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Vega Sicilia is widely regarded as the greatest wine producer in Spain. The estate in Ribera del Duero is known for its dense, complex red wines made principally from the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape variety. Its top wine, Unico, is one of Spain's most expensive and sought-after wines.
The Vega Sicilia estate covers around 1000 hectares (2470 acres) of which around 210ha (520 acres) is under vine. It has been in operation since 1864, long before the development of the appellation in which it resides, and the current wine styles date from the 1910s. Quality has become more consistent since the current owners, the Alvarez family, took over in 1982.
Vega Sicilia makes three cuvées: Unico is the flagship, and the Reserva Especial is a blend of several of the best vintages. Traditionally they would be aged for 10 years or more before release, although this has been reduced in recent vintages. The junior wine, Valbuena, is made from younger vines, and is released after five years in American oak.
Varietal | Proprietary Blend |
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Vintage | 1989 |
Rating | 98 RP |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Bottle Quantity | 1 |
Country | Spain |
Region | Ribera del Duero |
Location | Castilla y Leon |
Producer | Vega Sicilia |
Color | Red |
Wine Type | Table |
Robert Parker | 98 RP - The 1989 Unico is dark ruby-colored with a complex nose exhibiting the effects of extended aging. Plush and spicy on the palate, it has ample layered fruit and a very long finish. Bodegas Vega Sicilia remains a benchmark for the world's great red wines. The Valbuena bottling receives 3 years in barrel and 2 years in bottle prior to release. On the occasion of my visit in May 2010, the three Reserva Especials already in bottle and awaiting release were tasted side by side. They are identified (for the purposes of this review only) as the 2013 Release, the 2012 Release, and the 2011 Release. I was not told what vintages are in each bottling but it actually makes little difference. The Reserva Especials are blended to a house style designed to reflect Vega Sicilia at its very best. The vagaries of vintage (as reflected in Unico) are blended away leaving a wine that is, in my opinion, better than any of the single vintage wines with the possible exception of the 1942. |
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Wine Spectator |
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Burghound |
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Varietal | Proprietary Blend |
---|---|
Vintage | 1989 |
Rating | 98 RP |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Bottle Quantity | 1 |
Country | Spain |
Region | Ribera del Duero |
Location | Castilla y Leon |
Producer | Vega Sicilia |
Color | Red |
Wine Type | Table |
Varietal | Proprietary Blend |
---|---|
Vintage | 1989 |
Rating | 98 RP |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Bottle Quantity | 1 |
Country | Spain |
Region | Ribera del Duero |
Location | Castilla y Leon |
Producer | Vega Sicilia |
Color | Red |
Wine Type | Table |
Varietal | Proprietary Blend |
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Vintage | 1989 |
Rating | 98 RP |
Barrels |
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Style |
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Owners |
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Region | Ribera del Duero |
Location | Castilla y Leon |
Producer | Vega Sicilia |
Winemaker |
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Production |
Robert Parker Rating | 98 RP - The 1989 Unico is dark ruby-colored with a complex nose exhibiting the effects of extended aging. Plush and spicy on the palate, it has ample layered fruit and a very long finish. Bodegas Vega Sicilia remains a benchmark for the world's great red wines. The Valbuena bottling receives 3 years in barrel and 2 years in bottle prior to release. On the occasion of my visit in May 2010, the three Reserva Especials already in bottle and awaiting release were tasted side by side. They are identified (for the purposes of this review only) as the 2013 Release, the 2012 Release, and the 2011 Release. I was not told what vintages are in each bottling but it actually makes little difference. The Reserva Especials are blended to a house style designed to reflect Vega Sicilia at its very best. The vagaries of vintage (as reflected in Unico) are blended away leaving a wine that is, in my opinion, better than any of the single vintage wines with the possible exception of the 1942. |
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Burghound Rating |
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