1999 Valbuena No 5
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Tasting notes
Medium ruby. Shy nose opened with aeration to show raspberry, coffee, minerals, tobacco, truffle and smoke. Rather suave in texture, with good sappy depth of flavor, but not yet expressive or sweet in the mouth. Best today on the expanding back end, which features a strong minerally flavor and firm, chewy, youthfully tough tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A strong effort for Valbuena, the tight but elegant 1999 reveals crisp underlying acidity as well as firm tannin, medium body, and pure black currant fruit, kirsch, new saddle leather, and sweet vanilla notes. Patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Importer: a Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897
Mid-crimson with some evolution. Gamey, subtle, slightly earthy notes on the nose. Then a sweet animal spread of flavours. A more traditional structure than most of these wines, ie, it's not all upfront, but gently insinuates itself and leaves the palate very refreshed. (JR)
20% Merlot and Malbec (did Chatonnet of Pomerol urge this higher proportion of Merlot?!). This wine immediately stood out as having a much riper, almost overripe nose with a hint of curry powder. Very, very round and rich in a Pomerol sort of way. Quite different from the 1997 and 1998. Very smooth and satin-textured. There are tannins on the finish but they are very ripe tannins. Very lively. (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.