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
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
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
Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
