Jay Kline

9.1

Poured into a decanter 30min prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2017 pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black and red fruit: mixed brambles, plum, black cherry pie with slightly burnt crust, cocoa, dried herbs and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is plush. The 15% is remarkably well hidden. This is one of those wines for me where I go, “How’d they do that?” But then I shouldn’t be all that surprised, this is Vega Sicilia we’re talking about. Drink now with at least a 30min decant and through 2032-ish? — 12 days ago

Gladys Xiques

9.2

Exquisite. Always solid. Paired with filet mignon. — a month ago

Ming L

9.2

Quite new world in style, but in a subtle way. Lots of flavorful nuances. Quite tannic at year 6, probably the most tannic Rioja I can remember. Time will be kind. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

This is a magnanimous wine and still in its youth. A non vintage blend of declared Gran Reserva vintages: 2008, 2010, and 2011. The color is still deep ruby with hits of garnet on the rim. The bouquet on the nose is strong and nuanced, layered; with notes of blackberry, cherry, plum, and additional notes of cigar box and old leather. The palate is even more extraordinary, it is very well integrated with fruit, tannins, and acidity. Velvety! Flavors of black currant, cherries and figs are savory and complimented by coffee, graphite and some anise. The finish is elegant, reminiscent of minerals. Cheers. — a month ago

Ryan Carver

9.8

2017, whew buddy this knocked our socks right off — a month ago

Joseph Toohey

9.0

Nice medium body — 2 months ago

Mike Evans

9.2

Rating how it is showing now, it just needs time — a month ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

Funny label. Aromas are epic. Orange and berry sauce. Hint of apple pumice. A lot of rosehip too. Flavors are lovely and true to type. Citrus meets red zinger. Flowers, stone fruits, and Rainer cherries are in spades. — a month ago

heidi schlegel

9.9

Although not as prestigious as Unico, this Valbuena 5 was an absolute delight! Rich and balanced, it paired perfectly with fowl (pigeon). — a month ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Opened and decanted 2.5 hours in advance of our inaugural Aglianco Osso Buco wine dinner here at the Gotham

Facing off against a range of Aglianco from Unti in Sonoma, Leonetti in WA and Galardi 2007 in Campania

The 2010 Galardi was the most dense and as with the 2007, the fruit was minimal. Instead the flavor profile is herbs, green olives and incredible savory notes. It worked incredibly well with the osso buco and needed the richness to shine. This wine still had a bit of hard edges and could use more bottle age IMO — 2 months ago