Bodegas Alion Ribera del Duero 2004
Bodegas Alion
Alión is a solid wine, and is the height of expression of the tinto fino grape ripened in the sun and intelligently made into wine. Its colour is concentrated, dark with a luminous and seductive edge, typical of its youth and seasoned by the wood. The aroma is unveiled with an intensity that is not very frequent in the wines form the Ribera del Duero designation of origin. It appears with hints of roast from the grape and top-quality wood. On the palate, the sweetened tannins of the concentrated black fruits blend with the dry creamy tannins of the French oak. It is full of flavour, strong, fleshy and unfolds a truly suggestive range of tastes.
Wine Advocate
Bodegas Alion was started by the renowned estate of Vega Sicilia in 1991. Grapes are sourced from vineyards next to the winery and from Vega Sicilia’s own vineyards at Valbuena. Eighteen hectares of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) form the actual Alion estate. The 2004 Alion is inky purple-colored with an alluring perfume of toasty oak, lavender, violets, mineral, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a full-bodied, rich, opulent, wine with incipient complexity, and notes of licorice, mocha, and espresso emerging on the palate. The lengthy finish is pure and persistent. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025.
Score: 96.
—Jay Miller,
February
2008.
Wine Enthusiast
Big and modern is the path that Alion (owned by Vega Sicilia) follows. This vintage is excellent, the best since 2001. It offers sweet, ripe black fruit with solid but balanced tannins. Chocolate and leather give the finish sweetness and style, while the overall take is that this is a forceful but sexy wine. Best in a couple of years through 2014.
Score: 92.
—Michael Schachner,
November
15,
2008.
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