David Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard

‘In 1975 I spent a month in the Loire Valley, and I was given a bottle of 1947 Chateau de Fesles ‘Bonnezeaux.’ It’s a sweet Chenin Blanc. Three years ago a friend celebrated his 50th birthday, so I opened it. The wine was just incredibly rich, sweet, luscious and had no sign of over-the-hill oxidation, though it was kind of a golden-light brown. I’d been holding it for a special occasion. Both the wine and the fellow have aged well.’