Grapelive Wine of the Day

By Kerry Winslow

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2006 Vega Sicilia Valbuena Ribera del Duero, Spanish Red.

This wonderfully direct and youthful Tempranillo is utterly delicious and beautiful, but still a baby, though regardless of it’s future I was very pleased to get a chance to try this legendary wine and I was left wanting nothing more, this is pure joy. I’ve only been lucky enough to try Vega Sicilia a very few times in the past, but my admiration and respect has never wavered, as without question the winery is completely dedicated to quality and the focus is 100% on making the greatest wine on earth, and of course be the Spanish flag waver to the world, for which it certainly can be proud. I must first say, this is purely a wine that only wants to be Tempranillo, it doesn’t try to be anything else, and it succeeds completely and is near perfect in every way in that regard, and it is nearly perfect in all regards! Still tight and firm, it takes a few minutes to get going both on the nose and and on the palate, but once it gets air it explodes with flavor and depth. The nose reveals sweet cherries, dark flowers, graphite, subtle wood and sandalwood before a palate of blackberry, plum and rich cherry fruits with hints of earth, leather, vanilla and coca powder. The body is lush and builds with each sip, but the structure is sublime and has reassuring tannins and acidity. The finish is remarkably long and sweet, while also having a dusty dryness that shows the serious nature of this young wine. I am grateful and very lucky to have had a chance to try this Vega Sicilia and I only hope I get another chance!
($200 Est.) 96 Points, grapelive

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