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? — 7 days ago

Ali Copp

9.0

B&B $28
Really enjoyed this one. Little bit of acidic but an easy drinker. Some saline. Classic style i would expect with an albarino — 2 months ago

Serge Mismetti

9.7

Très bel accord avec la feijuda — 3 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

Gladys Xiques

9.2

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

Matt Perlman

9.6

Wow. This stuff is crazy. So wild to think about what was going in the world when these PX grapes were drying out in the sun. So unctuous and thick, Christmas spice and burned rubber, balsamic glaze, chocolate syrup, prunes, butterscotch, somehow lively and even fresh. I don’t know from sherry but this was a real treat — 2 months ago

Mike Evans

9.2

Rating how it is showing now, it just needs time — 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

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

Andrew Cullimore

8.9

Medium garnet ,medium terracotta rim . Quite spiced , dried fruits, tobacco , touch of caramel , warm earth . Smoky . On the palate quite sweet mix of red and dark fruits, red plum , dark cherry , spiced tobacco, hickory . Quite sweet on the finish , menthol hint, with a touch of caramel on the finish, slightly grippy tannin. This improved quite a lot in the glass , with more fruit noticeable , fills out quite well , better balance. Drink now and over the next couple of years. — 3 months ago