2009 Valbuena No 5
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Tasting notes
2009 was a warm and dry year, but the 2009 Único from magnum showed very well. It was released 10 years after the vintage, after the previous years were not released in chronological order. This felt young and energetic, still a little closed but powerful and balanced. As with the 2011, it's "only" 14% alcohol. 3,390 magnums were filled in June 2015. Artwork by Lita Cabellut.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A ripe and gorgeously plush wine, full-bodied with velvety tannins. Powerful dense ripe plum fruit and spice. Vanilla and cocoa, too. Creamy and so drinkable. Drink or hold.
I found the fruit slightly fading here and a slightly disconcerting dustiness on the finish. The 2016 was definitely my favourite of the trio (2018, 2016 and 2009) served at the dinner before the Vega Sicilia extravaganza . (JR)
No, the 2009 Valbuena is not a current release, but I had a bottle blind at a tasting and most people, including myself, guessed it was a Grand Cru Burgundy, so aromatic, floral, expressive and elegant it was. We couldn't believe it when the wine was revealed. Later, a bottle of the 2010 was opened, and it confirmed it as the best Valbuena of recent times, with a rare combination of elegance and power, combining characters of fine Burgundy and elegant Syrah from the Northern Rhône.
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.