1996 Rioja Reserva

Impressively bright, deep ruby-red. Sappy, liqueur-like aromas of black fruits, plus a floral aspect. Intense, lively flavors of cassis, violet, minerals, espresso, grilled nuts and game. Pronounced acids are not yet as harmonious as those of the '95 or '94 bottlings but serve to frame and clarify the wine strong, primary fruit component. Quite firmly tannic, even a bit hard, today and in need of bottle aging. This was bottled six months ago and won't be released until February of 2000.