2006 Bodegas Alión (Vega Sicilia) Ribera del Duero

SKU #1065524 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2006 Alion, aged in 100% new French oak, is a saturated purple color with a fetching bouquet of sandalwood, smoke, Asian spices, incense, and black cherry confiture. In the mouth it has outstanding volume, kinky spice notes, savory black fruits, and enough fine-grained tannin to evolve for another 5-7 years. Its drinking window will extend from 2015 to 2031. Bodegas Alion was founded in 1991 by Vega Sicilia. Grapes are sourced from vineyards next to the winery and from Vega Sicilia’s own vineyards at Valbuena, a total of approximately 40 acres of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) vines. (JM) (6/2010)

93 points Wine Enthusiast

A lovely, modern-styled wine with clean, pure elegance on the nose, palate and finish. It opens with a blast of toast, and then unfolds with fresh black fruit flavors, smooth but lively tannins, and nice touches of heft, drive and simplicity. As good as Alion is, it's not a complicated or overly complex wine. *Editors' Choice* (MS) (10/2010)

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep red. Intensely perfumed, mineral-driven scents of redcurrant, raspberry, spicecake and dried rose, with a smoky overlay. Juicy and precise, offering lively red fruit flavors and a suave floral pastille quality with aeration. Weightier on the finish, where the floral note lingers with authority and persistent spiciness. (JR) (9/2010)

K&L Notes

Among a most distinguished and iconic range of wines from Vega Sicilia, it is the Alión that is arguably the best value of the bunch. Intense, spicy, a bit woodsy dark cherry and berry aromas lead to a fruity, yet structured and mineral wine. Firm tannins provide a sense of balance. The finish is persistent. Alión reminds me of good, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape in that it is ripe, to be sure, but also nicely balanced and capable of extended bottle ageing. Quite well done this vintage.