Valbuena 5º 2020: the timeless elegance of Vega Sicilia’s red wine
Valbuena 5º 2020, crafted by Tempos Vega Sicilia, represents the purest and most refined expression of red wine from this iconic winery. Its name refers to the five years of ageing in wood and bottle that define its style, balance, and depth. It is a wine that embodies the essence of Ribera del Duero through a serene, precise, and elegant perspective, where every detail of the winemaking process is reflected in the glass.
A vintage marked by nature and resilience
The year 2020 will be remembered in Vega Sicilia’s history for reasons that go beyond winemaking. The winery faced the global challenges of Covid-19 with remarkable adaptability, organisation, and team spirit. Additionally, heavy rains before the harvest altered initial expectations and required constant vigilance in the vineyard.
The technical team maintained continuous observation, analysing the concentration and balance of the grapes after the rainfall. The result was a wine more ethereal, elegant, and subtle than in previous years — a Valbuena 5º 2020 that is delicate, profound, and enveloping in texture, demonstrating the mastery of time, patience, and precision that characterises Vega Sicilia.
The vineyard cycle in 2020
The growing season began with warmer-than-usual temperatures, favouring optimal ripening. Spring unfolded under normal weather conditions, with sufficient rainfall ensuring uniform budding by late April and no significant frosts. Although the total rainfall was slightly below average, vine development remained balanced thanks to excellent soil water management.
June was cooler than expected, while July brought higher temperatures that advanced the veraison by about a week. The harvest took place with intermittent rainfall, which required brief pauses to ensure the grapes were always picked dry and healthy. This meticulous work in the vineyard was essential to achieving the final quality of the wine, ensuring perfect grapes for the long ageing that defines Valbuena.
Winemaking and ageing
Valbuena 5º is produced mainly from the Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) variety, complemented by small amounts of other traditional Ribera del Duero grapes. The winemaking process combines technological precision with respect for traditional methods. The five-year ageing period — part in French and American oak barrels and the rest in bottle — forms the foundation of its aromatic complexity and smooth texture.
During this time, the wine evolves slowly, refining its tannins and developing layers of intertwined aromas and flavours. The result is a red wine with a perfect balance of ripe fruit, spice notes, and hints of noble wood, underpinned by a mineral background reminiscent of Ribera del Duero’s limestone soils.
Sensory profile
Valbuena 5º 2020 displays a bright, deep cherry-red colour. On the nose, it opens with a wide aromatic palette of ripe black fruits, plum, and blackberry, accompanied by notes of cocoa, cedar, dried herbs, and a balsamic undertone. On the palate, it is silky and elegant, with perfectly integrated acidity that enhances its structure. The finish is long, enveloping, and persistent, leaving a sense of harmony and depth that reflects the unique identity of Vega Sicilia.
A creation that transcends time
This wine is ready to enjoy now but possesses exceptional ageing potential. Under optimal storage conditions — temperature between 12 and 14 °C and humidity around 60% — it can evolve beautifully for over 25 years. Over time, it will develop new layers of complexity, revealing its true grandeur and the remarkable ageing capacity that distinguishes Spain’s greatest wines.
It is best served at 18 °C (64 °F) to fully appreciate its aromatic richness and enveloping texture. A wine that invites reflection and commands the same respect with which it was made.
Production and bottling
The production of Valbuena 5º 2020 reached 186,286 Bordeaux bottles, along with special formats that highlight its exclusivity: 5,673 magnums, 400 double magnums, 35 imperials, and 5 Salmanazars. Each format reflects the winery’s commitment to excellence and precision in every detail. The wine was bottled in May 2023, following a long, carefully controlled ageing process that ensures its stability and elegance.
The purest expression of Vega Sicilia
Valbuena 5º embodies the essence of Tempos Vega Sicilia: a perfect fusion of tradition, discipline, and respect for the land. It is the most approachable expression of the house, yet remains true to its spirit. While Único represents grandeur and majesty, Valbuena conveys subtlety, delicacy, and finesse — maintaining the same pursuit of perfection and authenticity.
At Licorea, we believe that Valbuena 5º 2020 is a perfect example of how time and patience can become art. A wine that balances power and elegance, tradition and modernity, nature and precision. The purest expression of Vega Sicilia’s soul, created to inspire emotion in those who recognise greatness in every sip.
