1994 Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Janus Reserva/Gran Reserva

I first wrote laudatory comments about Pesquera over a decade ago, so I am thrilled to see proprietor Alejandro Fernandez continue to build on his noteworthy track record. His new releases are splendid. What a joy it is to write about the 1994 Janus. Fernandez has only made this super-luxury cuvee in 1982, 1986, and 1991. The 1994 Janus may be the greatest Pesquera ever made. This wine is awesome in its richness, intensity, and potential complexity. It is a gentle giant, with no hard edges, and profound levels of rich, concentrated black fruits nicely meshed with smoky, spicy new oak. It is an opulent, accessible yet still unformed wine that should provide fabulous drinking for 12-15 years. Given its sweetness and lush personality, no one will be committing infanticide by drinking this marvelous wine in its youth. Importer: Classical Wines From Spain Ltd., Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 547-0255