Vega Sicilia Alion 2014

100% Tinto Fino (another name for Tempranillo as used in D.O. Ribera del Duero).

The Vega Sicilia Alion 2014 is intense, complex, full-bodied, where elegance plays a differentiating role being the winery's sign of identity. Its modern, genuine and multicultural character makes it easy to pair.

"2014 is a better vintage in Ribera del Duero than in Rioja, and the 2014 Alión shows it. Sourced from 130 hectares of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Ribera del Duero and possibly the most modern of the Vega Sicilia Group wines, it's silky, voluptuous, jammy, ripe and generous without being too much. The grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, and the wine matured in new and second use French barriques for 12 to 14 months. It's quite ripe and powerful yet balanced and with great freshness. The palate is medium to full-bodied with lots of fruit, juicy and showy, modern without excess. 284,284 bottles along with 6,500 magnums and some larger formats were produced. You might want to give it some more time in bottle. It was bottled in June 2016." - RP, 94 pts

"This wine's jammy black plum and berry aromas contain an oaky whiff of milk chocolate. It's saturated and plump, with blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors. Chocolate and licorice notes show on the woody finish. Drink through 2030." - Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts

"This firm red shows an austere character, with tar and smoky notes framing black tea, licorice and loamy earth flavors. The structure is solid and balanced, and currant and floral depths emerge on the finish. Old-school. Best from 2019 through 2029." - Wine Spectator, 91 pts