Alion Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino

This delivers the goods for a “second” wine (little brother to Vega Sicilia). Needs lots of air; give it plenty of decant time as it’s quite closed on pop n pour. Plums, red and black berries, minerals, roast beef jus, charcoal smoke, really well integrated oak. The tannins start out super plush, but build with time in the decanter. Savory and velvety at the same time. Needs a little more time in bottle to really shine.

Vega Sicilia’s entry-level red, 100% Tempranillo from 30 years old vineyards in Padilla, Valbuena de Duero y Pesquera de Duero. Modern-style Ribera del Duero. Aged in French oak barrels for 12-14 months. Dark ruby color. Complex nose with aromas of red and dark fruit (dark cherry, ripe blackberries), smoke, mint, sweet spices and a whiff of vanilla. Pure, fresh and juicy. Medium to full bodied, silky, very elegant, balanced. Good acidity

Damn that’s a lot of oak. Needs time. Meh

Now, I’ve had this wine a couple of dozen times in my life, all due to good fortune, and in a number of cities to top it off (blessed!). However, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying it at home. And I can’t think of a better bet for a bottle of wine. This is spectacular: color, nose, pallet, finish. Summed up in a sentence: “this bottle evokes passion.”

Deliciosooo

Street food wine in San Sebastián

Tasted on 28/02/2019 in Petit Comite in Barcelona . Strong leather bouquet, quite sweet, Long finish.

So airy and dry and light, it evaporates in your mouth.

The perfect ruby red to soften the Sunday blues. Spice box + chocolate licorice + velvet

Has a sweetness to it.