2005 Pingus Amelia, Ribera del Duero 1x750ml

Robert Parker 97

The 2005 Amelia is a single barrel cuvee made from a special parcel of 100+-year-old vines. It spent 18 months in its one barrel resulting in a 25 case production. It offers up a super-expressive perfume of toasty new oak, crushed rock, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Already complex, it is more structured than the Flor de Pingus and will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring. Layered, splendidly balanced, and very long in the finish, it will be at its best from 2015-2030. Kudos to Peter Sisseck for a brilliant and enthralling set of wines. Importer: Manny Berk, The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484 [Jay S Miller, 29/02/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030

Vinous 94

(a single barrel, from vines over 100 years of age, reportedly) Dark ruby. Rich cherry and blueberry compote flavors are impressively bright, with smoky cocoa, tobacco and roasted coffee adding complexity. Lush, creamy dark berry flavors offer terrific depth, with subtle minerality contributing to an impression of clarity. Becomes fresher on the long, spicy finish, which delivers outstanding sweetness, depth and precision. Good luck finding any. [Josh Raynolds, 09/01/2007]