2001 Vega Sicilia, Alion, Ribera del Duero, Bottle (750ml)

RP95 The finest Alion I have tasted from this project owned by the proprietors of Vega Sicilia, the 2001 is a sensational effort. Moreover, while it’s not inexpensive, 25,000 cases are produced. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious, smoky nose of espresso, dried herbs, roasted meats, sweet black currants, new saddle leather, plums, and cherries. This provocative, rich, complex, full-bodied Ribera del Duero possesses wonderful glycerin, fabulous purity, and a long finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. It is an opulent, voluptuously-styled wine with great stature. Drink it over the next decade.

VM95 Musky aromas of currant, roasted herbs, Cuban tobacco, black olive and black pepper. Lush and supple but firmly built, with wonderfully velvety, multilayered flavors of outstanding depth. This combines the solid structure of a top Bordeaux with the sheer sweetness of fruit possible in Spain. As rich as this is, there's no impression of excess weight. The finish features very fine-grained tannins and outstanding palate-saturating persistence. Clearly the finest vintage to date for this wine.