WTN: 2001 Alion Ribera del Duero

This was a nice surprise. Definitely some warm savory soy/oak spice.smokey notes, but alcohol was modest and in balanace, there was nice acidity, and very pleasant cherry fruit. It was too pricey for me to buy another bottle, but I was impressed!

Is anyone very familiar with Bodegas and Vinedas Alion?

Good wine as a rule. Problem it's gone up about 50% in price in the last 6 or 7 years.

I'm a bit familiar with Alion and though I've only had 4 vintages (2001-2004), I've had all but the 2004 repeatedly.

As regards the 2001, I last had that a while back (in magnum, during a dinner on the 3rd January 2009). My notes from then are as follows:

2001 Bodegas y Viñedos Alion Reserva Tinto (Magnum) - From the Doc. I've written fondly of their 2003 and 2004 vintages previously. Before I tried these, however, and before I started this blog, I enjoyed several bottles of the 2001 Alion at Terry's until the stock ran out. Thus, when the Doc mentioned he got some of these, I was exceedingly eager for another night of Spanish food and wine.

Among the vintages of Alion I have tried (i.e., 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), the 2001 is my favorite. The aroma alone (mirrored in the mouth) puts it above the others thus far: Open (but nowhere near wanton), suavely vanilla and toasty oak laced molten dark fruit, black cherry/kirsch, macerated blackberry, hints of violets and mild licorice. On the palate, just past mid-mouth, discreet chocolate notes come into play.

Commanding presence this full-bodied, well extracted, modern Ribera del Duero has, as well as great confidence. Greatly enjoyed it.

Tyhanks, Noel.

To be honest, I expected a spoofulated mess, so it was a pleasant surprise! Certainly modern but also balanced and elegant!

Brian

Nice note. I have just one solitary bottle tucked away (a good reason I normally like to buy 6 of any wine I purchase or at the very least 4). A friend of mine who is a big Spanish fan suggests holding it for another year or two as he feels the Alion go to sleep for the first 10 years of their life. Noel that may explain why you also prefer the 2001..

Mark

Alión is owned by Vega Sicilia. They make more modern, 100% tempranillo wines. Same winemaker, Xavier Ausás. One of the best Ribera del Duero wines.