1968 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Único
Community Tasting Note
jshufelt wrote:
Saturday, August 11, 2018 - Celebrating my 50th birthday (again): Here, no question the Durand was going to be needed. Capsule removal revealed a moldy cork, but not a complete mold cap, which would have made me happier. As the cork came out, the first whiff was not reassuring - totally oxidized. A quick sip didn't help; my first impression was of over-the-hill sherry. A couple of hours later, I was surprised to find that the aromatics on this bottle were indistinguishable from the first, although the palate hadn't improved much - still tired, flat, and with a vinegary tang. Made the call not to serve this, and instead left it in the cellar overnight. We'll see if anything good happens overnight, but I can't say I'm optimistic...
24 hours later: to my surprise, this seems to have returned to life, if only partially. The tang is nearly gone, and some fruit is now emerging, if muted, and the cedar note is a bit more present, all of which makes this drinkable, if not great. At this point, it's an educational experience, so let's go for another day....
48 hours later: dead. So it goes.
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3 comments have been posted
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (2,975 views)
Comment posted by the player:
8/25/2018 7:52:00 AM - Just wanted to say that my experience with this wine was totally different than yours so it could well be that the bottle you had was not well preserved.
In my book this is one of the best wines I have had and it certainly took more than 3 hours to open up in the decanter. At first it was underwhelming, a sort of mature burgundy but after 3 hours the wine was completely transformed into an elegant full bodied and very complex and aromatic wine.
I have a second bottle left so will try in the next few months and write a note.
If you are lucky to be able to source another bottle, I urge you to try this wine again.
Comment posted by jshufelt:
8/25/2018 10:57:00 AM - Very possible. As the saying goes - no great wines, only great bottles. I'll give it another go in the future...
Comment posted by the player:
8/25/2018 12:16:00 PM - Sincerely hope you do find a pristine bottle. Worth the quest.