At perfect peak, the 36-year-old Bordeaux scored 18 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale. The 1985 Chateau Prieure-Lichine from Margaux is a Quatriemes Crue, a Fourth Growth from Cantenac-Margaux with blackberry, leather and cigar-box aromas. After decanting, it was soft and silky.

The wine held together for two hours and opened even more after an hour.

We opened it to make a dull Tuesday evening meal more of a special event and served it with some grilled beef, a baked potato and a salad laced with nuts and berries.

This wine had 12.5% alcohol, like so many of the berry best vintages have had without any excessive heat. It was bottle number 306570. I have so few left in the cellar that I want to share with freinds who savor, not just drink wine. Let me know. In Vino Veritas.