Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2010

Dark ruby, almost opaque, with immediate authority. Black cherry preserve, incense, and dried violet on the nose, anchored by a deep mineral thread that gives the whole thing backbone. Bitter cherry and black raspberry at the core, with vanilla woven through, everything opens up with air but stays focused, nothing sprawling. The finish is long and sweet, the tannins plush and finely integrated, cradling sappy dark fruit and a trace of candied lavender without any grip. Eighteen months in equal parts new American and French oak, both fully absorbed. One of the finest Valbuenas I've encountered at this stage, and attaching a drinking window feels beside the point. This wine will simply outlast most of us.