2018 Vega Sicilia, Valbuena 5º Año - Ribera del Duero Reserva - 1 Flasche (0,75 l)

96/100 Point Robert Parker

CUSTOM FEES WILL BE APPLY

Valbuena 5o is the purest expression of red wine in Vega Sicilia, aged for five years between wood and bottle, which gives the wine its name: Valbuena 5o.
Fresher, Atlantic cut vintage, somewhat more productive. We had to be a little more severe at the selection table, but these vintages bring a touch of joy and verticality to the wines, which is wonderful. In 2018 we were able to push the extraction a little more and during the first year of aging we gave it a little more wood weight, especially from our American oak (5%). The second year of aging, the winery worked on that complexity of nuances and above all the elegance in the texture.
Valbuena 5o 2018 is a vertical, cheerful, crystalline expression, full of nuances, seductive and unctuous in texture.
DATA
Alcoholic strength - 14.5%
Variety - 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Merlot
Average vineyard age - 33 years
Vineyard area - 210 ha (Finca Vega Sicilia) Planting framework - 2,222 plants/ha
Altitude - 700 - 900 m
Yield - 3,100 kg/ha – 21.7 Hl/ha
Harvest - Manual in 12 kg boxes from October 1 to 13
VINEYARD CYCLE 2018
The end of the previous cycle closed with minimum temperatures below normal and widespread frosts since the beginning of November. Winter temperatures were lower than normal, however, at the beginning of April the temperatures exceeded the usual average, allowing proper sprouting in the second half of the month.
During the summer, temperatures were the usual ones for this time of year, accompanied by abundant water reserves in the soil and good luminosity, which allowed excellent development of the vineyard and acceleration of the vineyard cycle.
During the first days of September there were stormy episodes with abundant rainfall causing delays in the harvest.
CONSERVATION AND PREFERRED CONSUMPTION
This wine is currently suitable for drinking, but has a cellaring potential of 25 years if kept in optimal conditions: 12-14 oC / 54-57 oF and 60% relative humidity.
It is recommended to consume at 18 oC / 64 oF.