The 1983 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley scored 18 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale. It had13% alcohol and cost under $22 back then. This may have been the best Californian red that year. They still used American oak and it added a beautiful vanilla instead of the French oak milk chocolate.

With a brick edge, it opened for another hour after decanting. Blueberry, black raspberry, cassis and cigar box aromas lifted up. It was soft and the aftertaste lingered for minutes, not seconds. It was decanted just 15 minutes before dinner was served.

Served with a grilled T-bone steak and home-made fries, the wine made our last meal on the outdoor deck for the year extra special.

At 37 years old, the wine was still in perfect condition. I may have one remaining, but the memory of this one is allI really need. Cellar some wines; time (years) flies by and older complex aromas and flavors greatly increase your drinking pleasure. In Vino Veritas.