Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia
Alion Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino
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
Slightly muted nose with plenty of tighter flavors not ready yet.
Slightly muted nose with plenty of tighter flavors not ready yet.
1 person found it helpfulSep 18th, 2014
Serious and well made, easy drinking despite the complexity, length and concentration. Ripe cherries and notes of coffee, cocoa and tobacco
Serious and well made, easy drinking despite the complexity, length and concentration. Ripe cherries and notes of coffee, cocoa and tobacco
1 person found it helpfulMay 4th, 2014Great, as always! 2009 was a great year and while young, terrific!
Great, as always! 2009 was a great year and while young, terrific!
1 person found it helpfulJan 4th, 2014
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