Vega Sicilia 'Unico' Ribera del Duero 2014

The Wine

98 points Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Jun 14, 2024) 'The 2014 Único was produced with grapes from 40 hectares of vines selected from the 210 hectares the winery has. The grapes were picked between September 20th and October 3rd, and the blend was 94% Tinto Fino and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, with malolactic in stainless steel. The first part of the aging was in 225-liter barrels and the second one in 20,000-liter oak vats, and the élevage lasts 10 years between oak and bottle. It's a year that combines power and elegance; it's concentrated but has subtleness. I had a unique opportunity to taste it from magnum one year ago and was truly impressed. This tasting was consistent with those sensations. 2014 was a good vintage in the zone, a year with good rain and a big crop, not as powerful as 2012 or 2015 but a year with finesse. The wine feels very balanced, lower in alcohol and with integrated oak, crunchy, fresh and still young. It feels quite classical; it's fine-boned, elegant but also powerful, more like the Únicos from yesteryear. It has to be one of the finest vintages of recent times. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.85 and five grams of acidity measured in tartaric acid per liter of wine. One of the largest vintages of Único, 104,606 bottles, 3,612 magnums, 356 double magnums, 50 imperials and five Salmanazars were produced. It was bottled in June 2020. It seems like years ending in four—1994, 2004, 2014 (but not 84, which was not produced)—are very good here. We'll have to wait and see about the 2024. Drink 2026-2044.'

97 points Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous 'The 2014 Unico is primarily composed of Tempranillo with an additional 6% dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, both sourced from the eponymous property in Ribera del Duero. Aged at length in barrels and large oak vats, the combination of aging methods brings out the wine's nuances in what was a generous year. A dark garnet-red in the glass. The aromas offer licorice and cedar notes alongside hints of orange peel, petit four, cola and pine. There's a background of ripe dark fruit. The palate is dry and plush with a chalky texture and supple tannins, contributing to the complex character. A nuanced red just at the beginning of its life. Drink 2023-2040.'

97 points Sarah Jane Evans MW - Decanter 'Powerful aromas of fine oak. Arrives crisp, fresh and smooth, swelling to redcurrant and red cherry. Very youthful still, full-bodied and round, but always remaining crisp and fresh. Tannins are firm but well-balanced. Promising a long life ahead but remarkably approachable now. 2014 followed a mild winter with a warmer spring and summer. Yield 25.2hl/ha. One of the first years with the influence of new technical director Gonzalo Iturriaga. One year in new barrels, six months in used barrels, then three and a half years in large-format tanks. Bottled May 2020. Tasted from magnum. Drink 2028 - 2048.'

'MIND BLOWING!' TC

The Vega Sicilia Unico Cosecha from Castille-La Mancha is an extraordinary wine that represents the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking. Crafted with meticulous care by the renowned Vega Sicilia estate, this flagship wine embodies elegance, complexity, and longevity, making it one of the most sought-after wines in the world.

The Unico Cosecha is crafted from a blend of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Vega Sicilia’s historic vineyards. A hallmark of the wine is its extended aging process, which includes many years in oak barrels and bottle, allowing it to develop remarkable depth and complexity before release. This meticulous approach ensures that each vintage is a testament to Vega Sicilia’s commitment to excellence.

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, game dishes, or aged cheeses such as Manchego or Comté. While approachable upon release, the Unico Cosecha is renowned for its exceptional aging potential, capable of evolving gracefully for several decades, rewarding patience with unparalleled sophistication.

The Details
Variety - Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Spain
Region - Ribera del Duero
Extra - Cork
Year - 2014
Volume - 750ml

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