Vega Sicilia - Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 2021

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

The 2021 Valbuena comes from a year when the grapes were of impeccable quality, well ripened and balanced. For them, it was one of their best years, where they didn't have to rush and everything went smoothly. The year was marked by the Filomena snowstorm in January, which helped build up good water reserves, and the rest of the winter saw temperatures reaching -15 degrees Celsius! This is a blend of 96% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo) and 4% Merlot, aged in 8,500- and 21,000-liter oak barrels and vats during the first year, then solely in oak vats. This is the youngest expression of the "Vega" nose, more subtle and elegant, more insinuating, less developed and retaining certain primary notes, less tertiary than the Únicos. It has an alcohol content of 14%, with a pH of 3.85 and 4.65 grams of acidity, and is medium-bodied to full-bodied on the palate, with elegant tannins and very good balance. This is one of Valbuena's best recent vintages, reminding me somewhat of the 2010 with its elegance and precision. A total of 176,876 bottles, 5,566 magnums, and a few larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2024. 2027-2039

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

This Valbuena is, for me, a particularly special edition. The texture is silky, almost haute couture, with delicate notes of black fruit, graphite ink, and impeccably integrated oak. Cedar, black cherry, and a slight mineral touch shape the aromas, while the palate reveals a seductive fragrance, refined structure, and a tannic profile that is both silky and promising. Tertiary elements are barely apparent—just a hint of elegant leather—hinting at a long and graceful evolution. An impressive Valbuena, and one of my favorites among the entire 2026 vintage from Vega Sicilia. 2026-2050

James Suckling

About wine:

One of the best Valbuenas available, offering great depth, beautiful structure, and lots of detail while remaining refined. It reveals notes of blackberries, cocoa powder, graphite, and high-quality sandalwood, with hints of lard and violet. The remarkable feature this year is the quantity and quality of the tannins, which are powerful yet incredibly refined and polished. There are many fine grains that are not yet fully integrated, but should harmonize within two to three years. Exceptionally long finish. Will keep well for the next 20 years. 176,000 bottles produced.