Family reunions tend to bring out the fine wines.
Nothing wrong with that.
During our recent annual summer event, we opened some gems.
On Friday night, we sipped the 2000 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel. Seghesio is one of the most reliable Zinfandel producers and it's difficult to go wrong. In fact, Wine Spectator rated this particular vintage No. 53 on its Top 100 Wines of the Year in 2002.
Saturday brought out some unique bottles. First we opened the 1999 Fuentespina Ribera del Duero, which was velvety and subtle. Easy to drink, especially during a semi-intense volleyball match.
An hour or so later, the 1999 Faraud Domaine du Cayron Gigondas emerged, a gem from the Southern Rhone that is 100 percent Grenache. I remember buying this bottle in Boston's North End when my wife was pregnant with our daughter, so it had special meaning.
Finally, we uncorked the 1997 Chateau Cardus Bordeaux. This was a little on the watery side (and, in fact, some people rejected it), but it was smooth nonetheless. Perfect for a late-afternoon swim.
Food, fellowship and wine. Good stuff all around.