Ok, so that might not sound like a huge complement, but consider that the wine in question was from Washington State and going on 40 years old. Today, WA makes some pretty kicking world-class wines, but in 1969 it was more a curiosity than anything -- but there it was, the 1969 Ste. Michelle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (now Chateau Ste Michelle). Note that it isn't even listed as a Washington State wine. It was "American Cabernet Sauvignon". Mmmm. Generic.

A friend of ours, Dave, apparently picked up several bottles a decade ago for just a couple dollars a bottle. He hosted a small get-together on Wednesday evening and he pulled this out after a little while. When I asked him how it was at the time he bought it, he said "Oh, it sucked".

Everyone laughed, but the corkscrew appeared, and the cork came out just fine (far easier than the '89 Reisling that we had brought with us) and tastes were poured.

And I have to say, it didn't entirely suck. At the time it was made, it was probably not even second rate wine, more like 3rd or 4th rate. Add 40 years on to that, there was every reason to believe that it would be vinegar at best. But in fact, it was just fine. The color was still quite bright, the nose still had a little fruit going, the taste was quite tart and harsh, but by no means undrinkable. It was quite amazing.

We tried many great wines Wednesday night, including Dave's own Ciel Du Cheval Syrah (which is damn fine), a couple different Betz's, the '89 Reisling, and others. But for me, the 'wine of the evening' was the crappy old '69 "American Cabernet Sauvignon". Go figure.