Corte-Real brought six of the company’s last 12 bottles to the U.S. for these tastings, making this vintage by far the scarcest of those tasted. It is translucent throughout, but still shows some ruby color at its core, with amber at the rim. Slightly spirity on the nose, with delicate notes of dried cherries and leather. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied, with pepper, nut and toffee flavors. A bit hot on the long, mouthcoating finish, the tannins fully resolved. The fruit has almost faded away, yet the wine still seems vigorous. Drink up.——J.C.(3/1/2004)—— 89