With 12% alcohol, costing just $24 in 1974, now at auction for $900 to $1,400; the 1949 Second Growth Chateau Gruaud-Larose Saint Julien wine from Bordeaux, scored 18+ points on the 20-point Dionysian scale.

Its color was school-house brick red with a golden-brown edge, It had tobacco, leather and hints of red, not black fruits. After decanting, it held together nicely for nearly an hour. A remarkable experience for a post WWII wine from a great vintage. It was soft as a morning kiss.

Of course it begged for lamb chops.

Dionysian Mary Millar first found this wine and it proved that Bordeaux, made in the traditional style, holds together for a life time. Modern techniques are for young wine drinkers who want the bottle they bought today with tonight’s meal. The more you know about wine, the more you will enjoy it along with its life-style and friends who think the same way. In Vino Veritas.