146. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez, Pesquera Tinto Ribera del Duero, 1996

?? ESP; 13%

I had drunk this a couple of times before so had to get some when in Banyoles. Served in 2004 with lots of Italian antipasti meats. Very nice. “Polished” but intense vanilla (American?) oak aromas upfront which give way to red berry fruits, and then to almost a coal-smoke whiff. Balanced fruit, tannin and acidity that have a silky medium-weight feel. Some length. As good as the first time. Justly renowned producer!