Return to standard format

New Classic Spain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At a rather smart tasting last year I sampled a wine that rocked my world. Fearing the worst, I requested details of the price of the wine and was pleased not to feel as though a sterling anvil had been dropped on my foot. 

 

My fear over the ticket of this liquid was well-founded. I was, after all, examining the work of one of the world's most celebrated wine makers; creator of one of Spain's best (and most expensive) red wines.

 

The Gen

Way back in 1990, Peter Sisseck left Bordeaux for the Ribera del Duero in northern Spain. For years a wine of that region - Vega Sicilia - had held top spot in Spain's vinous firmament and I can imagine Sisseck wanting to find out find out more about the potential of the region and, if at all possible, exploit it. 

 

The fruits of his endeavours - the mighty Pingus - instantly thrust him into the global spotlight. Here was that rarest of things: a brand new classic. Sell the dog; mortgage your spouse. Pingus is one of those "wines to try before you die".

 

A second wine followed: Flor de Pingus, a wine we have offered on Bowes Wine offers past.

 

Now Sisseck has released something entirely new and it was this that I tasted - an inky barrel sample - last year.

 

This is, in effect, a negoçiant wine, since the fruit is bought in from reliable growers with whom he has built up the necessary relationships. Vinification is traditional and new oak is eschewed in the wine's upbringing, thereby allowing the character of the Ribera del Duero's fruit and soils to speak to us with clear voice.

 

N.B. Sisseck’s name, like that of Sissy Spacek, is much more fun to say with a lisp. What a pity his parents didn’t have the presence of mind to christen him Cecil; an opportunity missed, methinks.

 

The Wine

 

Vintage Wine Drink dates Case size Price In Bond
2007

Psi, Dominio de Pingus, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Notes:

N.B. This is 100% Tinto Fino, which is the local name for Tempranillo.

 

A rich and clear and clean nose, very pure and of blackcurrant, blueberry and black cherry. There's that most classy of aromas - violet - that one only finds in wines of real quality

 

The palate is suave and super-cool; rich, with big, fine, quite chunky tannins. The texture of the fruit coats the mouth. This is one beautifully fresh and minerally delineated mouthful. Very long, with lots of juiciness. Fresh plum fruit. Structured, lively and lovely.

2010-2015 12x75cl £216.00


Return to online list format

 

» Look at other Backfill & Diversify Offers