1961 Chateau Beychevelle

[JenniferM]

We are considering opening a 1961 Chateau Beychevelle (St Julien) and were wondering how long to breathe the wine before serving. The friend who gifted us this wine suggests 24 hours. Another opinion we received suggested this was too long and that we risked the wine deteriorating and that perhaps 3 hours was better; can anyone advise further on this?

Additionally, what food would be a suitable pairing? We are having some family in for a few hours, but not long enough for a meal-- would pate work as something to serve with this?