1975 Vega Sicilia Unico

70% Tinto Fino, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec and Albillo. Frost in April. Harvest 8 October. After 24 months in large-capacity wooden tank, a further 24 months’ maturation in 575-litre cask then 6 years in second-use and used casks. 44,750 bottles and 2,000 magnums. From magnum. Rich and sweet and still very lively. So vivacious! (JR)

The 1975 Unico (magnum) is a bit forward, especially in its aromatics, but not at all unpleasant in this context, given how youthful the 1982 and 1990 are! Still holding on to considerable depth in its fruit, the 1975 offers up an intriguing array of black cherry, plum, smoke and molasses.

The 1975 Unico was tasted in January 2012 and is a blend of 70% Tinto Fino, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Malbec and Albillo that was picked from October 8. The bottom line is that this is a delicious Unico. It appears more mature than the 1974 poured alongside, but don't let that fool you. The nose is soft and mellow with kirsch, liquorice and dried Italian meats that are later augmented by a touch of eucalyptus. The palate has a sorbet-like freshness on the entry: fresh and enticing with voluptuous candied red fruits towards the finish that has a Burgundy-like texture. It even seems to gain greater weight with time. Superb. 44,750 bottles produced. Drink now-2025+. Aug 2012, www.robertparker.com