Vega Sicilia, Unico, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

“This is at once fresh and elegant on first impression, with lovely hints of fragrant Turkish bazaar spices, game and dried mint lacing the crème de cassis, violet, and black and red licorice notes. Gliding across the palate, buoyed by fresh acidity and sculpted tannins, this expands to show deep notes of tarry smoke, fig cake, espresso and iron alongside the appealing fruit and spice. Long and creamy, offering both power and grace. Tinto Fino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2037.”-96WA

Vega Sicilia founded in 1981, is a renowned winery located in Ribera Del Duero, Spain, is celebrated for its fusion of tradition and modernity. Adopted by the Álvarez family in 1982, the winery is committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With a focus on the Tempranillo grape, locally known as “tinto fino,” Vega Sicilia’s vineyards span 210 hectares, cultivating vines that are a minimum of 10 years old on schistous bedrock and chalk-based topsoil. The winery takes pride in its patient approach to winemaking, allowing some labels to age over 10 years, and boasts a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to international environmental standards, including advanced recycling and repurposing practices.

Unico is the Vega Sicilia flagship. The qualities of the Tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon in different proportions are assembled to perfection in this wine. Each provides a differentiating factor that makes the wine great in every vintage.