Vega Sicilia
About Vega Sicilia
Ribera del Duero sits as Spain’s premier winegrowing region today, with Vega-Sicilia being the jewel in the crown. Undoubtedly Spain’s First Growth, Vega-Sicilia, has risen to the top of winemaking in Spain since its inception in 1864 when Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves brought Cabernet and Merlot cuttings over from Bordeaux, planting them alongside the Spanish Tempranillo. It is also the only Spanish producer in the Liv-ex ‘Power 100’ list of the world’s most collectable wine estates. In 2019, it even jumped to 26th place, where it is rated above Pétrus, Opus One and Le Pin.
Viniculture
Vega Sicilia speaks of the barren, hot, sunshine terraces of central Spain. These are complex wines that are a constant and enjoyable paradox: showing depth with brilliance, grace with power. Their top wine is the legendary Único. Crafted from some of the oldest vines in the appellation, Único is released after long periods of ageing at the estate. Mainly Tempranillo with a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this Gran Reserva is only made in top vintages and accounts for as little as a third of the estate’s entire production.
The second wine, Valbuena 5°, uses the same blend as Único and is a pure expression of Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo) with a splash of Merlot (6%). Named after the nearby village of Valbuena de Duero, the ‘5°’ refers to the age of the wine, released after five (quinto) years of barrel and bottle age, hence the name of the end product: Valbuena 5º.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Castilla y Leon | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£910.82 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)The only problem with the 2011," says Gonzalo Iturriaga, "is that it followed 2010." I gave the latter wine a perfect score, so I know what he means. And yet this is still a fantastic Único in its own right. Marrying Tinto Fino with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it's not as powerful or showy as the 2010, but has considerable elegance and finesse. Sweet, leafy, balsamic flavours are framed by perfumed French and 30% American oak, with the mint of the Cabernet surprisingly noticeable on the refreshing finish. The tannins are very fine indeed, caressing the tongue as they pass. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Castilla y Leon | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
£751.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)The only problem with the 2011," says Gonzalo Iturriaga, "is that it followed 2010." I gave the latter wine a perfect score, so I know what he means. And yet this is still a fantastic Único in its own right. Marrying Tinto Fino with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it's not as powerful or showy as the 2010, but has considerable elegance and finesse. Sweet, leafy, balsamic flavours are framed by perfumed French and 30% American oak, with the mint of the Cabernet surprisingly noticeable on the refreshing finish. The tannins are very fine indeed, caressing the tongue as they pass. |