Vega Sicilia, Valbuena 5°, Tempranillo, Ribera Del Duero, Spain, 2019
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Spains most prestigious wine estate, was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves. He planted bordeaux grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec in the arid Ribera soils, as well as the local grape, Tinto Fino. The bodega, which is located beside a highway east of Valladolid, now has 140 hectares of vines. The estate's top wine, unico, is aged for up to 10 years in a mixture of French and American wood, both large wooded vats and new barriques. Valbuena is released after 5 years of ageing. The wines of Vega Sicilia are renowned for their complexity, intensity and longevity and are amongst the finest in the world.
Valbuena 5º is the purest red wine expression at Vega Sicilia, aged for five years in oak and bottle, hence its name: Valbuena 5º. Valbuena 5º 2019 is both succulent and muscular, taut and delicate. Expressive, elegant, lively and profound, it is a fascinating wine.
The 2019 Valbuena 5º is primarily Tempranillo with a 3% dash of Merlot from the Vega Sicilia Estate and was aged for up to two years, one in foudres and the other in different kinds of oak barrels. Garnet-red with a faint bluish-purple sheen. The aromas feature cedar and vanilla accompanied by plum, sour cherry and subtle pine hints. The dry and velvety palate shows a faintly chalky texture and supple tannins that create an unctuous but taut character. The energetic red is wrapped in a gently plush blanket. Drink 2025-2040. 94 points - Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous