Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º Año 2021

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 Ano is a blend of Tempranillo and Merlot from Vega Sicilia, one of the most celebrated estates in Spain, founded in 1864 and part of the Tempos Vega Sicilia group. It is grown in Ribera del Duero on the estate vineyards, where limestone and clay soils and the cold-night continental climate of the high Duero give slow ripening, deep colour and firm structure. Tempranillo provides the backbone of dark fruit and grip, while Merlot adds flesh and a rounder mid palate. The ageing is unhurried and traditional: twelve months in French and American oak barrels followed by a further twelve months in large wooden vats of 80 to 220 hectolitres, where the gentler surface to volume ratio allows a slow, measured oxygen exchange that integrates the oak and softens the tannins without overt wood character. Farming is sustainable. The colour is deep and elegant. The nose is layered, with dark plum and cherry over tobacco, cedar, leather and cocoa. The palate is full, fine and structured, the tannins polished and the finish long. A wine that rewards cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. A match for fine roast meat.