Storyline by George Heritier |
Storyline by George Heritier |
The Director and I had read all the rave reviews of Aris Francisco’s first two "Family Reunions" regarding the fabulous wines, wonderful food, and great people who attended. So, when we received an invitation to the 3rd Annual Reunion, we didn’t hesitate to RSVP. The event would actually span three days during the first weekend in March, and be held in Paramus, New Jersey, at the Francisco’s home. Aris Francisco is one of those names I remember from the earliest days of the Wine Spectator’s Online Forums. His posts are always humorous, knowledgeable and well written. In the last couple of years, we’ve exchanged messages and email, and just missed connecting when I visited Joisey in November of ’97. He emails his excellent "Cellar Notes" to his friends and family about once a month, with his reviews and scores of the wines that he’s tasted recently.
Francisco, a Corporate Portfolio/Risk Management Analyst on Wall Street, is a serious collector of fine Barolo, Bordeaux, and California Cabernet; recently he’s begun exploring Super Tuscans, Red Burgundy, Tinto Del Pais of Ribero Del Duero, Australian Shiraz and white dessert wines as well. He and wife Jean have one daughter, Rachel (almost 2 years old), with another child on the way. He recently introduced himself on Brad Harrington’s West Coast Wine Discussion Group, saying, "I love wine, but more than anything in this world, I love people." There is no better proof than seeing how he and Jean spare no effort or expense to make their "Family Reunions" very special, memorable events. |
