2009 Alion

Alión has a different philosophy than Vega Sicilia. The style resembles that of a modern made grand cru from Bordeaux but from Tinto Fino: concentrated, but with a certain elegance, a dense flavor structure, unctuous fruit tannins and packs of fruit, fleshiness and great length. Quality is of paramount importance and we go a long way in this. The Alion is a fantastic expression of Ribera del Duero top class. It has an amazing bouquet of black plum, violet and tobacco floating from the glass with such delineation that the Alion is the absolute flagship (and example) for many of its peers in the Ribera. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, silky tannins. World class and just a very grand glass. A wine that blooms open in the glass. In 1994 Aliòn released his first volume. The bodega was acquired two years earlier. In the meantime, the cellars have been adapted several times, the last time before the 2000 harvest. At that time, the stainless steel fermentation tanks were replaced by oak vats and a new, air-conditioned barrique cellar was put into use. In the summer of 2011, Vega Sicilia Alion installed a completely new bottling line and we have received a limited number of cases of this iconic 2011 vintage, so it is a great way to taste the beautiful aging potential of this great wine and vintage. 94/100 Parker FACT-Initially the intention was to market the Alion as the 2nd wine of Vega Siclia but soon Alion had earned its own place and many are not even aware that Vega Sicilia produces this great wine. Alion has been the top of the Ribera for decades and is a fraction of the price of a Vega Sicilia, but certainly not a fraction in terms of quality