Vega Sicilia Valbuena No. 5 2020

Vega Sicilia from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain is generally considered to be Spain's greatest producer and their Tempranillo based wines are widely acclaimed.

Review

The 2020 Valbuena all comes from the Vega Sicilia estate and is a blend of Tinto Fino and 3% Merlot from vines close to the river. Gonzalo Iturriaga uses 70% new wood here, 15% of it American, but then switches to older foudres. Floral and elegant, partly because of the 100mm of rain in September, it's a focused, comparatively forward red with bramble, red cherry and blackberry fruit, scented oak spices, a hint of rocket and a refined, tapering finish." - 96pts, Tim Atkin