The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767