Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Alion Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino

9.2177 ratings
9.134 pro ratings
Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
Tinto Fino
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

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
Max Gottesfeld

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
Victor Charcan

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, 2014
David Jones

Great, 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
Martin G Rivard

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.

Nov 9th, 2016
Adam Crane

Wow! Intensity with a soft hand

Wow! Intensity with a soft hand

Jul 21st, 2016
Michael Kvasnicka

WORD.

Jan 10th, 2016
Charlie Abbott

Sommelier Casa Mono

9.3

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
Gadi Karpel

91/100

91/100

Jun 5th, 2015
Gordana Josovic

So good right now !

So good right now !

May 27th, 2015