Valbuena 5° is a Tempranillo-led red, and Vega Sicilia grows it in Ribera del Duero in limestone and marl soils at elevations of 720 to 930 meters. In the 2021 harvest, Merlot accounted for 4 percent of the total, alongside Tinta del País. The vines are planted at a density of 2,222 vines per hectare; this wide spacing is well-suited to the deep, calcareous soil.
Yields fell short of expectations due to frost, thunderstorms, and fungal diseases, while a rainy spring and cool summer delayed the growing cycle. However, the fruit was clean, fully ripe, and stood out for its excellent balance, so there was no need to rush the harvest.
Aging is carried out in French and American oak barrels: in the first year, in new and used 225-liter barrels, as well as in 8,500-, 20,000-, 21,000-liter tanks; thereafter, aging has been conducted exclusively in tanks. The work is overseen by Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan, Technical Director.
When poured into a glass, the aroma is deep and refined, featuring notes of blackberry and cacao complemented by subtle hints of violet. The tannins take center stage, rich and powerful, yet fine-grained, with a long, lingering finish. If opening the wine while it is still young, it is recommended decanting it to allow it to breathe. This wine will be at its best between 2026 and 2040.
Robert Parker (96)
The 2021 Valbuena comes from a year with pristine grapes, good ripeness and balance. For them, this is one of their finest years, when they didn't have to rush and everything happened in a smooth way. The year was marked by the snowstorm Filomena in January, which provided good water reserves, and the rest of the winter had temperatures reaching minus 15 degrees Celsius! This is a blend of 96% Tinto Fino (a local clone of Tempranillo) and 4% Merlot aged in barrels and 8,500- and 21,000-liter oak vats during the first year and later on only in oak vats. This is the youngest expression of the "Vega" nose—subtler and elegant, more insinuating, less developed and keeping some primary notes; it's not as tertiary as the Únicos. It comes in at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.85 and 4.65 grams of acidity, and it has a medium- to full-bodied palate, with elegant tannins and very good balance. This is one of the finest recent vintages for Valbuena, and in a way, it reminded me of the 2010, with elegance and precision.
James Suckling (98)
One of the finest Valbuenas available, showcasing great depth, structure and detail while remaining polished. It exhibits notes of blackberries, cocoa powder, graphite, and high-quality sandalwood, with hints of lard and violets. The standout feature this year is the quantity and quality of the tannins—huge, yet incredibly refined and polished. There are plenty of fine grits that aren’t fully integrated but should harmonize in two to three years. Exceptionally long finish. Will hold effortlessly for the next 20 years.
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
A blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Merlot, sourced from vineyards located between 720 and 930 m above sea level, rooted in limestone marl soils. The 2021 vintage was shorter in production but marked by excellent quality. Winter brought significant snowfall, spring was very wet, and the summer remained cool, slowing down the vegetative cycle and contributing to the wine’s finesse. Ageing follows the traditional five-year process: 12 months in barrel, 12 months in large wooden vats, 6 months in stainless steel, and the remaining time in bottle before release. Total production is 178,876 bottles, 5,566 magnums, 400 double magnums, 35 imperials and 5 salmanazars.
This Valbuena is, for me, a particularly special edition. The texture is silky, almost haute couture, with delicately pitched black fruit, graphite ink notes and impeccably integrated oak. Cedar, black cherry and a faint mineral line shape the aromas, while the palate shows seductive perfume, refined structure and a tannin profile that is both silky and full of promise. Tertiary elements are barely emerging – just a whisper of elegant leather – suggesting a long and graceful evolution ahead. An impressive Valbuena, and one of my favourites in the entire 2026 Vega Sicilia release. Ferran Centelles
Vinous (95)
The 2021 Valbuena Nº5 is Tinta del País with 4% Merlot. Fine oak frames aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, delicate wood tones and a touch of chocolate. The palate is juicy, with moderate structure and lightly grippy tannins; it gains dimension through the mid-palate, where precision, depth and refinement gradually unfold. More than power, this vintage leans into elegance. A beautifully judged Valbuena.
Peñin (97)
Style ,representative. Colour ,bright cherry, garnet rim. Aroma ,complex, balanced, expressive, ripe fruit, blueberry, quality wood, mineral. Flavour ,juicy, taut, round tannins, elegant, complex.
