Families gathering

Served with mixed olives and a selection of crostini - mushroom / crab rillettes / buratta, sautéed onion & anchovy / Serrano, manchego & Fig spread. The Gavi was a late opening when the Fiano was quickly dispatched.

• 2016 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi

  Italy, Piedmont, Gavi

  Light, pleasant and may have suffered from tasting after the bigger and more complex Fiano.

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• 2016 Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino

  Italy, Campania, Fiano di Avellino DOCG

  Second Fiano I recall and another impressive one. Fine balance of richness and acidity. Creamy citrus flavor with a trace of nut. Seems young but very enjoyable and excellent with both crab rillettes and mushroom crostini.

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Marinated chicken thigh kebabs, sirloin steak & carrots. Wines serve side by side. Even a mistaken mixed pour produced a tasty result

• 2003 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Deep and lovely aromatics. Remarkable finesse given the heat wave that year. Over time, the flavors broadened and intensified. Likely the best European wine I’ve had from this vintage. Seems like one to enjoy now as it’s not nearly as backward as other wines from LdH.

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• 2005 Domaine de la Jaufrette Vacqueyras

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

  My last bottle and easily the best. I regret not having more as this is clearly still on the rise. Not as broad or complex as ‘03 LdH Tondonia Reserva but the Vacqueyras more than held its own alongside. Still pure fruit meshed with matur, earthy and herbal flavors. Great with sirloins.

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