Dominio de Pingus 1995 12er Holzkiste

Parker: When I first tasted this wine in March in London (Corney & Barrow, the renowned London wine merchant has the exclusivity on it for the United Kingdom), I was blown away, but I wanted to taste it several more times just to be sure. I am not kidding when I say this might be the greatest young red wine I have ever tasted from Spain. It boasts an opaque purple color, followed by a magnificent nose of jammy blackberries, truffles, smoke, and subtle notes of pain grillee. Extremely rich and full-bodied, with exceptionally well-integrated acidity and tannin, this is a massively-concentrated yet impeccably-balanced wine that has a level of concentration that must be tasted to be believed. In spite of its other-worldly intensity, this is a sumptuous, surprisingly approachable wine that should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. Now for the bad news .... the price may appear shockingly high, but for this level of quality, it is not a bad deal, particularly when contrasted with the prices fetched by Le Pin, Valandraud, L'Angelus, and other limited production Pomerol/St.-Emilions. Only 325 cases were produced in 1995, of which one-third is being exported to the United States. This will be a legendary effort.

Suckling: Deep ruby-red. Mellow, deep aromas of dark berries and exotic wood tones, with a suggestion of Provençal herbs; not quite as lively or perfumed as the brighter '96. Shows the roasted, gamey ripeness that characterizes so many '95s from the region. Great sweetness and complexity in the mouth. Doesn't possess quite the sappy lift of the '96, but perhaps even more concentrated. Powerful underlying structure and palate-staining persistence. Has the thick, 3-D texture to buffer its huge, ripe tannins. I ultimately give the '96 a slight edge on sheer brightness, but this is compelling wine.

Galloni: Glass-staining ruby. Pungent, mineral-driven aromas of black raspberry, bitter cherry, smoky minerals and potpourri, plus a sexy smoky note of cola. Sweet and powerful, with brilliant definition and intensity to the ripe dark berry and cherry flavors. Lush and creamy but energetic, with silky tannins giving shape to the expansive fruit. Highly concentrated but very young wine with a strong, sappy, penetrating finish that echoes the floral note. This is a weighty wine but there's no excess fat or thickness. Stash it away for at least another six years.