Scoring 17 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, the 1955 Chateau Ausone from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France had 12.5% alcohol and cost $500 at a wine auction 20 years ago.

This wine was reserved for some special event 25 years ago, but forgotten and now for the first frosty night of 2016’s November when the first fire of the season was lit. The edge was orange brown and the nose was violets mixed with smoky leather.

It is the smallest of the First Growths of Saint Emilion  ( about 2500 cases) and it is always ranked with or above Cheval Blanc. Mostly Merlot, the wine has been ready to drink for the past 20 years. Soft, and smooth with a short, but clean finish. Old wines are unique and demand attention.

This bottle explains why Dionysian Members cellar wines; they make any evening a very special occasion.  In vino veritas.