Every year for Father’s Day we look high and low for some great deal or special spirit that deserves presentation to dad in our FREE gift wrap (pictured). We think we outdid ourselves this year by finding a cult Austrian chardonnay at 50% off. Here’s how it happened.

Seth in the Manhattan wine store has a persnickety palate and has done his share of drinking above his income level thanks to a former career in finance. So when he called us to tell us he had found a bargain, we listened in an “E.F. Hutton is on the phone” kind of way.

An importer lucky enough to get his hands on a few cases of Velich Tiglat Chardonnay 2001 – a cult Chardonnay from Austria at its peak of drinkability – imported it to California. Most California Chardonnay on the market is meant to be drunk young so retailers were leery of a 2001 chard. Rather than risk letting a rare wine like this go past its prime, the importer packed up 10 cases and sent them to New York. Immediately after tasting it, Seth called us up and said there were only 10 cases available in New York, that the price was right and that this was a ‘no brainer.’ “Buy it all!” we screamed, but by the time each store called back there were only 8 cases left. We only have seven cases and 11 bottles now (because, ahem, we had to check Seth’s work).

You won’t find a chardonnay of this quality, and with some age on it, at this price anywhere (though you will find it for over $60 in Austria and on the web elsewhere for $50). Lovely aromas of citrus, honey and
nuts matched by lemon custard and toasted whole-grain flavors. Big, layered and rich, yet balanced by zesty acidity and a very long
finish. Because this is a father’s day wine we have to limit you to 2 each (one for dad, one for you). $25 a bottle, first come first served. To order in Brooklyn, call (718) 797-9463 or email mrobertson[a]greenegrape.com. To order in Manhattan, call (212) 406-9463 or email seth[a]greenegrape.com. Sorry, Manhattan is SOLD OUT.