Wine Advocate | Rating: 95
Pablo Alvarez described this as a generous vintage that was generous in terms of luminosity that is captured in the wine. The 2005 looks set to be a wonderful Unico when it is eventually released. The nose is very pure and elegant with dark berries, blackberry, pomegranate and a touch of orange blossom. The palate has a pure and rather tart entry with a touch of piquancy. There are notes of blackberry, sloe, dates and citrus peel, but more interesting is the Burgundy-like texture: silky smooth and weightless on the finish. This is a very feminine Unico, lithe and generous, one that should be more approachable than the 2004. Returning after 20 minutes in the glass, it softens and offers subtle toffee-ish notes towards the finishAuthor: Neal MartinWine Spectator | Rating: 95
This polished red offers flavors of tobacco, cedar and leather, with a core of cherry and tea. Firm tannins support the thick, smooth texture, while lively acidity keeps this balanced. Harmonious and long. Drink now through 2028. 7,500 cases made.Author: Thomas Matthews
Self | Rating: 95
Author: Johnnymd
Vega Sicilia is Spain's most well known and prestigious estate. It was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who brought vine cuttings from Bordeaux of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot to plant alongside Tinto Fino. Vega Sicilia's 3 cuvees include the flagship "Unico," a multi-vintage blend called "Reserva Especial," and the more forward-style Valbuena.
Depending on the vintage, Unico is made from a blend of 80% Tempranillo with the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Traditionally the wine is aged for ten years in barrel before its release. The Reserva Especial is a blend of top vintages, while the Valbuena is made from younger vines and bottled after five years. A Valbuena cuvee with three years of aging was produced until 1998, but has been discontinued.
The Reserva Especial bottlings contain a unique blend of vintages:
1979 bottling: 1962, 1964, 1968 vintages,1980 bottling: 1960, 1962, 1972 vintages,1990 bottling: 1968, 1970 vintages,1993 bottling: 1970, 1972 vintages,1996 bottling: 1973, 1981 vintages,1997 bottling: 1981, 1986, 1990 vintages,1998 bottling: 1981, 1990 vintages,2000 bottling: 1985, 1990, 1994 vintages,2004 bottling: 1985, 1990, 1991 vintages,2005 bottling: 1985, 1991, 1996 vintages
Click here to listen to GrapeRadio's podcast about Vega Sicilia (Show #93, 32:01 min 15 MB)
See other similar producers:Alvaro Palacios,Tinto Pesquera
Depending on the vintage, Unico is made from a blend of 80% Tempranillo with the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Traditionally the wine is aged for ten years in barrel before its release. The Reserva Especial is a blend of top vintages, while the Valbuena is made from younger vines and bottled after five years. A Valbuena cuvee with three years of aging was produced until 1998, but has been discontinued.
The Reserva Especial bottlings contain a unique blend of vintages:
1979 bottling: 1962, 1964, 1968 vintages,1980 bottling: 1960, 1962, 1972 vintages,1990 bottling: 1968, 1970 vintages,1993 bottling: 1970, 1972 vintages,1996 bottling: 1973, 1981 vintages,1997 bottling: 1981, 1986, 1990 vintages,1998 bottling: 1981, 1990 vintages,2000 bottling: 1985, 1990, 1994 vintages,2004 bottling: 1985, 1990, 1991 vintages,2005 bottling: 1985, 1991, 1996 vintages
Click here to listen to GrapeRadio's podcast about Vega Sicilia (Show #93, 32:01 min 15 MB)
See other similar producers:Alvaro Palacios,Tinto Pesquera
Collector Data For This Wine
- 311 bottles owned
- 49 collectors
- Average collector rating: 95
(Out of 49 collectors)