With 13.1% alcohol, the 39-year-old 1982 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon cost under $15 then and scored a very nice 17 points on the 20-point Dionysian Scale.

After decanting, it held together for nearly an hour. Cassis, black cherry and oak mixed with light tobacco and Lexis leather; the wine was worth the wait.

Served with a grilled steak and baked potato and home grown peas. A real treat.

The grapes were harvested October 14 through the 28th at 23 Brix. It slept in 76% French oak and 21% American oak. It filled the mouth with a long after-taste. Well make and this older food-friendly style is sadly missed from too many Californian wines. In Vino Veritas.