1996 Pesquera Reserva

The dense plum-colored 1996 Reserva exhibits an ostentatious bouquet of smoky oak, earth, tobacco, licorice, and jammy red and black fruits. Full-bodied, thick, rich, and mouthfilling, this opulent wine possesses structure as well as tannin. However, it is delicious already. Anticipated maturity: now-2014. Aug 2001, www.robertparker.com

Very bright ruby-red. Superripe, sappy aromas of black raspberry, cassis, black cherry, chocolate, mint and minerals. Great sweetness and almost painful flavor intensity in the mouth; utterly primary yet lush and accessible. This is still a baby but is already compelling. Has fruit of steel. Finishes with superb, subtle persistence and firm but fine tannins that spread out over the entire palate.