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
Wine Director Hotel Delmano
2009. The baby Vega Sicilia. It's the one you can drink without waiting 20 years. Lush, firm tannins, dark fruit, dry and Bordeaux-ish. What a great vintage of this wine. Much brighter than normal.
2009. The baby Vega Sicilia. It's the one you can drink without waiting 20 years. Lush, firm tannins, dark fruit, dry and Bordeaux-ish. What a great vintage of this wine. Much brighter than normal.
Feb 6th, 2016
One of the better Ribera del Dueros. Strong start, smooth finish. Great balance of fruitiness and tanins.
One of the better Ribera del Dueros. Strong start, smooth finish. Great balance of fruitiness and tanins.
Sep 30th, 2020