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.

One of the classics of Ribera del Duero, Alion is the sister estate of the world famous Vega Sicilia. Here the wines are made in a more modern style than Vega Sicilia, typically displaying rich, generous fruit and lashings of spice thanks to 12 months spent in 80% new, mainly, French oak barrels. It has a particular richness about it that follows on from the spicy and slightly smoky aromas. The palate is full of ripe fruit and spiciness which is held together with mellow tannins, a firm minerality and well judged acidity.

There’s a finesse and polish to this red with blackberries, black olives, iron and terra-cotta. Medium to full body, with slightly chewy tannins and a savory finish. It will soften nicely with time. Try after 2025.” - 94 pts James Suckling