Peter Sisseck, the iconoclast behind cult wine, Pingus, wanted to pare down the winemaking for a more classical and youthfully expressive Duero red. The name he chose, "Psi," is the Greek letter that resembles the old head-pruned vine depicted on the label, echoing the focus on a more straightforward expression of the vines.
Reflecting the traditions of planting a mix of varieties here, the savory-tinged Tempranillo is complemented by some expansive, juicy Garnacha, which really helps make this so friendly. "Psi" combines sun-kissed tones of fleshy plum, crunchy dark and red berries, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and stony earth, all surrounding a firm, mineral core. Oak only plays a supporting role here. The expansive mouthfeel transitions into a softly-tapered finish with Tempranillo's signature chalky, pixelated sensations left on the palate. A serious wine that happens to be a crowd-pleaser. Practices organic and biodynamic farming.
WINE ADVOCATE 93-94 POINTS - "Tasted just before bottling, so a sample of the final blend, the 2023 PSI is juicy, ripe and approachable. It is a little showier and headier, despite having similar alcohol to the bottled 2022 (perhaps a tad higher, but not quite reaching 14%), and it feels a little riper, with peachy notes and some decayed flowers. It has abundant tannins and feels like it's in need of some more time in bottle."
VINOUS 92-94 POINTS - "The 2023 PSI brings together fruit from 12 villages, mostly Gumiel de Mercado and Villatuelda in the Soria sector of Ribera del Duero. The project began in 2007 with the recovery of neglected vineyards, now totaling 200 hectares across about 700 parcels, 25% of which are estate-owned. Garnet colored, it opens with pine and herbal notes, then red fruit—cherry and a touch of plum. The palate shows fine-grained tannins, a midweight texture and detailed fruit. The bottle will reveal the Soria character in the interplay of fine tannins and acidity."
Reflecting the traditions of planting a mix of varieties here, the savory-tinged Tempranillo is complemented by some expansive, juicy Garnacha, which really helps make this so friendly. "Psi" combines sun-kissed tones of fleshy plum, crunchy dark and red berries, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and stony earth, all surrounding a firm, mineral core. Oak only plays a supporting role here. The expansive mouthfeel transitions into a softly-tapered finish with Tempranillo's signature chalky, pixelated sensations left on the palate. A serious wine that happens to be a crowd-pleaser. Practices organic and biodynamic farming.
WINE ADVOCATE 93-94 POINTS - "Tasted just before bottling, so a sample of the final blend, the 2023 PSI is juicy, ripe and approachable. It is a little showier and headier, despite having similar alcohol to the bottled 2022 (perhaps a tad higher, but not quite reaching 14%), and it feels a little riper, with peachy notes and some decayed flowers. It has abundant tannins and feels like it's in need of some more time in bottle."
VINOUS 92-94 POINTS - "The 2023 PSI brings together fruit from 12 villages, mostly Gumiel de Mercado and Villatuelda in the Soria sector of Ribera del Duero. The project began in 2007 with the recovery of neglected vineyards, now totaling 200 hectares across about 700 parcels, 25% of which are estate-owned. Garnet colored, it opens with pine and herbal notes, then red fruit—cherry and a touch of plum. The palate shows fine-grained tannins, a midweight texture and detailed fruit. The bottle will reveal the Soria character in the interplay of fine tannins and acidity."
