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
One of the better Ribera del Dueros. Strong start, smooth finish. Great balance of fruitiness and tanins.
One of the better Ribera del Dueros. Strong start, smooth finish. Great balance of fruitiness and tanins.
Sep 30th, 2020
Deep rich garnet color. Pleasant nose. Stewed fruit. Spice. Flavors of vanilla, red licorice, smoke. Big wine. Med tannins. Little heat on the finish. Not overly oaky. Decanted.
Deep rich garnet color. Pleasant nose. Stewed fruit. Spice. Flavors of vanilla, red licorice, smoke. Big wine. Med tannins. Little heat on the finish. Not overly oaky. Decanted.
Oct 14th, 2017
Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
