Vega Sicilia Valbuena 2013

Dark cherry, cassis, violet and pipe tobacco on the nose, with vanilla and smoky mineral depth emerging with air. Precise and focused on the palate, dark berry and floral pastille up front, spice-cake richness in the mid-palate, then finer red fruits carrying through to a long, floral-spiced finish. The structure is poised rather than imposing: fine-grained tannins, well-focused acidity, and seamless integration throughout. A complete, polished Valbuena, and worth noting that no Unico was produced in 2013, making this the estate's standard-bearer from the vintage. Drink now through 2035.