Valbuena 5°, Vega Sicilia 2010

Since the 2010 harvest, they ferment plot by plot, and it shows. This Valbuena has almost 100 components in it, smaller lots, all of them corresponding to a plot of vines. It has all the signs of being one of the best vintages ever for this second wine from Vega Sicilia, mostly Tempranillo but with 5% Merlot that matured five months in 20,000-liter oak vats, 18 months in new barriques (equal parts French and American oak), three months in used barrels and then five months in the vats again before being bottled in May 2013. 2010 seems to have the exuberance of the 2011 and the seriousness and elegance of 2009. It has the Burgundian philosophy of terroir, with all plots fermented and aged separately, giving each vineyard what it needs in terms of vinification and elevage resulting in something like 40 separate lots to blend. This wine has gained in precision and sharpness, and is very pure with delineated aromas and flavors. It is a world-class wine, possibly the best Valbuena ever. 180,000 bottles and some bigger-sized formats were filled. The wine will be released in 2015. Drink 2016-2025.

With the new winery coming on stream in 2010, winemaker Javier Ausás has benefited from the luxury of keeping 100 smaller parcels of fruit apart during vinification instead of only 25 larger lots as in years gone by. With a brooding, dense nose and magnificent attack on the palate it is clear from the outset that this is a stellar Valbuena. Leather, oak, spice and sensational tannins make this a phenomenal treat and the flavour lingers indefinitely. This is every inch a classic Vega-Sicilia and with this wine coinciding its release with a lighter than normal Unico this was the wine (along with Pintia) which stole the show. I am certain that in ten or twenty year's time this will be hailed as one of the landmark Valbuenas in the long history of this imperial estate. (2020 - 2040)