Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2012

Five years across French and American oak has shaped this into something generous and layered, black cherry, dark raspberry, vanilla and coconut up front, with cured tobacco and cedar weaving through a subtle floral lift. Full-bodied and richly built, the sweet fruit core is kept honest by juicy, lively acidity. Open it up and a spicy current threads through to a long finish, with fine, giving tannins and a trailing note of cherry and toasted wood. Still tightly-knit at its heart. Hold through at least 2025–2027 before serious drinking begins.