Drinking a 1995 bottle of Merlot from Alexander Valley
 

Life doesn't get much better than this! This wine was either going to be really good or really bad. My efforts to keep it out of light, on its side (to keep the cork wet), and in moderate temps have paid off. Originally, this bottle would have cost about $40 in 1995. I have no clue what a wine of this caliber would cost today. Bad ass! :up::up::up::up::up:

This is not a Merlot, but better described as a Claret!

-S

Sounds nice. The wife and I drank a bottle of 1987 Penfolds Grange Hermitage which we received as a wedding gift, for our 20th anniversary a month ago and I can honestly say it was well worth keeping for that long. All I can say is yum! Wish I had another case or three.

A cheaper alternative would be to try Penfolds St Henri. Cellars well and rewards after time. At least that was my experience +10 years ago when I was a quaffer.