Bright medium ruby. Utterly primary aromas of black cherry, licorice and violet are lifted by an impression of almost peppery acidity. Sharply delineated and extremely pure; less thick today than the young 2003 but then this is an infant and superbly balanced for decades of evolution in bottle. Finishes with a high pitch, the tannins spreading out to coat the teeth and the dark fruit flavors reverberating. Far from the richest vintage of the vertical tasting, but this beauty can safely be lost in your cellar for a couple decades. A splendid achievement in the context of the vintage. 95(+?)

The 2000 Nacional exhibits a blue/purple/black color, but the nose is closed. With aeration (day 2), additional graphite and pungent, spicy crème de cassis characteristics emerge. Structured, muscular, and tannic, it requires 5-10 years of cellaring. Although long and pure, at this stage of development it is not significantly better than the regular bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040.

Blackish crimson with a little bit of development at the rim. Pretty racy nose with some ethereal character. Then wild and sweet with a note of cumin on the palate. Very different from the regular 2000. Still quite chewy on the end but only after a massive weight of sweet fruit. Drink 2020-2060. (18.5/20 points)