From Saint Julian in Bordeaux, with 12.5% alcohol,costing now about $225 for the Magnum, this 1982 Chateau Lagrange, at 38 years old scored 19 points on the Dionysian scale.

The Lagrange is a Third Growth Grand Cru Bordeaux from the 1855 classification. It had leather, burly tobacco, subtle blueberry and black fruits still rising to the nose. The wine was decanted an hour prior to dinner and then vacuum sealed until dinner. It continued to open for another half hour after pouring.  The wine held its color with only a slight orange-brown edge,  and could age another decade easily.

It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.  In 1983 it was bought by a Japanese company and has gotten even better with new money  to invest into wine-making equipment. It was served with lamb,of course, and was the highlight of the course.  In Vino Veritas.