Vega Sicilia
Valbuena 5° 2010
Italy & Spain
About the SessionThe Italian offering is led by the great Super Tuscans of Bolgheri and Chianti Classico, along with Brunello di Montalcino making a strong line-up. We are equally delighted to present some of Spain’s finest and most traditional houses from the renowned regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, creating a compelling collection of distinguished Italian and Spanish wines.
LOT 62
Vega Sicilia
Valbuena 5° 2010
About this Item
Vega Sicilia, in Ribera del Duero, is Spain's most iconic estate. Valbuena 5° is released in its fifth year, a Tempranillo-based red that would be a flagship anywhere else but stands in the shadow of the legendary Único. 2010 is regarded as possibly the greatest Valbuena ever made. Luis Gutiérrez from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a rating of 96, Josh Raynolds from Vinous gave it 95, and Samantha Cole-Johnson gave it 18 out of 20.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
"This Valbuena has almost 100 components in it, smaller lots, all of them corresponding to a plot of vines. It has all the signs of being one of the best vintages ever for this second wine from Vega Sicilia. 2010 seems to have the exuberance of the 2011 and the seriousness and elegance of 2009. This wine has gained in precision and sharpness, and is very pure with delineated aromas and flavors. It is a world-class wine, possibly the best Valbuena ever." - Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Aug 2014)
"Opaque ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched red and dark berry preserve, incense and floral pastille scents are enlivened by an intense mineral quality. Concentrated yet strikingly vibrant and focused on the palate, showing bitter cherry, black raspberry and vanilla flavors that spread out with air while maintaining urgency. An extremely long, sweet, penetrating finish features velvety, harmonious tannins. I can't recall a better version of this bottling at this stage of its development." - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 95/100 (Oct 2015)
"Deep garnet. Has started to evolve a smoky cape that wraps rich dark fruit. Fine cedar oak aromas and silky tannin. While this is gorgeous now, it has so much verve it could easily go for another decade. Toasty, dark, chocolatey. Slight creaminess and lactic note to the finish." - Samantha Cole-Johnson, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Apr 2025)
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