Scoring 18 Dionysian points out of 20, this 12% alcohol Bordeaux from the Margaux village was perfect. The 1978 Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, Grand Cru Classe, is a Third Growth and one of the best. At 41 years old, it had less sediment than expected during decanting. Leather and cigar box notes floated up; the color was light ruby with an amber edge, and the wine still had some cassis fruit flavors.
I got this wine when it was first released in 1980 and it’s been sleeping in my cellar ever since. Proper care of great wines adds to their enjoyment. I split the case with Dionysian Phil Mazzoni.
The wine cost under $14 back then. It is at peak and holding well. Its color and nose tell me that it will be fine for another ten years before starting to fade some.
It was served with a New York Strip Steak, green beans, and wild rice and it was perfect. In Vino Veritas.
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