The 1968 Monte Bello is extraordinary, blossoming with air to reveal a rich and complex bouquet of cassis, dried cherries, rich soil, walnuts and subtle hints of pencil shavings and cigar smoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, powerful and multidimensional, with a deep core of fruit that's still vibrant despite its age, framed by melting tannins and bright balancing acids. Elegantly muscular in style, I suspect that in a blind tasting, many would mistake the 1968 Monte Bello for a mature vintage of Chateau Latour. Likely matured in used Bordeaux cooperage, it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines planted in the 1940s by retired theologian William Short, and it attained 12.7% natural alcohol. During vinification, boards were used to submerge the cap, which likely helps to account for its formidable structure and substance. While, at this stage, bottle variation is to be expected, this example looked to be a 50-year wine.