Spirited Zine’s 2021 Father’s Day Gift GuideFather and son vignerons—Pierre and Nicolas Seillan produce this selection at Château Lassègue where ornate sundials adorn the façade of the 18th century château. This symbol of perfect sun exposure represents the message of the wines from the estate and can be found on the label. Lassègue is the flagship wine of the estate and is Saint-Émilion at its most opulent. Old vines grow on the south/southwest hills which are the prolongation of the Côte de Saint-Émilion, and whose soils of clay and limestone add exquisite minerality to their fruit. Rich, aromatic Cabernet Franc married to the dense concentration of old vine Merlot and seasoned with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon results in a wine that is at once powerful and elegant.

The 2016 Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir displays aromas of red currant and dark cherries. It's precisely what I would expect from this cool-climate Pinot. Flavors of black plum, pomegranate, and cranberry come through. The wine presents a delicate structure and refined tannins.

The 2017 Saralee's Chardonnay is aromatic and flavorful. Notes of lightly toasted oak in the nose are followed by Gravenstein apple, Meyer lemon, and baked pear. A hint of herbacious flavors adds to its complexity.

Smoke, wood and evergreen aromas. Apple, pear and minerals on the palate. Lingering finish. An unusual chard. Very good.

The notes in Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2017 and La Crema Sonoma Coast 2018 are of citrus blossom with a touch of peach. Apparently the effect of the climate is to lengthen the growing period, which gives depth to the flavours. Deliciously different.

The notes in Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2017 and La Crema Sonoma Coast 2018 are of citrus blossom with a touch of peach. Apparently the effect of the climate is to lengthen the growing period, which gives depth to the flavours. Deliciously different.

Full-bodied but balanced, fruit for this bottling is sourced from six specialized sites in the Alexander Valley – well-suited for grapes in the Bordeaux family. Cherries, chocolate, tobacco, graphite, leather and herbs suggest a ripe, savoury expression that rides the line between New and Old World.

Some options to help celebrate Mother's DayLa Crema 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé “Monterey” - recommended

The tasting began with the first sauvignon blanc vintage from a known producer of Sonoma County pinot noir and chardonnay. After winemaker McAllister, with roots in New Zealand, joined La Crema, it was only a matter of time. Sourced from the warmer north County vineyards, the 2020 La Crema Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley is partially barrel-fermented in neutral oak for 28 days, which gives the wine, according to Craig, more texture with minimal oak notes. A vibrant bouquet of tropical and stone fruits with floral hints carried through the flavors and a long finish. Craig pairs this wine with oysters, ceviche and fried fish.

On the nose, there are warm spicy notes with bright red fruit. The structure is wonderful and the wine is well balanced, fresh and lively. Notes of spice and cedar coat the palate. Produced from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon this Chianti Classico Riserva has bright acidity and a distinct minerality that makes you salivate and invites you to keep on drinking. You will enjoy pouring this wine again and again.

Splendid Red, White, Rosé and Bubbly Wines To Serve During BBQ SeasonFrom the foothills of this appellation comes this versatile blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc from Ch. Lassègue’s second label. This vintage is aged only 12 months in French oak, which gives it a lightness that allows for a slightly chilled serve. It’s fantastic with barbecued chicken, or even hot dogs!

Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Brut RoséJackson Family Wines has built itself into a luxury winemaking conglomerate in recent years under the savvy leadership of Barbara Banke, widow of company founder Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Banke’s portfolio of investments in Oregon’s Willamette Valley exhibits an appreciation for elegance, as evidenced by this spot-on charmer clad in golden-tinged pink, which caresses the palate with delicate raspberry and strawberry notes.

Last minute luxury gifts for Father's Day 2021A perfect pairing for a special father's day dinner together with the family, the Lassègue Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a rich, tannic red with a velvety mouthfeel and bold, black fruit flavours. Derived from the sun-drenched vineyards of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, this red blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes to create a wine that complements red meat with its decadent tasting notes of ripe blackberry and juicy plums melting into an earthy and oaky aftertaste with just a hint of dark chocolate.

Must Have ProductsKendall-Jackson Avant Lower Calorie Chardonnay

#WineWednesday: Cheers To Picnic, Pool and Patio PortablesKendall-Jackson Avant chardonnay makes it easy to squeeze into that swimsuit with its new lower calorie vino—a vivid, fresh and dynamic take on chardonnay. KJ is a leader in sustainability, so no question the bottle is lighter than average, and the wine weighs in at only 85 calories per serving.

What's the best wine to have with steak?Offering a touch more freshness than your average richly ripe Napa Cab is this brilliant option from the neighbouring Sonoma County, specifically within the Alexander Valley AVA. It’s still intense and juicy, with concentrated blackcurrant, and sweet vanilla and chocolate notes, but it also has a lovely dry finish, with flavours of cedar, and some refreshing red cherry among all the fleshy black fruit.

Food & Wine pairing recommendation

Food & Wine pairing recommendation

Food & Wine pairing recommendation

Food & Wine pairing recommendation

Food & Wine pairing recommendation