Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 1996

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 1996 is a mature-vintage red wine from in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Valbuena is the purest expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) at Vega Sicilia. The other variety used is Merlot, which is added to a greater or lesser extent depending on the vintage. "Dark ruby-red. Spicier, fresher aromas of slightly roasted plum, redcurrant, smoky oak, iron and beefsteak tomato. Dense and quite oak-spicy in the mouth, with a lusher texture than the `95 as well as a more solid spine of acidity. Also much longer on the finish, which features palate-caressing, fine tannins." International Wine Cellar, 1999