1996 Pingus

Wonderfully deep, many-shaded crimson. Sweeter, simpler on the nose than the 1995. Monotone ripe fruit aromas. Lots of tannins quite upfront. Still a baby. More claret-like build than the unashamedly Spanish peasant 1995. Sleek, sophisticated, but less Ribera del Duero. (JR)

The 1996 Pingus is an astonishing wine that continues to put on weight and add more nuances to its multidimensional personality. The explosive aromatics consist of smoke, jammy blackberry and currant fruit, incense, licorice, cedar, and pain grille. Massive in the mouth, with a sumptuous texture, immense body, high levels of glycerin, and a multilayered mid-palate, this spectacular wine is evolved and accessible. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.

Deep, bright ruby. Extraordinarily complex, lively nose combines black raspberry, bitter chocolate, nutmeg and an intriguing suggestion of roasted herbs. Amazingly rich and smooth in the mouth; truly explosive fruit offers superb vinosity and snap. Like liquid velvet but with great clarity of flavor. Builds in intensity and seems to grow thicker on the back half. The huge finishing fruit coats the entire palate. Amazing juice.