How to make your Father really happy this Father's Day

by Julie Brosterman

My father has worn Canoe aftershave since I was a little girl. For years, that was *the* gift to get him for Father's Day, and anything else was unheard of. However, wine is always a universally enjoyable gift. So this year I decided to celebrate Dad with a fantastic bottle of wine (and of course I expect him to share it with me!)

Here are some great wine suggestions for the men in your life this Father's Day. I've typecast the wines based on the personality of the recipient to make it easy to decide.

Does this man wear his favorite work shirt and cowboy boots even though you've tried endless times to put them in the trash? Does he love the outdoors and barbecue? The Dark Horse Zinfandel 2005 Dry Creek Valley at $29 is our choice for him. This wine really packs a punch - reminds me of the Zins that I loved back in the early 80's. It has earned raves from Wisconsin and Washington, and has a sexy label to boot.

Does this man spend his time reading thick non-fiction books, hogging the New York Times Crossword while listening to Bob Dylan and Beethoven? Then for him, it's the Core Elevation Sensation 2005 from Santa Barbara at $41 a bottle. It's a complex blend of 93% Mouvedre and Granache. This wine evolves on your palate, and though it's great now, it will certainly be even better over 5-7 years (maybe buy more than one bottle?).

Is your guy checking his hair in his reflection of a store window? Putting on endless moisturizers and reading GQ? Then the 2005 Phifer-Pavitt Date Night Cab is a match at $82. The wine opens with intoxicating aromas of fresh berries, dark chocolate, cut hay, rhubarb, and wild herbs. Then it bursts onto the palate with massive brooding dark fruits, accented with chaparral spices, refined toasty oak, tobacco, tea leaves and leather. All that ripeness is held up with an elegant array of structured and chewy tannins. The finish is focused and long. This is Napa Cabernet at its hedonistic best. Drink 2008 to 2015.

Is your man new to wine? Start him off with a full-bodied and flavorful white, like something from France's rustic southern Rhone Valley. We suggest the 2005 Les Vins de Vienne Cotes du Rhone Les Laurelles at $20. It's 100% Viognier, with dollops of Marsanne and Roussanne dropped in. The wine exhibits the classic aromas of acacia flowers, white peaches, and honeysuckle. It fills the mouth with its luscious texture and finishes pure and clean. This big boy could even benefit from a year or two of aging.

Is your guy old-fashioned and boldly unapologetic? Does he drink milk straight from the carton? Ok, we don't recommend drinking wine straight from the bottle, but that's exactly what Christopher Moltisanti did with our 2004 Grable Vineyards House Creek Chardonnay Knights Valley ($46) in one episode of The Sopranos. This is a seriously heavy Chardonnay. The wine is aged for an additional 11 months in the bottle to give it unbeatable smoothness of texture and integration of flavor. Plus, your guy can lift the empty bottle instead of a traditional weight to pump up his biceps.

Is your man a collector, whether it be art, cars, baseball cards, books or music? If so, we suggest the Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at $125. It's an impressive addition to any cellar. This wine will be appreciated by the most discerning recipient. Concentrated and focused, the flavors are deep and persistent. You'll earn kudos for this selection.

Get a free gift tote with purchase. Call 310.274.9224 or email customerservice@wine-valet.com to purchase one of these great wines. Out of towners order by June 11th to ensure delivery by Father's Day. If you're in the greater Los Angeles area, stop in at Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Visit www.wine-valet.com for our complete up-to-date inventory.

And, of course, if your guy escapes description and enjoys the element of surprise, try giving him a membership in a W&W Wine Club. Six times a year, we send two bottles of specially-chosen wine, along with tasting notes and recipes. There are three clubs to choose from, including one that features organic and biodynamic wines. Visit http://www.womenwine.com/WineClub/WineClubNew.aspx?formname=wineclub for more information, and to sign up.

Julie Brosterman is CEO/Founder of Women & Wine and Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive.