins and endless length. I think this must be on special because this is an extremely good price for this wine so rush there quickly.
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008 R99.99
The Le Riche family (and this is a real family outfit) make the current Red Wine of the Year as named by the Platter Guide and this is their ‘entry-level’ wine which basically means it’s a superlative wine which completely over-delivers on this ridiculously low price. Fresh, black fruit with juicy tannins and silky finish.
Kanonkop Kadette 2007 1.5 litre bottle R139.99
If you want to say a BIG thank you to your Dad for everything, then say it with a BIG bottle. The Kadette is the second label of this top estate and is approachable now, but could keep for a few years, especially when bottled in magnums as in this case. Thanks Dad – you’re a star!