An interesting shade of garnet with copper highlights, and medium viscosity (12.5% ABV).  The nose has medium (-) intensity aromas of prune, baked blackberry, leather, tobacco, dried herb, thick black coffee, orange peel, and black currant syrup.  The palate is dry, with medium (-) acidity, a medium (-) body, and low tannins that have fully melded.  The initial taste is somewhat tart and bitter, not delicious at all.  I work my way through the different stages and it shows aged fruit that is still holding on, barely, along with tertiary development.  It ends on a slightly bitter note that is short in length.  The more it sits and opens up, the better it gets.  The bitterness has started to subside and the tartness is somewhat expected from an Old World wine, especially one from the late ’90’s when grapes were not as ripe (hence the 12.5 % alcohol).  It’s starting to perform as I had hoped, keeping in mind that the cork was compromised and failed when using the Ah-so to gently open the bottle.  I paid $42 for this Tempranillo, which would warrant an 88 point rating as it has no life left.  If you come across one, check the capsule for leakage and if possible, the cork for any trace of failure.  3 stars.  Salut….