Gifts for Dad: wines and spirits
Pop, Daddy, Dad, Papa, Padre, Pere - any way you say it, his day is coming up. There are a lot of ways to toast him.
SPIRITED DAD Stolichnaya White Pomegranik ($24) is one of the subtler intros in the flavored-vodka competition; and Ketel One Oranje ($25), an orange-infused, refined vodka with some spice, from the Netherlands.
BOLD DAD The Glenrothes 1994 Vintage ($80), a single Speyside malt, offers vanilla, lemon, spice, a fling.
MIO DAD The 2005 Ceretto Zonchera Barolo ($50) will be even better in 5 to 10 years. It's a balanced, rich red that's a visit to Piedmont. The 2007 Castello Banfi BelnerO ($39) deserves a long life. The supple, sangiovese-based red delivers a taste of Tuscany.
BIG RED DAD The 2007 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($135) is classic, superior, silky, substantive stuff. The 2007 Shafer Napa Valley Merlot ($48) is the type of merlot that should revive interest in the grape - lush, layered, ripe, fruity.
CHARDONNAY DAD Tropical fruit and apple are the first impressions from the big 2008 Rochioli Chardonnay ($50), a balanced beauty.
BUBBLY DAD Mumm Napa Cuvée M, a graceful, peachy California sparkler, fresh and light.
INTENSE DAD Cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot contribute to the Bordeaux-style 2007 Rocca Bad Boy Red ($32). The concentrated, velvety 2006 Oroppas Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) has some French flair complementing California fruit.
MIXOLOGY DAD The colorful "Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails" book (Wiley, $15.95), edited by Anthony Giglio and Jim Meehan - truly a refresher course.
