Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien Bordeaux 1981

Few, if any, wines on the planet age as well as Bordeaux. In fact, cabernet-dominant Bordeaux (like this one) can taste a bit out of whack for a few years or even a decade, before all of its components begin to harmonize. Take this bottle from the legendary Château Ducru-Beaucaillou as proof. While still fresh and powerful, its decades in the cellar have softened its tannins, and given it savory, earthy flavors like truffles and mushrooms. At 40 years old, this wine has just hit its prime.

Tastes like: Cigar box, leather, vanilla, ripe black plum.

How to drink: Stand the bottle upright for a day before opening, then decant the wine from its sediment. Enjoy with a really nice steak.