Vega Sicilia Pintia Toro 2017

Robert Parker, 94+ pts (2017)

Toro (almost) didn't suffer the frost of 2017 that decimated Ribera del Duero, and in that early harvest, the grapes for the 2017 Pintia were picked between September 6th and 17th trying to keep the freshness and acidity. They also did a softer extraction, reduced the percentage of wine that went through malolactic in barrel and used less American oak for the élevage, trying to achieve a more elegant wine. Still the wine is ripe, juicy, round and powerful at 15% alcohol, with a mellow palate with a pH of 3.9 and 4.5 grams of acidity. The wine matured in new and used oak barrels for 12 months. It feels quite fresh and harmonious, not showing any heat, not as fresh and atypical as 2016. It keeps the poise and the balance and has abundant but fine tannins. These wines repay time in bottle, and even if approachable now, it should get better with time. It's like a refined version of the 2015. A triumph over the adverse conditions of the year.

Vega Sicilia is a world-renowned winery located in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. The winery was founded in 1864 and is considered one of the most iconic and prestigious wineries in Spain. Vega Sicilia is known for their high-quality, age-worthy red wines, which are made from a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. The winery also produces a white wine made from the Albillo grape. Vega Sicilia's wines are known for their complexity, depth, and elegance, with notes of black fruit, spice, and leather. The winery is committed to traditional winemaking techniques, including extended aging in oak barrels and bottle before release. Vega Sicilia has received numerous accolades and awards for their wines, including being named "Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Overall, Vega Sicilia is considered one of the top wineries in the world and is highly regarded for their exceptional wines and unwavering commitment to quality.