Tempos Vega Sicilia Alion 2012

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  2012 has to be one of the best recent vintages of Alion. This 2012 Alion is pure Tempranillo from vineyards averaging 25 to 30 years of age, harvested at the end of September and matured for 14 months in new French oak barrels. The nose is much more elegant than the Pintia from Toro (I tasted them together), still very fresh and primary but with a special brightness of fruit, shiny cherries, raspberries, something effervescent, open and somehow exuberant. The palate is quite round, much more polished, with some notes of dark chocolate, some subtle volatility, elegant, fresh and long. It has the balance and stuffing to develop nicely in bottle. Superb balance, Ribera character, clean, modern classic. 280,000 bottles were produced.
• 93 Wine Enthusiast
  Pointy, pinched black-fruit aromas come with complex notes of graphite, tobacco, tree bark and horse hide. A young, fierce palate is tannic like sandpaper, while roasted blackberry flavors are backed by savory spice notes and wood grain. Big, lusty flavors of coffee, mocha and toast unfold on the finish, which is everlasting. Drink 2018–2028.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Cherry, raspberry and kirsch flavors show a ripe character in this bright red, backed by citrusy acidity and light, firm tannins. Well-balanced, fresh and lively. Drink now through 2018. 570 cases imported.