Top 10 Cabernet Sauvignons to Gift on Father’s Day: A Wine Enthusiast’s Guide | COMMENTARY Chris Lehoux, June 5, 2024 Every year we review exceptional red wines from Napol Valley, especially for Father’s Day gift suggestions. Despite the steep prices, we believe that this remarkable occasion merits an equally remarkable wine. Consider sharing the expense with your siblings to ease the cost. Just remember, the wine might just be for Dad to enjoy on his special day, June 16. For those finding the costs prohibitive, we also provide alternative recommendations. Here’s our list of top 10 cabernet sauvignons to celebrate Father’s Day: Chappellet Hideaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($175). Originally a chenin blanc vineyard, in 2007, six cabernet sauvignon blocks were established in the reclusive 13-acre area of the Hideaway vineyard. According to winemaker Phillip Titus, “Mountain-grown cabernet benefits from the ideal conditions by offering added complexity, power, and tannins.” This robust wine boasts deep black fruit flavors with nuances of herbs and pepper. Flora Springs Napa Valley Trilogy 2021 ($100). After the sale of their historic St. Helena winery in 2019, the family retained 20 acres of premium vineyards, choosing to prioritize quality over quantity by nearly halving their production. They also rejuvenated 20 acres at the acclaimed Komes Ranch Vineyard in Rutherford, which serves as the main source for this exquisite wine. This edition of Trilogy, which combines cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, and malbec, carries forward a legacy that spans nearly four decades, featuring rich black fruit flavors accented with notes of mint, coffee, and cola. Turnbull Amoenus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($145). Unlike most of this reputable Napa Valley producer’s vineyards located in the Oakville AVA, the Amoenus Vineyard lies amidst the undulating hills of Calistoga. Its wine exudes floral and spicy scents that lead into a lush weave of ripe blackberries and cherries, all framed by soft, fine tannins. Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($175). Having sampled numerous vintages of Beringer’s esteemed flagship wines aged 10-15 years, the longevity of these wines is apparent. The robust 2020 vintage presents floral and blueberry aromatics, and a palette rich with classic dark cherry, plum, and currant alongside nuances of vanilla and spice, rounded off with ample tannins perfect for pairing with a grilled steak. Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($160). First released in 1940, BV’s private reserve quickly became a sought-after collector’s item. Having experienced several vintages dating back to the 1980s, each has been memorable, including those that have aged for decades. The wine is characterized by its richness, complexity, and the quintessential Napa Valley fruit presence, with dominant flavors of black cherry and plum. Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($90): This robust yet accessible wine, crafted by the renowned Schrader, showcases powerful aromas of black fruits and cassis, complemented by flavors of plum and black cherry with nuances of tea, earth, and vanilla. Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($85): Produced in Napa Valley, this wine is part of Acumen’s impressive lineup of cabernet sauvignons. Although it might be a stretch to label it as economical, it certainly competes well within its category. It offers a more pronounced expression compared to its PEAK counterparts, exuding a modern flair while echoing the classic, cellar-worthy Napa cabernets of the 1970s. Its profile includes a vibrant fruit-forward character, softened by merlot and malbec, with flavors of ripe plum, chocolate, and mocha, plus floral notes and hints of black cherry. Ehlers Estate Jean Leducq Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($160): Dedicated to Jean and Sylvia Leducq, philanthropists from France, this exceptional wine from St. Helena combines powerful structure with luxurious texture. It is crafted only during the finest vintage years and promises to age gracefully, though it also offers immediate enjoyment. This wine was tasted in conjunction with the more robust 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon ($120), which shares its vintage and similarly links back to the winery’s origins in 1886 under Bernard Ehlers and later the ownership of the Leducq Charitable Trust since 1996. Sullivan Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($100). Celebrating the legacy of its Rutherford estate, this imposing wine epitomizes the essence of Napa Valley with a composition of 80% cabernet sauvignon, alongside merlot and petit verdot. Each grape contributes to a harmoniously structured wine with an aromatic profile of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry. It’s ready to drink now, offering immediate gratification without the need for further aging. Priest Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($60). This wine offers abundant red cherry on the nose and complex flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and mocha. More affordable wine options: Hahn Family Wines California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($16). Known for its value, this vibrant wine features cherry notes and a touch of leather, complemented by lush black fruit flavors. True Myth Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 20212 ($24). This affordably priced cabernet sauvignon from California offers a good option for daily enjoyment. It’s smooth, easy to drink, and filled with ripe red fruit flavors. Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 ($29). Consistently a preferred choice annually, this super-Tuscan blend merges merlot with local sangiovese to create a scrumptious wine abundant with round, ripe berry flavors, perfect for pairing with ribs, burgers, and other barbecued meats. Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($13). This wine provides great value, showcasing juicy and ripe red berry flavors along with soft tannins, making it a suitable pairing with grilled beef. This Argentine winery produces some of the best budget wines available today. Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 ($32). An exemplary Tuscan red, this wine features flavors of plum and dried cherry with smooth, soft tannins. It’s enjoyable now and also has potential to age well over a few years. Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco White 2022 ($27). Originating from the Alentejo region in Portugal, this wine is a product of the Symington Family’s reputation for quality. It predominantly utilizes arinto grapes, undergoing fermentation and stirring on its lees to enhance its smooth texture and bring forth a bolder fruity taste. Its complexity is noteworthy. J. de Villebois Sancerre Rosé 2023 ($30). Featuring pronounced strawberry and raspberry flavors, this semi-dry rosé hails from Sancerre. For those who prefer a slightly sweeter wine, this selection will not disappoint. Garofoli Podium Anniversario Verdiccho dei Castlli di Jesi 2021 ($30). A delightful verdicchio from the Marche region of Italy, this wine is enjoyable and drinkable, characterized by its refined citrus flavors. Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been contributing to a syndicated weekly wine column since 1985. You can explore their insights on their blog at moreaboutwine.com. They can be contacted at marq1943@gmail.com. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine