Vega Sicilia, Valbuena 5º 2021

Wine Type: Red

Grape(s): 96% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 4% Merlot

Country: Spain

Region: Ribera del Duero

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 14%

Winemaking: Valbuena 5º 2021 is shaped through a five year ageing regime that progresses from oak barrels to large wooden vats, into stainless steel and then finally aging in bottle. This sequence is designed to develop structure and balance, allowing the wine to evolve gradually and with precision. The final wine shows the composure and harmony expected of an outstanding year, carrying the depth and focus that signal strong potential for long development.

The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as one of Ribera del Duero’s strongest in recent years. A long, cooler growing cycle encouraged slow, even ripening, producing wines noted for their precision. Independent assessments place 2021 among the standout vintages of the decade, and Valbuena 2021 reflects this quality, highlighted by the winery as “a wine we will never forget”.

The 2021 growing season began with a mild autumn and early winter. Storm Filomena brought snow and very low temperatures in January. Spring brought timely rainfall, leading to optimal timing for budbreak in early April. A cool summer encouraged steady ripening and September remained dry. Harvest took place from 30th September to 10th October.

Tasting Notes: Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate, January 2026 - 95 points - "This is the youngest expression of the "Vega" nose, subtler and elegant, more insinuating, less developed and keeping some primary notes, not as tertiary as the Únicos. It comes in at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.85 and 4.65 grams of acidity, and it has a medium- to full-bodied palate, with elegant tannins and very good balance. This is one of the finest recent vintages for Valbuena, and in a way, it reminded me of the 2010, with elegance and precision. A total of 176,876 bottles, 5,566 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2024. Drink 2027-2039."