Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo

Made by famous Vega Sicilia estate. Deep Ruby with an array of aromas, dark fruits, spice, floral and some oak, aged for about 14 months in French oak, mostly new. On the palate flavors of juicy ripe blackberry currants, blueberry & plum with mocha, espresso and licorice wrapped in oak. Firm round taut tannins, great balance with acidity, full body, long finish ends with fruit, oak, spice, and mineral character. Almost starting to open, definitely needs more time! Will age a decade or more!!

This delivers the goods for a “second” wine (little brother to Vega Sicilia). Needs lots of air; give it plenty of decant time as it’s quite closed on pop n pour. Plums, red and black berries, minerals, roast beef jus, charcoal smoke, really well integrated oak. The tannins start out super plush, but build with time in the decanter. Savory and velvety at the same time. Needs a little more time in bottle to really shine.

Vega Sicilia’s entry-level red, 100% Tempranillo from 30 years old vineyards in Padilla, Valbuena de Duero y Pesquera de Duero. Modern-style Ribera del Duero. Aged in French oak barrels for 12-14 months. Dark ruby color. Complex nose with aromas of red and dark fruit (dark cherry, ripe blackberries), smoke, mint, sweet spices and a whiff of vanilla. Pure, fresh and juicy. Medium to full bodied, silky, very elegant, balanced. Good acidity

young, deep and dark…

Big. Better with food and more air. Selanne bday dinner at home for ATS with Provost’s and Clark’s.

Damn that’s a lot of oak. Needs time. Meh

Now, I’ve had this wine a couple of dozen times in my life, all due to good fortune, and in a number of cities to top it off (blessed!). However, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying it at home. And I can’t think of a better bet for a bottle of wine. This is spectacular: color, nose, pallet, finish. Summed up in a sentence: “this bottle evokes passion.”

Deliciosooo

2de kerst met opi

Red fruit, tobacco, soft tannins. Had with cheese board after TdT.