Vega Sicilia Valbuena No 5 2019 – 1.5 Litre Bottle

Introduction

Few wines have a history as distinguished as that of Vega Sicilia. Founded in the 1860s, its reputation on its flagship vintage has for more than 100 years produced two great wines, each appropriately named “Unico.”

The purest expression of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Vega Sicilia. Tinto Fino is clearly the predominant wine in the assemblage of the varieties that make up this magnificent wine. The other variety used is Merlot, which is added to a greater or lesser extent depending on the vintage.

97 Points – James Suckling

Extremely perfumed with violets and a bouquet of flowers. Then theres blue fruits such as blueberries and raspberries. Medium-bodied with beautifully crafted tannins that give a superb mouthfeel and finesse. Refinement with depth and focus.

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2019 Valbuena was produced with a blend of Tinto Fino with 3% Merlot. It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.88 and 4.6 grams of acidity. I love the nose; it is perfumed and subtle. And the wine is beautifully textured; the tannins are very fine, silky even, quite different from the tannins from the other 2019s from the group that I tasted next to this, Macan and Pintia. A triumph over the conditions of the year, it’s a more elegant Valbuena than I anticipated.

93 Points – Wine Spectator

There’s a quiet power to this polished red, with sculpted, chalky tannins enmeshed in a graceful range of ripe black plum and black cherry flavors, plus accents of Earl Grey tea, violet and cigar box. Long and silky, with a vibrant, well-spiced finish.