With 12.8% alcohol and costing about $19 back then, the 1982 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma Valley, scored 18+ points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20.

At 38 years old, Jordan proved that California used to make ageable French-style wines. Cassis, smoky oak, and hints of black cherry still linger. After decanting, the wine was silky soft and the flavors had a long aftertaste. It was worth the wait.

Browning nicely with an amber edge but a still-deep garnet body. Cellared in a cold, dark resting area for decades.

We used the wine to marry with filet mignon and the meat and the wine enhanced each other.

Grown, Produced and bottled by Jordan. I was honored to have stay overnight in a guest room above the wine cellar.

I’ll add newer Cabernets to my cellar if I can find examples under 14% alcohol. In Vino Veritas.