Gifts for dad can feel tricky. Sure, some of our fathers have hobbies, but when it comes to holidays, we’ve all heard them say, “You don’t have to buy me anything.” They mean well, but it can make giving feel a bit overwhelming.
Based on our own experience with dads, we’ve come to believe what they really want is something practical. Gifts that serve a purpose. And while we could always get him another tie or coffee mug, maybe this is the year to introduce Dad to the world of fine wine.
Our team loves gifting Cabernet Sauvignon, especially for Father’s Day. It’s classic, approachable, and pairs well with grilled meat and hearty meals. Your dad can age it (new hobby!) or enjoy it with Father’s Day dinner. It’s practical because it’s delicious and sharable, plus your dad can explore how it develops over time.
A Quick Guide to Cab Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely grown grape in the world and a staple varietal for both wine connoisseurs and casual fans. It’s a wine list mainstay and, it could be said, the quintessential red wine. When people think of red, they think of Cabernet.
Take a look at our portfolio and you’ll see it’s no secret that we’re big fans of the varietal. It’s a cornerstone of our winery and the greater Stags Leap District. Our appellation is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon due to the rocky hillside of the Palisades; the heat is absorbed by the stone during the day and gently released back to the grapes at night.
In the evenings, a cool marine breeze comes from the San Pablo Bay helping the grapes to reach a peak of balanced acidity and sugar. Stags Leap Cabernets enjoy a long growing season of warm days and cool nights.
Want to learn more? Check out our deep dive on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Notes on Cellaring
It’s always a good time to start collecting wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent first addition to a cellar. If your dad is interested in starting a wine collection, we’ve got a few pointers on how to keep every bottle at its full potential.
Keep the Temperature Cool and Regulated.
Wine thrives between 45°F and 65°F, with 55°F being the preferred “perfect” temperature for Cabs. Going above or below this temperature can damage the wine and lead to unpleasant tastes and poor quality.
Protect the Wine from Harsh Light.
A fine wine can certainly take the spotlight, but being in the spotlight can damage it. Keep wines in a dark place. Harsh light, like fluorescents and the sun, can lead to premature aging.
Note the Humidity.
Why does humidity matter? If it dips too low, it can dry out the cork, which lets oxygen into the bottle and can derail the aging process. Wine is best kept between 50% and 70% humidity.
Turn the Bottles on Their Sides.
This helps the cork stay moist, which helps preserve the wine.
Let It Rest, Undisturbed.
Vibrations from movement can disturb the sediment in the wine and cause a chemical reaction that leads to a disruption in acid levels. Make sure the wine is far away from high-traffic areas, loud noises, and other disruptions.
For more information, check out our complete guide to cellaring well that dives a little deeper.
Our Cabernet Sauvignons
Stags’ Leap Winery has an exciting portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon, each offering bold flavors and extraordinary quality. We have three bottlings we believe are a perfect choice for gifting Dad because of their ageability, accessibility, and premium value.
2021 Audentia Cabernet Sauvignon. Opens with saturated blackberry, blackcurrant, and brambleberry. On the palate, it delivers both opulence and poise. There’s a generous rush of ripe red and black fruits—black raspberries, cherries, and black plums. It can be enjoyed in its youth, but also rewards patience, as a few years in the cellar will allow it to soften and develop further nuance.
2022 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum with hints of black pepper and toasted oak. The wine is complex with rich flavors of black raspberry, cassis, dark chocolate, and espresso. It’s perfect for cellaring and will evolve beautifully over the next 10 to 15 years.
2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Warm spices and sweet oak welcome layers of red berries and notes of vanilla, clove, and woodsy perfume. Sweet red berry fruits take the lead on the palate, opening to plush black cherry and blackberry notes. The body is on the lighter side, allowing for nuanced layers to shine through.
Pairings We Love
Grilled Summer Pizza with Fresh Corn, Zucchini, Castelvetrano Olives, and Pancetta. Easy and a crowd-pleaser, this pizza is an excellent meal to make for Dad. Cabernet Sauvignon’s acidity, notes of black currant and pomegranate, and hints of sage bring out the rich, savory pancetta, sweet corn, and salt of the Castelvetrano olives.
Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Peach Molasses Barbecue Sauce. Spectacular, surprisingly tangy, and a favorite of dads, these ribs are an ideal way to elevate a barbecue. The smoky, charred flavors of the meat harmonize with the wine’s notes of cinnamon and luscious cassis, raspberry, and bright cherry.
Beef Bourguignon. This cozy dish is perfect for a dad who loves rich, savory flavor. The mushrooms, beef, and red wine make it an excellent pairing for a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of red currant, plum, and cinnamon.
Grilled Ribeye Steak. Steak and Cabernet Sauvignon are an ideal match, and our ribeye recipe is easy to make and big on flavor. The steak is vibrant and tangy, with smoky flavors and herbaceous chimichurri sauce that brings out the best in a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
