When I read the vintage report for the 2017 Pingus
PSI, it reminded me of 1961 in Bordeaux. A severe spring frost cut the crop 70%
to 80%. Then a very warm growing season, on top of the extremely low yields,
led to a wine of unusual concentration, intensity and “sevé” (or “sappiness”).
Given all this, however, I was surprised to find that
the character of this 2017 was more red fruit than black. Because of the frost,
it’s also almost pure Tempranillo this year – and strikes me as a PSI that’s
somehow both more concentrated than usual and more savory/complex.
As always, it’s by far the best value in the Pingus
range, as well as probably the best value of the Ribera del Duero.
This is, by the way, from 700 individual old-vine
plots, organically farmed by small growers that Sisseck is helping.
