2006 dominio de pingus, ribera del duero, pingus
Why We're Buying
Pingus is the epitome of a cult wine. Domino de Pingus releases bottles in extremely limited quantities, with the average price tag eclipsing $1,000. Consistent critical praise has only bolstered demand for this tempranillo, with wine critic Robert Parker calling the first vintage "one of the greatest and most exciting wines I have ever tasted." It doesn't hurt that Pingus also returned 12.6 on investment in 2020.
Critics Scores
Vinous
Opaque purple. Powerful, mineral-driven aromas of blackberry, blueberry, creme de cassis, incense and floral oils. Fresh dark berry flavors are youthfully crunchy and strikingly pure, with mounting spiciness and minerality. Silky tannins add support to the broad, palate-staining fruit but quickly fade away, allowing the exotic dark berry flavors to stand out. The mineral element clings impressively on the long, sappy, sweet finish. A superb showing, and no doubt the last time I'll get to try this as it costs more per bottle than my car is worth. (JR)
Wine Spectator
Still young, this powerful red is thick with tannins. The cassis and black plum flavors are sweet and fresh, concentrated and focused.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 Pingus is a spectacular effort. A glass-staining saturated opaque purple, it delivers an other-worldly perfume of smoke, lavender, mineral, scorched earth, and an amalgam of kinky black fruits. Voluptuous on the palate in a measured way, it has superb balance, layered, complex flavors, ripe tannin that is entirely covered by the fruit, and a decade of aging potential. This monumental wine will evolve effortlessly for 10-15 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2036. (JM)