Bodegas y Viñedos Alion
Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo
Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
I’ve never had Alion (or anything else from Vega Sicilia for that matter) and was able to pick up a couple of these with bin-stained labels about two years ago for a song. Yesterday, I decided to open one to see what the fuss was about. Popped poured; I gotta say, this was a complete mess on Day 1. So much so that after struggling through a glass and a half and wondering why I even try with Ribera del Duero anymore, I replaced the cork, walked away from it and went to bed. It was a combination of red cherries and plums that seemed overripe almost to the point of being stewed yet there was substantial structure and it was simply not very fun to drink. Day 2? Completely different story. Everything had calmed down and integrated into something quite sublime. Dark cherry, leather, espresso, olives and cocoa delivered with a bear hug of fine tannins. This was a remarkable turnaround. If you’re opening one of these soon, I have three words of advice: decant, decant, decant. Drinking great now after significant air or hold. These aren’t going south anytime soon. Bottle No. 271224
I’ve never had Alion (or anything else from Vega Sicilia for that matter) and was able to pick up a couple of these with bin-stained labels about two years ago for a song. Yesterday, I decided to open one to see what the fuss was about. Popped poured; I gotta say, this was a complete mess on Day 1. So much so that after struggling through a glass and a half and wondering why I even try with Ribera del Duero anymore, I replaced the cork, walked away from it and went to bed. It was a combination of red cherries and plums that seemed overripe almost to the point of being stewed yet there was substantial structure and it was simply not very fun to drink. Day 2? Completely different story. Everything had calmed down and integrated into something quite sublime. Dark cherry, leather, espresso, olives and cocoa delivered with a bear hug of fine tannins. This was a remarkable turnaround. If you’re opening one of these soon, I have three words of advice: decant, decant, decant. Drinking great now after significant air or hold. These aren’t going south anytime soon. Bottle No. 271224
1 person found it helpfulAug 5th, 2018
Truly drinks just like a baby Vega.
Huge quality for its $85 price point.
Truly drinks just like a baby Vega.
Huge quality for its $85 price point.
Either modern old-school or vintage-styled new wave, either way irresistible.
Either modern old-school or vintage-styled new wave, either way irresistible.
Oct 20th, 2015
2009 Vintage. Crushed rocks, anise, cherries, tar, and cured meat dominate the nose. Black cherry, eucalyptus, and balsamic, are the leading flavors of this wine. The wine is gritty, opened for 8 hours and still has real grip. This will do well in the cellar for another 5 years.
2009 Vintage. Crushed rocks, anise, cherries, tar, and cured meat dominate the nose. Black cherry, eucalyptus, and balsamic, are the leading flavors of this wine. The wine is gritty, opened for 8 hours and still has real grip. This will do well in the cellar for another 5 years.
Mar 20th, 2015Notes of leather, cinammon, nutmeg, and red fruits.
Notes of leather, cinammon, nutmeg, and red fruits.
Mar 1st, 2015
Deep mocha and vanilla notes. Full bodied and delicious.
Deep mocha and vanilla notes. Full bodied and delicious.
Feb 13th, 2015