Vega Sicilia Alión 2022 Ribera del Duero

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
95 punten
The Alión vintage released in 2026 is the 2022 Alión, a year they consider a challenge, a warm and dry year when ripeness didn't follow the usual pattern: late vineyards ripened earlier and early vineyards took longer this year. Their obsession was to keep the freshness in the wine, and they did a softer vinification and a more careful use of oak, using larger volumes and other materials like concrete to tame a powerful and solar vintage. The nose is serious and even has some austerity. The wine is obviously juicier and rounder, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.89 and 4.58 grams of acidity, but has very good overall balance. The tannins are round, polished and slightly dustier than other vintages, the wine has a tender mouthfeel. A total of 270,870 bottles, 7,040 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2024.

James Suckling
93 punten
A structured and chewy wine from this challenging hot, dry year. On the nose it is profound and floral at the same time, with graphite, blackberries and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and tightly wound. Give it two or three more years. Drink from 2027.

Jancis Robinson
17/20 punten
The 2022 Alión is a powerful, rich expression, driven by dense black fruit and a distinctly warm-vintage profile. There is a touch of sweet fruit character to the mid palate, and the alcohol feels slightly higher than usual, though balanced by plush, juicy tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Notes of prune and dark plum lend an opulent, almost Cabernet-like character that will appeal to lovers of richer, more explosive styles. One of the most exuberant and fruit-forward Alión vintages in recent memory.