We recently picked up a few half bottles of the 2006 Finca Villacreces. This property is right next to Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero, and used to provide fruit to them. Vega Sicilia is probably the leading estate of the region and home to the iconic Unico, a Tempranillo and Cabernet blend that is aged for at least ten years before release and goes for $300+. With such a prestigious neighbor we figured it was worth a shot. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you win big. This is one of those times.
The wine:
Winery Location: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: April 2014
Tasting Notes: – this is dark red/purple out of the bottle. There are dark fruits on the nose, but it seems a little closed down. On the palate the same dark fruits, with a very long finish. This is obviously a very well made, high quality wine. So we let it sit overnight, and then the party really began. It was now very dark, almost opaque purple. Blueberry, rasberry and savory notes dominated the nose, with some smokey fat as well. It was very rich on the palate, full bodied, and brought blueberry and dark fruits that wouldn’t quit. It’s got a luscious mouthfeel. Very, very long this is a big, rich and just excellent wine. It needs to breath though. While we waited overnight I dare say an hour or two in the decanter would accomplish the same feat. This is really, really good.
Price Point – $13 for a half bottle, or a proportionally $26 bottle.
Would We Buy It? – if I could find this I’d buy a case. It’s just a killer wine, and drinks like something costing three to four times as much. Wow – you can really impress someone with this juice. Buy it if you get the chance. We’ll be looking for more wine from this estate in the future.
Sometimes you win big, and we did with this wine.
A votre sante!
I enjoyed reading about 2006 Finca Villacreces from Ribera del Duero, Spain. I love full-bodied reds. Sometimes a glass of wine doesn’t taste quite right when poured from a newly opened bottle. So I will try letting it breath longer from now on, if I can.
You’ll love this wine then. Try it if you get the chance.