Disgorged December 17 2012. Highly aromatic nose with complex yeast and brioche, minerality, lime; palate is completely dry, very complex minerality; long finish. This is a champagne that is very clean, bright, and complex. 92
Medium ruby color with minimal bricking, less than expected for its age; nose is moderately aromatic with deep rustic black fruit, some sweet American oak/vanilla, some spice (another note says Christmas spice, which is accurate); palate is medium bodied, medium 14% alcohol, very smooth, fully integrated tannins, tart medium-plus acidity, red fruits; medium finish. My first experience with Vega Sicilia. Initially on tasting the tart acid on the palate was jarring, but it integrated a lot over even the first hour, though at this point is still a better pairing wine with food than a sipper on its own. 91 2 hours of air: much more aromatic with significantly more Christmas spice, deep dark fruit, cedar; palate is medium bodied, has fleshed out a bunch since it was first opened with plenty of red fruit, still medium-plus to high acid but now in balance, medium integrated tannin; medium finish. This has integrated and grown substantially and seems well put together and in an interesting style with freshness and acidity that a Burgphile would love. Very nice, though the price is a challenge even given the quality (Other wines like Lopez de Heredia's top wines are <$100 and even more interesting). This wine can be enjoyed now but has years ahead of it. 93-94.
NV Jacques Selosse V.O. Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 92 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Disgorged December 17 2012. Highly aromatic nose with complex yeast and brioche, minerality, lime; palate is completely dry, very complex minerality; long finish. This is a champagne that is very clean, bright, and complex. 92
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1998 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 93 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
Medium ruby color with minimal bricking, less than expected for its age; nose is moderately aromatic with deep rustic black fruit, some sweet American oak/vanilla, some spice (another note says Christmas spice, which is accurate); palate is medium bodied, medium 14% alcohol, very smooth, fully integrated tannins, tart medium-plus acidity, red fruits; medium finish. My first experience with Vega Sicilia. Initially on tasting the tart acid on the palate was jarring, but it integrated a lot over even the first hour, though at this point is still a better pairing wine with food than a sipper on its own. 91
2 hours of air: much more aromatic with significantly more Christmas spice, deep dark fruit, cedar; palate is medium bodied, has fleshed out a bunch since it was first opened with plenty of red fruit, still medium-plus to high acid but now in balance, medium integrated tannin; medium finish. This has integrated and grown substantially and seems well put together and in an interesting style with freshness and acidity that a Burgphile would love. Very nice, though the price is a challenge even given the quality (Other wines like Lopez de Heredia's top wines are <$100 and even more interesting). This wine can be enjoyed now but has years ahead of it. 93-94.
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