The excellent vintage of 1995 gave this top Second Growth Gran Cru Bordeaux all that was necessary to bred a great wine. Its 13% alcohol is perfect for long-term aging. The 1995 Chateau au Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville Bordeaux is a Cru Classe en 1855, and is a wine that needed 20 years to reach its peak, scoring 19 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale.

I usually calculate that the time a wine takes to mature perfectly is about the same length of time that it will plateau at its best, before it starts to fade and begins losing its charm. This 1995 will easily hold another 20 years if cellared properly.

Smoky leather, rich tobacco and spicy fruits came through the cedar and chocolate notes. This was a wine to be savored alone, so it was served after dinner with the cheese course prior to dessert. A simple English Cheddar, a piece of Apple-Smoked Gouda, and a bite of Monterey Jack all complemented the Bordeaux.