Ψ PSI

Named after the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet, this is a project by Peter Sisseck of Pingus fame, in collaboration with growers in Ribera del Duero, Spain. The idea is to form partnerships with custodians of old vine Tempranillo (known here as Tinto Fino), to encourage them to farm more sensitively, cultivating the biological element of their soils. The wine is made with little new oak influence, to harness more effectively the quality of the fruit. First vintage was 2007.

This is an understated wine by Spanish standards, and I think it has the potential to age beautifully.

Psi 2009 Ribera del Duero, Spain
13.5% alcohol. Stylish stuff. Fresh raspberry and plum fruit with mineral undertones, hints of gravel and tar, and really well integrated oak that doesn’t stick out at all. There’s good freshness and a lovely savoury dimension to the fruit. I think this will age beautifully. 92/100 (£23.39 Corney & Barrow)