Pingus 2016

Inky, glass-coating ruby that signals intent from the start. The nose pours out dark plum, candied violet, pipe tobacco and a smoldering, incense-like minerality that deepens with air. On the palate, black cherry and cherry-vanilla sit at the center, layered with spice cake, bitter chocolate and just enough floral sweetness to feel generous without tipping into excess. Full-bodied and dense, yet it carries itself with an ease that belies the concentration, tannins arrive late and softly, framing rather than dominating. The finish is long, persistent and seamless. Pingus earns every bit of its reputation here.