2003 Valbuena No 5
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Tasting notes
Garnet shade in the glass and what an impressive nose – meat, bacon fat, black fruit, oriental spice, very seductive and moreish. Pronounced and spectacular quality of flavour on the palate, with sublime balance – this is seriously good – lots of potential, a powerful cassis focus throughout, and super-lengthy finish. Very very good, will evolve magnificently. (RH)
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Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of smoky cherry and cured meat, complemented by vanillin oak, baking spices and dried rose. Chewy red berry and cherry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins and given lift by a jolt of tangy minerality. Picks up bitter cherry skin and pit on the long, refreshingly juicy finish. No way I'd have guessed this to have come from a hot vintage.
The 2003 Valbuena is purple-colored and super-fragrant with aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a powerful, concentrated wine with an opulent palate-feel, layers of flavor, and beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, no mean feat in the torrid 2003 vintage. Supple, sweet, and long, this superb effort will evolve for another 4-6 years and drink well through 2025. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com
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.