Ratings
JS 98 · V 98 · JR 19/20 · WS 96
Identity
| Producer | Vega Sicilia |
| Year | 2015 |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Classification | Gran Reserva |
| Grapes | 96% Tempranillo, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Color | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | Deep ruby red |
| Aroma | Dark cherries, spice, cigar box, balsamic notes, forest floor, delicate herbs such as rosemary and thyme, vanilla, maraschino cherry, dried fruit |
| Palate | Medium to full-bodied palate with abundant fine-grained tannins, good balance, ripe and concentrated, with power, elegance, and silkiness |
| Finish | Long, elegant finish with rustic Ribera del Duero character and persistent spice and fruit notes |
| Food Pairing | Roast lamb, game meats, aged cheeses, grilled beef, mushroom risotto |
| Serving Temp | 16-18°C |
| Aging Potential | 20-30 years |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Astringency (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
LOWER THAN AVERAGE
Enology
| ABV % | 14.5 |
| Aging Process | Aged for 5 years total: approximately 1.5 years in 225-liter French oak barrels followed by about 3.5 years in large 20,000-liter oak vats |
| Fermentation | Fermentation details not explicitly stated; traditional methods with controlled ripeness and freshness |
Terroir
| Altitude (m) | 720-930 |
| Soil | Limestone marl soil |
| Vine Age | 35 |
| Harvest Type | manual |
| Harvest Desc | Grapes harvested al dente to preserve freshness and avoid over-ripening |
Interesting facts
| Gonzalo Iturriaga's first vintage as technical director; unique aging process with large oak vats; blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Logistics
| Cork | natural cork |