The 2020 Vega Sicilia Alion is a proprietary blend from the renowned Vega Sicilia winery, located in Spain’s Ribera Del Duero region. This red wine has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is presented in a garnet-red hue. The 2020 vintage benefits from a combination of aging methods, including barrels, foudres, and a small portion in concrete vats, contributing to its complexity and depth.

Vinous awarded the wine a score of 93, highlighting its aromatic profile which features “notes of sour cherry and blackberry, along with wild herbs and undergrowth.” The review describes the wine as having a “dry and chalky” palate with “mild freshness and a rich, taut mouthfeel” leading to a “polished, smooth, long-lasting and complex finish.” According to Vinous, this vintage represents Vega Sicilia’s modern approach to Ribera del Duero.

James Suckling rated the wine slightly higher, giving it a score of 94. He praised its finesse and polish, noting the flavors of “blackberries, black olives, iron and terra-cotta.” Suckling describes the wine as having a “medium to full body, with slightly chewy tannins and a savory finish,” recommending that it will soften with time and is best enjoyed after 2025.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the highest score at 95, noting that the 2020 vintage benefited from a drier-than-average growing season until harvest-time rains. This weather pattern contributed to a balanced and fresh wine. The review mentions that the wine has “very elegant tannins” and is described as “subtle and elegant,” with the use of a small amount of American oak (4%) adding to its character. The wine was bottled in May 2022, with a production of 285,485 bottles, 7,115 magnums, and some larger formats.

Wine Spectator also rated this vintage with a 93, describing it as a “graceful red” with a “pure beam of crème de cassis gliding across the plush palate.” The review highlights accents of “sassafras, pomegranate, tar-tinged smoke and dried sage,” noting the wine’s “fine-grained, sculpted tannins” and “pretty hints of violet and spices” that linger on a “lush finish.” The wine is recommended to be enjoyed from now through 2034.

Overall, the 2020 Vega Sicilia Alion is highly regarded across multiple reviews, with particular emphasis on its balance, elegance, and aging potential.