A dad deserves only the best on Father's Day, which takes place this Sunday (June 16). If you're planning to fete the father(s) in your life with a special dinner at home, accompany the meal with a nice bottle of wine that complements the food you're serving. But remember, as with many of the products we test, a higher price tag on a wine doesn't mean a higher-quality bottle.
In fact, in our tests, a number of wines that cost at least $20 a bottle scored less than 60—that is, they earned only a Good or lower. Several of these wines are from well-known producers and will run you $40 or more. All except the Ayala Brut Majeur NV (France) happen to be from California, though that by no means is indicative of the great wines being produced in that state.
The "unlucky" 13:
- Cabernet sauvignon: Buehler 2008 ($21), Beringer Knights Valley 2008 ($21), Ferrari Carano Alexander Valley 2008 ($24)
- Chardonnay: Rombauer 2011 ($35)
- Merlot: Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate 2009 ($22), Shafer 2009 ($47)
- Pinot noir: Calera 2010 ($24)
- Red zinfandel: Saldo 2009 ($29)
- Shiraz/Syrah: Andretti Napa Valley 2008 ($43), Casa Dumetz 2009 ($35), Blenheim 2009 ($20), JC Cellars 2008 ($26)
- Sparkling wine: Ayala Brut Majeur NV ($42)
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But our extensive wine Ratings of 16 varietals do feature a number of inexpensive wines that impressed our expert tasters, including but not limited to these choices from the same varietals above:
- Cabernet sauvignon: Crios 2009 ($13)
- Chardonnay: Trackers Crossing 365 (Whole Foods) 2011 ($7)
- Merlot: Cherrywood Cellars (7-Eleven) 2009 ($8)
- Pinot noir: Oyster Bay 2010 ($16)
- Red zinfandel: Dancing Bull 2009 ($10)
- Shiraz/Syrah: Greg Norman Estates 2007 ($13)
- Sparkling wine: Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)
If you're unsure what to serve with your menu, check our food-and-wine pairing tips. If a cold brew is your preferred beverage, find the right beer for your Father's Day cookout.
Related:
7 Father's Day gift ideas today's dads will love
Wine chiller reviews and Ratings