{"title":"Sotheby’s Wine X Tempos Vega Sicilia | Allocation Release","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eCollectors rarely agree on everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBordeaux\u003c\/strong\u003e devotees debate \u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy\u003c\/strong\u003e lovers. Some pursue the ethereal perfume of \u003cstrong\u003eBarolo\u003c\/strong\u003e, others the opulence of \u003cstrong\u003eAmarone\u003c\/strong\u003e or the power of \u003cstrong\u003eNapa Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e. Yet mention \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia\u003c\/strong\u003e around almost any table of serious collectors, and the conversation changes. There is an uncommon reverence for this historic estate that transcends regional preference.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter spending an evening with \u003cstrong\u003eGonzalo Iturriaga\u003c\/strong\u003e, esteemed \u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker and Technical Director of the Vega Sicilia family of estates\u003c\/strong\u003e, the reasons behind that reverence came to an unmistakable focus. With over a century spent defining the pinnacle of \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish fine wine\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia's \u003c\/strong\u003egreatest luxury isn't simply its exceptional terroir or remarkable longevity. It is the willingness to think in decades rather than vintages – a philosophy of visionary patience that permeates every aspect of the estate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpread across five wineries, from the rugged and sun-drenched vineyards of \u003cstrong\u003eRibera del Duero\u003c\/strong\u003e to the volcanic hillsides of \u003cstrong\u003eTokaj\u003c\/strong\u003e, to describe \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia \u003c\/strong\u003esimply as the ‘\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e’ of the \u003cstrong\u003eIberian Peninsula\u003c\/strong\u003e is to overlook the extraordinary scope of what the \u003cstrong\u003eÁlvarez family\u003c\/strong\u003e has become since acquiring the estate in 1982.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of the family's wines is a mastery of \u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo\u003c\/strong\u003e, one refined through decades of clonal and massal selection adapted to the distinct character of each estate. Patience remains a defining virtue of \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia\u003c\/strong\u003e, yet with an eye firmly on the future, its philosophy is anything but fixed. Gonzalo spoke proudly of \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c\/strong\u003e's move toward a more refined interpretation of \u003cstrong\u003ePintia\u003c\/strong\u003e – a thoughtful shift favoring elegance over sheer power. If the charismatic \u003cstrong\u003ePintia\u003c\/strong\u003e illustrates the estate's willingness to evolve, the remarkably expressive \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eValbuena\u003c\/strong\u003e reaffirms its enduring pedigree. Unquestionably singing in its current window, its seamless texture offers a compelling reminder of why so many collectors quietly consider \u003cstrong\u003eValbuena\u003c\/strong\u003e one of fine wine's greatest values.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a final nod to tradition, the evening culminated with the \u003cstrong\u003eÚnico Reserva Especial 2023 Release\u003c\/strong\u003e. Once born from the practical necessity of blending vintages, the rare \u003cstrong\u003eReserva Especial\u003c\/strong\u003e unites the finest elements of multiple harvests (\u003cstrong\u003e2009, 2011, 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e in this instance) to reveal the enduring essence of \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia\u003c\/strong\u003e – perhaps its most complete expression.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you have collected \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia \u003c\/strong\u003efor decades or are encountering these wines for the first time, the family's relentless pursuit of craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to evolution ensure there is always something new to discover. \u003cstrong\u003eGreat wines\u003c\/strong\u003e reward patience; the greatest estates reward a lifetime of attention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSotheby’s Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e is delighted to present a \u003cstrong\u003ecurated allocation offering\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003edirect from the estate\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring \u003cstrong\u003ecurrent releases alongside select mature vintages\u003c\/strong\u003e and\u003cstrong\u003e limited-format bottlings\u003c\/strong\u003e, all available for immediate release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContinue below for tasting highlights from the evening and our complete allocation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional tasting notes from the June 23rd dinner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2020 Petrács\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2020 Petrács\u003c\/strong\u003e showcases the precision and purity of \u003cstrong\u003eTokaj's\u003c\/strong\u003e volcanic terroir. This single-vineyard \u003cstrong\u003eFurmint\u003c\/strong\u003e is defined by its brightness and taut mineral tension, revealing notes of quince, citrus blossom, green orchard fruit, and crushed stone. The palate is clean and focused, with vibrant acidity and a lightly textured, saline finish. Restrained rather than opulent, it possesses enough concentration to reward thoughtful drinking while remaining exceptionally versatile at the table.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2018 Pintia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2018 Pintia \u003c\/strong\u003ereflects \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia's\u003c\/strong\u003e move toward a more refined expression of \u003cstrong\u003eToro\u003c\/strong\u003e, favoring finesse over rugged power. The nose is immediately expressive, with fragrant notes of sun-warmed blackberry, ripe damson plum, violet, and a hint of sweet licorice. Richly fruited yet wonderfully balanced, the palate is energized by an unexpected freshness and aromatic lift that continually draws you back to the glass. Leaving an overall impression of charm and elegance rather than force, the \u003cstrong\u003e2018 vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e marks a notable evolution in \u003cstrong\u003ePintia's\u003c\/strong\u003e style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2018 Alión\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRich and polished, the \u003cstrong\u003e2018 Alión\u003c\/strong\u003e opens with aromas of ripe cherry, violet, cedar, and subtle espresso. The palate is generous without excess, with ripe red and dark fruits framed by silky tannin and warm spice. This is a modern take on \u003cstrong\u003eRibera\u003c\/strong\u003e that is already alluring today and will benefit further as the oak continues to integrate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2018 Valbuena 5°\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2018 Valbuena 5°\u003c\/strong\u003e proved to be one of the evening's standout wines. Expressive aromas of red and black cherry, tobacco, graphite, dried herbs, and earth lead into a palate of seamless texture, one that almost caresses with rich, velvety fruit and effortless balance. Unquestionably singing in its current window, it is a compelling reminder of why so many collectors quietly consider \u003cstrong\u003eValbuena\u003c\/strong\u003e one of fine wine's great values.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2014 Único\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2014 Único\u003c\/strong\u003e is remarkably understated at first, gradually unfurling in the glass to reveal layers of dark cherry, dried rose, cedar, cigar box, and subtle spice. Fine-boned and elegant, the palate is subtle yet deeply layered, combining quiet concentration with a texture that is both silky and remarkably weightless. Tightly wound tannins provide structure without heaviness, carrying the wine toward a long, poised finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eÚnico Reserva Especial 2023 Release (2009, 2011 \u0026amp; 2012)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe most complete wine of the evening, the \u003cstrong\u003eÚnico Reserva Especial 2023 Release\u003c\/strong\u003e displayed extraordinary aromatic breadth, revealing layers of blackcurrant, sandalwood, dried flowers, tobacco, bitter cocoa and fragrant spice as it evolved in the glass. The palate combined remarkable concentration with exquisite grace and exceptional length. A compelling expression of \u003cstrong\u003eVega Sicilia's\u003c\/strong\u003e philosophy, the wine transcends any single vintage, offering instead a complete portrait of the estate itself.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-alion-2018","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Alion 2018","description":"","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":47398180290873,"sku":"ALIN18BT","price":109.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":53485231407417,"sku":"ALIN18MG","price":320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/ALIN-generic.jpg?v=1726080654"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-2014","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico 2014 (Pre-Arrival)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eETA: August 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":51073596260665,"sku":"VSUO14BT","price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsuo06.jpg?v=1698637322"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-2004","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico 2004","description":"","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":51987936674105,"sku":"VSUO04BT","price":1340.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsuo06.jpg?v=1698637322"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-2012","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico 2012","description":"","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":51987937689913,"sku":"VSUO12BT","price":471.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":51987937788217,"sku":"VSUO12MG","price":1118.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsuo06.jpg?v=1698637322"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-reserva-especial-nv-2023","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico Reserva Especial NV (2023 Release)","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnico Reserva Especial 2023 release is a blend of Unico 2009, 2011, and 2013 vintages. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":51987938312505,"sku":"VUREMV23BT","price":730.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/VUREMV-generic_913cd291-0a43-4ff9-909a-91d535739578.jpg?v=1783440638"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-valbuena-5-2018","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 2018","description":"","brand":"Sothebys Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53485211353401,"sku":"VSVA18BT","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsva17.jpg?v=1698637325"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-alion-2021","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Alion 2021","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348689209,"sku":"ALIN21BT","price":129.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/ALIN-generic.jpg?v=1726080654"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-2003","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico 2003","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348721977,"sku":"VSUO03BT","price":1330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsuo06.jpg?v=1698637322"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-2015","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico 2015","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348754745,"sku":"VSUO15BT","price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/vsuo06.jpg?v=1698637322"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-ribera-del-duero-unico-vertical-case-1996-2004-2009","title":"Vega Sicilia: Ribera del Duero Unico Vertical Case | 1996 - 2004 - 2009","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348787513,"sku":"VSUOVC960409","price":4557.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/VSUOVC960409.jpg?v=1783443409"},{"product_id":"bodegas-benjamin-de-rothschild-vega-sicilia-s-a-macan-clasico-2019","title":"Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026 Vega Sicilia S.A.: Macan Clasico 2019","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348885817,"sku":"VSROMNCO19BT","price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/VSROMNCO-generic.jpg?v=1783442625"},{"product_id":"bodegas-benjamin-de-rothschild-vega-sicilia-s-a-macan-2020","title":"Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026 Vega Sicilia S.A.: Macan 2020","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348918585,"sku":"VSROMN20BT","price":113.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/VSROMN-generic.jpg?v=1783442609"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-toro-pintia-2018-pre-arrival","title":"Vega Sicilia: Toro Pintia 2018 (Pre-arrival)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eETA: August 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":53739348951353,"sku":"PINA18MG","price":229.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/PINA-generic.jpg?v=1715094949"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-toro-pintia-2020","title":"Vega Sicilia: Toro Pintia 2020","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739348984121,"sku":"PINA20BT","price":101.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/PINA-generic.jpg?v=1715094949"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-oremus-mandolas-dry-furmint","title":"Vega Sicilia: Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint 2021","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739349049657,"sku":"OREMM21BT","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/OREMM-generic.jpg?v=1783443172"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-oremus-aszu-5-puttonyos","title":"Vega Sicilia: Oremus Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2014","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"500ml","offer_id":53739349082425,"sku":"OREM514BT","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/OREM5-generic.jpg?v=1783443008"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-oremus-petracs-dry-furmint","title":"Vega Sicilia: Oremus Petracs Dry Furmint 2020","description":null,"brand":"Sotheby's Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":53739349115193,"sku":"OREMP20BT","price":134.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/files\/OREMP-generic.jpg?v=1783442768"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/2626\/7961\/collections\/vega-sicilia-lineup_2.49.28_PM.jpg?v=1783440193","url":"https:\/\/wine.sothebys.com\/collections\/sotheby-s-wine-x-tempos-vega-sicilia-allocation-release.oembed","provider":"Sotheby's Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}