1998 Anciano Tempranillo Gran Reserva

[hotwine]

Deep ruby red in the glass, no transparency at all. At cellar temperature, it's sound asleep..... tried waking it with swirling, splashing..... still snoring. An hour later, with the food gone and the wine starting to warm, more swirling starts to bring it around. Very nice nose appears, with red cherries, spices, vanilla (the ten years in oak). On the palate, it's still sleepy but coming around...... more red fruit, lip-smacking, more of what we're looking for. Gets better near the bottom of the glass. This stuff needs air time. If you have the patience (I don't) try it again in an hour, then in another hour. Will probably be best on day 2. It needs food: beef fajitas, brisket, hard cheeses, hamburgers. It only gets better. I'll buy a second case at least. $7.99 at Costco and 13% alc/vol. (From a TN I sent to friends who each bought half a case on my rec, based only on the Gran Reserva designation.)