From a considered weak Bordeaux year, the 1980 Chateau Margaux from Margaux, Bordeaux, proved to be one of the best wines in a year.

It cost $32 back then, has 12.5% alcohol and scored 18 Dionysian points out of 20. Still garnet with an amber edge, more tobacco than leather and black fruits like black currant. The bottle was crusted with heavy sediment.

Decided to skip grilled lamb and do pheasant and venison. The wine was the hit of the meal.

I have very few Margaux wines cellared and can not afford to ever buy another, but if you want to taste wines like this, do it with a group of friends splitting the bottle cost. You only need two ounces so 12 people can split the cost. In Vino Veritas.