The release of the latest vintage of Alion is always one of my highlights of the year, I have more Alion in the cellar than anything single other wine. It helps that it used to be a third of the price. For some reason, the 2003 is not labelled as Reserva, but the treatment is the same as always. Odd. i can’t keep up with Spanish wine law, it seems to change in odd ways every year.
I think that 2003 is a very good year in Ribera del Douro. This seems to be contrary to popular belief, but every wine I’ve had from this vintage has been top grade. The heat made the vintage in my book. This is an area that can deal with very hot days as at night the temperature plummets to single figures. I think those who put in the vineyard work, reaped the rewards and made great wines. The alcohol is up a little (14.5 in this case), but there is plenty of acid and intense fruit.
Deep purple in colour with a nose of mulberry and cherry with cola, espresso coffee, earth and chai tea that jumps out of the glass. Smooth, silky and dead sexy in mouth, with fine tannins that add texture as the wine builds with air. Perfect balance and concentration. On the palate there is some more mulberry with some currents and blackberry, cola, minerals and pepper. Very long finish with more minerals. Already very complex, I would put this away for at least two years then drink over the following 15. 95+ pts. Dave Worthington, Tinto y Blanco
