Valbuena 5º is the purest expression of red wine at Vega Sicilia. It is aged between barrel and bottle over five years, giving rise to the wine's name: Valbuena 5º.
A fresher, Atlantic-influenced, somewhat more productive vintage. We had to be stricter during selection, but these vintages provided a touch of zing and verticality to the wines, which is wonderful.
We were able to squeeze extraction somewhat more for the 2018, and we increased the influence of wood during the first year of ageing, particularly our American oak (5 %). During the second year of ageing, the vat worked on this complexity of nuances and particularly the elegance of the texture.
Valbuena 5º 2018 is a vertical, zingy, crystalline expression, full of nuances, with a seductive and unctuous texture.
R. PARKER WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS
GUIA PENIN 96 POINTS
REVISTA ADEGA 95 POINTS
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS
Maturation: The previous cycle ended with lower than average minimum temperatures and widespread frosts from early November. Winter temperatures were lower than normal, but they were above average in early April, leading to suitable budbreak in the second fortnight of the month. Summer temperatures were normal for the time of year, and combined with the abundant water reserves in the soil and good luminosity, the vineyard developed excellently, with a faster vine cycle. Stormy periods with abundant precipitation during early September led to a delay in harvesting. Bottled 2021