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….

Deep garnet with slight copper edges, and a medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of baked cherry, fig, prune, dusty earth, vanilla, iodine, baked blueberry pie, leather, and dried herbs.  The palate is dry, with medium (+) acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins that are still grippy but integrating nicely.  The flavors are very persistent and echo the nose.  This is a classic Tempranillo, aged in  French oak is my guess.  The finish is long and silky.  It’s still vibrant with years of cellaring capacity.  I opened it for my daughter’s 21st birth month and I’m glad I held on to it for so long.  It gets 94 points from me and can found online for about $130, making it a 5 star wine for a special occasion.  Salut….

Deep ruby colored, almost inky- with high viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of ripe blackberry, bramble, dusty earth, elderberry, coconut, charred oak and pine needles.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a full body and medium (+) tannins that are slightly chalky.  Flavors of ripe black berries with that telltale dust combine with American oak nuance of coconut and dill.  The oaky charred note is there but diminished.  The finish is medium (+) in length but turns a bit hot at the end.  I like this Crianza level wine- it’s charming, structured and tasty.  92 points.  I am pairing this Tempranillo with some half-smoke sausages and fried potatoes.  For under $20, this one gets 5 stars.  Drink till 2029.  Salut….