What to drink ... For Father's Day
For such a special occasion, it's worth opening something frothy, bubbly, special or just very drinkable.
UP TO $20
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale 330ml $4.50
If your dad prefers beer to wine, opt for something flavoursome this weekend, such as Sierra Vevada's pale ale. It's recognisable first by its colourful Kermit-green label, then by its fantastic aroma and taste. This is Sierra Nevada's most popular brew - much appreciated for its neat balance of hops and malt flavour. It also has plenty of spice and fresh citrus zest plus some candied peel before a clean, dry finish. Very refreshing on its own, but it's a great food beer, especially with a ploughman's lunch or fish and chips. From Prince Wine Store South Melbourne and Essendon.
UP TO $20
Pfeiffer Rutherglen Muscat 500ml $20
Fortifieds are still the jewel in the Australian wine crown because their complexity and deliciousness are second to none and they are ridiculously low in price. This Pfeiffer muscat is a fresher style with an average age of about five years. It's bright amber in colour with just a tinge of orange. It has a heady aroma of muscat fruit plus raisins, fruitcake, burnt toffee and zest. While rich and luscious, it doesn't appear overly sweet. If you want a special gift, check out the older muscats such as those labelled rare or grand. From pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au
OVER $40
Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz 2008 $48
Lots of frazzled folk will be looking to buy a decent wine for their dad, so I've included this exceptional wine on offer at a vastly reduced price. (Seppelt's flagship shiraz has a retail tag of $80, so there's been some ruthless cost-cutting here). It is one of my favourite Aussie shirazes, and this '08 easily has another 15 years ahead of it, yet is very appealing now. It's just shy of full-bodied, with the oak complementing extraordinarily fine tannins and a silky palate. Clever young winemaker Joanna Marsh crafted it. From Dan Murphy's.
SPLURGE
Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve 2002 $100
I've never known my dad to say no to a glass of champagne - and he is in his 92nd year. It will always be the most celebratory of drinks and, on a special occasion, it's worth splurging a bit more for a vintage. Pol Roger produces outstanding champagne, with the '02 a blend of 60 per cent pinot noir and the rest chardonnay sourced from grand and premier cru vineyards. It's a stunningly complex drink; golden-hued in the glass with toasted brioche notes, honeysuckle and a creamed honey character before a dry, persistent finish. Still has hints of red fruits and apple. Try Nick's Wine Merchant.