Some might remember I said I’d open this bottle someday. Well, someday arrived. It had been sitting in my cellar for over a decade, gifted, mysterious, probably past prime. Turns out “past prime” can still taste pretty fantastic.

Cork looked great right until I broke it at the finish line. Gave it a 6-hour in-bottle decant. Color was nicely tile-ish, body still massive, clearly once a real powerhouse. Strong wood notes, surprisingly alive for its age.

Shared it with 15 people over truffled risotto, pumpkin purée, turkey with gravy, and mashed potatoes. Honestly, a wonderful old wine that still knew how to put on a show.