The 2005 Cesar Principe offers a much more floral bouquet compared to the 2004, with dried rose petals and violets to the fore, evolving Burgundy-like scents with continued aeration and later, bay leaf and soy. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannins than the 2005. This offers fine balance with lively dark cherries and dark plum notes infused with balsamic and a touch of spice. This is still drinking well and has the freshness to last another three of four years. Drink now-2016. Cesar Principe, named after Ignacio Principe’s father, is a pure Tempranillo from the estate’s own parcels close to the winery, and it is supplemented by approximately thirty growers. Most of the vines are between 60 and 100 years in age cultivated upon stony soils. It is usually aged in 80% French and 20% American oak, of which around 40 to 45% is new, for around 14 months. They believe that the wine is at its peak two or three years after release – a view I would agree with. To put it candidly, it offers too much pleasure in its youth to satisfy the curiosity of aging. Importer: Vinovi & Co. Ferndale, MI; www.vinovico.com