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? — 23 days ago

Gladys Xiques

9.2

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

Mike Matsumoto

9.0

東大和のワイン仙人おすすめのリオハ赤、2022年もの。当然ながらまだフレッシュさも残りますが、パワフルでタンニンは滑らか。味わいもオレンジピール、チョコレート、コーヒー、タバコなどなど複雑。これで千円ちょっととは恐れ入ります。
うきうき税込1325円。
#ワイン
— 2 months ago

Riccardo L.

9.0

Always a banger but lost to a 2016 reserva in a blind taste. Probably because this vintage scored 90, while that one was a 94. Doesn’t make this any less of a super star though. Great wine, great house. — a month 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). — 2 months 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

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Vintage 2010 | Beautiful balance and vibrant taste. Paired with cheeses. — a month 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. — 2 months ago

Suzanne Verhulst

9.0

Medium to light body. Spicy, cherry, light tannins to start. As it opens, spiciness increases and raspberry emerges. — 2 months ago