Vega Sicilia, Spain’s “first growth” and most prestigious wine estate, is located in Ribera del Duero. It was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who arrived from Bordeaux with cuttings of local grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec) and planted them, together with Spain’s signature grape Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo) in the arid Ribera soils.

The winery begun building its formidable reputation after 1903 under the ownership of Antonio Herrero, winning a number of awards at home and overseas. The estate changed hands several more times before its acquisition by the current owners, the Álvarez family, in 1982.

The estate’s success is founded on its meticulous approach. In the vineyard it applies low yields, aided by green harvesting and painstaking selection at harvest. In the winery, wines are aged in any number of receptacles – using French and American, new and old oak, small barrels or huge vats – to engender further complexity. Despite prolonged barrel ageing, the fruit is never dried out or overly oaky – compelling evidence of the superb quality of its raw materials.

Valbuena represents the purest expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) at Vega Sicilia. Tinto Fino is the dominant grape in the blend that forms this magnificent wine. Merlot is also included, with its proportion varying depending on the vintage.

The Valbuena Tempranillo is sourced from plots situated on gentle concave slopes that descend from barren areas. These soils consist of material eroded and accumulated as colluvium on the lower slopes, resulting in a high-profile soil with significant development, including the formation of a deep calcic horizon.

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2018:

The 2018 vintage was fresher and more Atlantic-influenced, with a somewhat higher yield. The winemakers had to be more selective during the harvest, but these conditions imparted a delightful zing and verticality to the wines. For this vintage, they were able to push extraction a bit more and increased the influence of oak during the first year of ageing, particularly with 5% American oak. In the second year, the vats enhanced the complexity of nuances and, most notably, the elegance of the texture.

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2018 awards:

James Suckling – 96/100

Robert Parker – 96/100

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2020:

Two defining events shaped 2020 — a year unlike any other. The pandemic demanded swift adaptation and new safety measures, but it also deepened team unity. Meanwhile, unexpected rainfall ahead of harvest altered early expectations. Careful vineyard work and constant tasting were crucial to monitor ripeness and concentration after dilution.

Valbuena 5º 2020 emerges from this challenging year as a wine of elegance and finesse. Ethereal and subtle, yet layered and profound — a true expression of grace and complexity.

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2020 awards:

James Suckling – 99/100

Wine Advocate – 95/100

Food pairing suggestion: Venison steaks with stroganoff sauce.