The 1978 Tinto Pesquera Reserva tastes like a much younger wine. The color shows a bit of maturity and on the palate it is silky, elegant, and seamless. It is a perfect example of why we cellar wine. The venerable Alejandro Fernandez is still in full-form well into his 70s, ably assisted by two of his daughters. He jokes that he is still the king of his domain because all of his children are female as are all of his grandchildren. Over the years, Fernandez has expanded his operations into other regions, some of which we tasted on this occasion. The Bodega produces a lot of wine but the quality remains very high. The Pesquera Millenium label is so-named because the wine is totally aged in French oak. Importer: Bonafide Wines, Seattle, WA; www.classicalwines.com

Shows a deep-ruby color, little amber, and its flavors are still young, with aromas of blackberry, cherry and licorice and flavors of cherry, raisin and tobacco. It's full-bodied, and still quite fruity, though it turns a bit dry on the finish. Drinkable now, but can hold for up to five more years.--Pesquera vertical.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add