With 13.2% alcohol, costing under $18, the 2013 Carpe Diem Chardonnay from the Anderson Valley in California scored 16 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale.

It’s at peak. Rich, round and mouth-filling, with tropical hints and showing the elegance of French whites, the wine reflects its growing area near the Pacific Ocean.

Served with a ham dinner loaded with vegetables.

The wine is now a deeper gold, but still have an ideal acid balance to make it a fine food wine.

I went through a case of this wine too quickly, but enjoy them all. “Seize the Day,” is the Latin translation and taking advantage of every minute is now more important than ever. I still plan to age some wines even though I’m quickly getting older. In Vino Veritas.