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? — 6 days 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. — a month ago

Matthew Cohen

9.2

1910 planting.

60% stem inclusion.

N: lilacs

P: silky. Elegant cherries. Silky. Good grip. Well made

13.2% — 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

Tom Casagrande

9.4

Holy smokes this is good! My expectations were modest due to my stereotyping its Santa Clara County provenance, but I stand corrected. This is apparently an old-vine blend featuring about 50% Zin and a mix of Carignane and Mataro (Mourvèdre) to round it out. The purity of the black and red berries on the nose is remarkable. A bit of crushed stony earth. In the mouth, there’s tremendous flavor concentration but with an athletic mouthfeel that balances nice acids and super-soft tannic support. Great length. Color me duly impressed. Shoulda got more. 14.5% alcohol thank you very much. — 3 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

Neal Ferry

9.1

Classic Italian Grillo Mary — 2 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Winegeeks chih casa memo — 4 months ago