Look for good values on reds for Father’s Day

Happy Father's Day! If your dad, pop, granddaddy, grampa or gramps enjoys steaks on the barbecue and red wine, pick up some Poderi Oddero Barolo DOCG 2010, ready 2018-32 and a great value under $50. Beautiful garnet-red color will brick up with time. Complex bouquet with cherry, strawberry, floral and tea aromas. On the firm palate, look for silky tannins, fruit, tobacco, truffle, chocolate and spice. Careful shoppers can locate double magnums (3L) for $275. Great buy for a festive family occasion next year, 94 points McD. This is NOT Figli Luigi Oddero; read label carefully. The Figli is nice, about 90 points and same price. While I'm on large bottles, thank you to a careful reader who reported an error I made recently. I wrote that large formats age more quickly. A total brain cramp. Longtimers may remember I have written of the benefits of buying half bottles, one of which is that they age more quickly.

More wine is exposed to the bottle surface and oxygen, and part of the aging process is oxidation. The cork or Stelvin controversy and research seem to prove this issue. Too much oxidation is deleterious and will result in oxidized wine. If you want to splurge with a truly great-value expensive wine, look for Ornellaia Superiore Bolgheri Tuscany, Italy 2006, 96 points and perfect now. Will hold through 2025. Jancis Robinson awarded 18.5.

That's like an RP 110, LOL. This and the 2006 San Guido Sassicaia may be the best recent Italian vintages in the range. Both can easily be found under $250. They compare favorably to the 2006 Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux, i.e. Chateau Cheval Blanc, at 1/3 the price and in some cases a far larger discount for other 2006, 18.5 ratings.

Looking for something to drink now and at a modest $20, check out Seghesio Sonoma Zin 2016, 92 McD. Seghesio blends a bit of Petite Sirah in this wine, which adds color and structure.

Fruit-forward nose runs to jammy raspberry, blueberry flavors supported by ripe tannins with cinnamon, pie spice and licorice hints.

Another under "20 buck Chuck" where value exceeds price is Rocca di Frassinello Poggio alla Guardia Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy. All vintages 2009-14 are rated 89 points McD. Indicated blend is 45 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Sangioveto. These are produced by a combine of Castellare di Castellina Winery and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). It shows! In WS it read, "I like the aromas of dark fruits with red chili peppers and spices. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely fruit at the end. Drink now or hold." - Suckling. I agree with the description, but I thought 93 points a bit rich.

Next two paragraphs are off track but I think my intelligent pals will be edified. Others not so much. An important issue from Health Science Institute. This article discusses how opiates and many other drugs are being found in oysters, other seafood and now possibly in our water: https://hsionline.com/2018/06/11/are-drugs-finding-their-way-into-your-tap-water/. I'm unsure the efficacy of the report on water supply but I plan on checking to see if these are being screened. Watched Mr. Trump Tuesday morning. Great excuse to drink wine in the morning without feeling guilty. He extended the Q&A and answered many pointed, leading, tricky questions from the swarming suspects. Several softballs were lobbed up by his press sycophants. After a nap, I tuned in around 10 a.m. to various alphabets to see what the loyal opposition was spouting. It appears none stayed up to watch the 4 a.m. presser. I'm unaware who's writing their lyrics; but most were singing from the same libretto. Itllnevawerk! Watabootthepersecution?, Stupidisasstupiddoes, Wetriedthisawready, blah, blah, blah. Although I am suspect of the "Hermit Kingdom," due to its family tradition, I'm a big fan of peace through strength. It tore down that wall and helped dissolve USSR. Curious so many can't pronounce nuclear. Not wholly George Bush, Batman! For those who wish a good thumbnail on "Hermit Kingdom" and the Korea/Japan situation go here: https://www.reference.com/history/korea-called-hermit-kingdom-45ac51fa10223b72. I'm fairly sure nobody "learned you it" in high school or uni.