Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 2020

Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 2020 is the purest expression of red wine from Spain’s most iconic estate, Tempos Vega Sicilia. Aged for a total of five years from barrel to bottle, this cuvée balances power, precision and elegance in a way that only Vega Sicilia seems to master. The 2020 vintage captures the character of Ribera del Duero in a poised, contemporary style, while honoring the estate’s long-standing traditions.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Valbuena 5° 2020 shows a deep, intense ruby color with violet highlights that signal its youth and energy. The nose is layered and refined: ripe blackberries, dark cherries and damson plum are interwoven with notes of graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, sweet spices and a touch of cocoa from its time in French and American oak. Subtle hints of dried herbs and mineral tones add extra complexity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet remarkably poised, with a velvety texture and finely etched tannins. Dark fruit flavors are joined by licorice, espresso, and a delicate smokiness, framed by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and long on the finish. The structure is built for aging, and while already approachable with proper aeration, Valbuena 5° 2020 will gain further nuance and harmony over the next 10–20 years, rewarding those who cellar it.

Production
Valbuena 5° 2020 is crafted from Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) with a supporting component of Merlot, sourced from Vega Sicilia’s estate vineyards in Ribera del Duero, Castile and León. These high-altitude vineyards sit on a complex mosaic of limestone, clay and alluvial soils, providing excellent drainage and a wide day–night temperature range that preserves acidity and aromatic intensity. Grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the wine undergoes a long, meticulous vinification, followed by an extended aging regime of around five years in a combination of 225-liter French and American oak barrels—both new and used—as well as larger 8,500-liter wooden vats. This layered maturation process polishes the tannins, builds aromatic depth, and defines the unmistakable Valbuena style.

Food & Serving
Valbuena 5° 2020 is a superb partner for richly flavored dishes such as roasted or grilled lamb, dry-aged beef, Iberico pork, game birds, and slow-braised dishes like oxtail or short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with mature hard cheeses and earthy preparations featuring mushrooms or truffle. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is highly recommended in its youth to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its layered aromatics and refined texture.

Producer
Tempos Vega Sicilia is Spain’s most revered and influential wine estate, a benchmark producer in Ribera del Duero and a symbol of Spanish fine wine worldwide. Founded in the 19th century, Vega Sicilia helped define the potential of Tempranillo at altitude long before the region achieved fame, combining meticulous vineyard work with extended oak aging to create wines of remarkable longevity and elegance. Today, under the Tempos Vega Sicilia umbrella, the estate continues to innovate while preserving its heritage, consistently producing some of the country’s most sought-after wines and playing a central role in establishing Ribera del Duero as one of the world’s great red wine regions.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.