The 2003 Pesquera Reserva is nearly as impressive as the regular bottling. It offers similar aromatics with additional toast and mineral elements, thick, dense, layered fruit, plentiful ripe tannins, and a long finish. It should be cellared for another 6-8 years followed by a drinking window of 15-20 years. Having recently consumed a bottle of the 1975 Pesquera Reserva, still drinking nicely, a 30 year lifespan is a reasonable expectation. Importer: Classical Wines, Seattle, WA.; tel. (206) 297-6713

Dark ruby. Powerful, deep and warm on the nose, with dense cherry and dark berry aromas and notes of espresso, oak spice, musky underbrush and vanilla. Broad, deep and sweet, with a distinctly ripe cast to the dark fruit flavors, plus suggestions of fruitcake and baking spices. Closes down on the back, with some dense tannins emerging. This ripe, rich and chewy reserva has the concentration to age but I suspect that it will always be a somewhat brooding wine.