ALION Tempos Vega Sicilia - Ribera del Duero 2022 Case x 6 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE (BW)

Description

100% Tinto Fino, 14.5%abv

A powerful vintage of Alión, beautifully tamed and transformed into a wine of balance and precision.

Alión holds a distinct place within the Vega Sicilia family, representing a modern, uncompromising expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) since its inaugural 1991 vintage. This wine embodies the diversity of Ribera del Duero, a mosaic of personalities harvested from select vineyards stretching from the eastern border in Soria to the western end at the Vega Sicilia estate. As noted by Tim Atkin MW, while in Ribera del Duero there is a trend towards village and parcel-specific wines, some of the best Ribera del Dueros are blends across regions. Alión is very much a pan-Ribera red, sourced predominantly from Moradillo, with other vital components from Padilla, Pesquera, Peñaranda, Villálvaro, and the Vega Sicilia estate itself.

Alión 2022 underwent a carefully controlled maturation process designed to tame a vintage marked by natural power and sunshine. The winery noted that the obsession was to “capture freshness…taking a cautious approach with oak”. Winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga used only 70% new oak (down from typical levels) because of the concentration of the vintage. The ageing lasted for 12 months across a combination of vessels, strategically relying on larger formats such as foudres and incorporating concrete to modulate the oak influence and enhance the structure. Following this, the wine rested for a further 18 months in bottle before release.

The result is an Alión 2022 that is appealingly refined and floral. Tim Atkin describes a wine full of “subtle aromatic spices, bramble and summer berry flavours and a focused finish.” The palate is generous yet perfectly poised, defined by its fine-grained tannins and a bright, focused acidity that provides lift and length to the dark fruit core.

The Vintage
One of the warmest, driest seasons in recent years. Spring was warm and frost free. Summer brought several heatwaves requiring careful canopy management. Cooler nights in late August balanced ripening. Harvest began in early September.

Tim Atkin 94/100
Alíon is very much a pan-Ribera red, based on grapes from Moradillo, with other components from Padilla, Pesquera, Peñaranda, Villálvaro and the Vega Sicilia estate. Gonzalo Iturriaga used only 70% new wood in 2022 because of the concentration of the vintage, producing a Tempranillo that's appealingly refined and floral, all subtle aromatic spices, bramble and summer berry flavours and a focused finish. 2027-33

Jancis Robinson 17/20
The 2022 Alión is a powerful, rich expression, driven by dense black fruit and a distinctly warm-vintage profile. There is a touch of sweet fruit character to the mid palate, and the alcohol feels slightly higher than usual, though balanced by plush, juicy tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Notes of prune and dark plum lend an opulent, almost Cabernet-like character that will appeal to lovers of richer, more explosive styles. One of the most exuberant and fruit-forward Alión vintages in recent memory. (FC)
Drink: 2026-2040

AVAILABLE IN MAGNUM (150cl) & DOUBLE MAGNUM (300cl)

-----

Terms and Conditions
Offer - Subject to availability
Delivery - 2026/27
Prices - Include Freight, Duty & GST
Storage - On arrival into Jersey Free Storage until 30th April 2027
Payment - Goods will be invoiced on receipt of order. Payment as per our normal T&Cs.
Disclaimer - Prices of wine and spirits can go up or down. We are not liable for any losses incurred should any wine decrease in value from date of purchase.
E&OE - Errors & Omissions Excepted