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Tasting notes
An example of how difficult it can be to make wine in Ribera del Duero. Particularly difficult final ripening of the grapes so you need “a good vineyard mgr”! You needed to have prepared the vyd for the worst. Green harvest in two phases – July and Aug eg. Objective in 2002 was to avoid green aromas, especially pyrazine. Oct 5 picking. Particularly deep crimson. Very rich rewarding, quite evolved nose. Excellent balance and very appetising, sappy palate already. Perhaps not a blockbuster but very refreshing without excessive acidity. I liked this more than its reputation would suggest. (JR)
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
While 2002 was a lesser vintage, you would never know it from tasting the 2002 Alion. Saturated purple in color, it offers up an exotic nose of coconut, espresso, herbs, black currants and cherries. Rich and complex on the palate with lots of glycerin and layers of black fruit flavors, it has a pure, long finish that goes on and on. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com
Ruby-red. Ripe, toasty and high-toned, with notes of dark berries, cherry liqueur, succulent herbs, coffee and dark chocolate. Round and quite ripe, with expressive cherry flavor accented by mocha and cured tobacco. Broad and deep on the finish, with solid structure and a warm note of blackberry liqueur.
Full, concentrated, familiar thanks to its French oaking. This wine seems very 'international' after the Valbuenas, perhaps lacking a little spark. Full, ample, rich and smooth. Lots of oak influence on the finish. So velvety it's almost furry. Could do with just a little more life. (JR)
About the producer
Vega Sicilia is undoubtably Spain’s most famous winery; a true icon in fine wine with a history dating back to 1864.