BODEGAS Y VINEDOS VEGA SICILIA Tinto Valbuena 5 - Ribera del Duero 2021 Case x 1 Double Magnum (300cl) - PRE-RELEASE (BW)

Description

96% Tinto Fino, 4% Merlot, 14%abv

A poised expression of Vega Sicilia’s meticulous viticulture from an excellent vintage.

Valbuena 5º 2021 is shaped through a five year ageing regime that progresses from oak barrels to large wooden vats, into stainless steel and then finally aging in bottle. This sequence is designed to develop structure and balance, allowing the wine to evolve gradually and with precision. The final wine shows the composure and harmony expected of an outstanding year, carrying the depth and focus that signal strong potential for long development.

The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as one of Ribera del Duero’s strongest in recent years. A long, cooler growing cycle encouraged slow, even ripening, producing wines noted for their precision. Independent assessments place 2021 among the standout vintages of the decade, and Valbuena 2021 reflects this quality, highlighted by the winery as “a wine we will never forget”.

The Vintage
The 2021 growing season began with a mild autumn and early winter. Storm Filomena brought snow and very low temperatures in January. Spring brought timely rainfall, leading to optimal timing for budbreak in early April. A cool summer encouraged steady ripening and September remained dry. Harvest took place from 30th September to 10th October.

Jancis Robinson 18.5/20
This Valbuena is, for me, a particularly special edition. The texture is silky, almost haute couture, with delicately pitched black fruit, graphite ink notes and impeccably integrated oak. Cedar, black cherry and a faint mineral line shape the aromas, while the palate shows seductive perfume, refined structure and a tannin profile that is both silky and full of promise. Tertiary elements are barely emerging – just a whisper of elegant leather – suggesting a long and graceful evolution ahead. An impressive Valbuena, and one of my favourites in the entire 2026 Vega Sicilia release. (FC)
Drink: 2026-2050

Tim Atkin 96/100
It's not a surprise that the 2021 Valbuena is so distinguished, given the quality of the 2021 vintage in Ribera del Duero. Blending Tempranillo and 4% Merlot from the extensive Vega Sicilia estate, this is a younger-vine cuvée from ten to 20-year-old parcels. Curated in 75% new French and 25% American oak, followed by extra time in foudres, it has the structure, focus and intensity of an outstanding year, with subtle aromas of toast, vanilla and graphite, layers of liquorice, plum and blackberry and succulent, fine-grained tannins. Deceptively approachable, this is a wine to cellar and savour. 2029-40

-----

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