Scoring 18 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, the 1982 Chateau Corbin from Montagne St. Emilion in the Bordeaux area of France, was perfect at 28 years old. It will hold another decade at peak.

It had tobacco, remnants of black fruits, and some herbal notes. After decanting, the wine continued to open for another full hour.

I first tasted this wine withBill Sokolin in New York. It was a 1978. Another one of his hidden treasures that cost so little.

It’s mostly Merlot and was soft as silk. 1982 was highly rated because most of the wines were over-ripe and were made in a Californian style. Don’t be afraid to cellar big reds for lesser known areas. The 1983’s were made in the more traditional style. I’ve enjoyed both. I’d have shared this with any Dionysian Member or with any Bordeaux lover. In Vino Veritas.