17.5/20 2010 Vintage Jancis Robinson When to drink: 2018 to 2030 First vintage in the new winery. Starting to show a touch of evolved earthiness and meat on the palate. Rich and silky in texture, and there’s plenty of alcohol but it balances well. Fine, lengthy finish. Lots of oak here, but enough black fruit too. Just entering its first phase of maturity. (RH) Richard Hemming MW Tasted: 18-Apr-2018
Valbuena, is the purest expression of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Vega Sicilia. Tinto Fino is clearly the predominant wine in the assemblage of the varieties that make up this magnificent wine. The other variety used is Merlot, which is added to a greater or lesser extent depending on the vintage.
Valbuena provides us with a direct and understandable view of the greatness of this "terroir" with the direct influence of each vintage. Its production remains unchanged meaning that it is each year's weather factors that mark the differences between the different harvests.
After fermentation, it is aged for five years, between wood and in the bottle, which is why it is called Valbuena 5º. French and American wood, new and used 225-litre barrels, 20,000 litre vats, a long and complex process for a great wine.