Vega Sicilia : Unico Reserva Especial Venta 2025

A blend of mainly Tinto Fino with some Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages of Unico, this shows notes of fennel, liquorice and game with a background whiff of American oak char. Silkier and more seamlessly approachable in texture than the 2006 Unico, yet intense in its fruit richness and Burgundian-like, savoury finish.

(this 2017 release was made from a selection that totaled 59 barrels from 2003, 2004 and 2006) Vivid ruby-red. Ripe cherry, dark berries, cigar box, vanilla bean and incense on the deeply perfumed, expansive nose. Shows impressive weight and breadth on the palate, offering sappy blackberry, candied cherry and spicecake flavors complicated by hints of rose pastille, vanilla and licorice. The smooth, strikingly long finish shows a seamless quality and repeating floral and dark berry notes that build as the wine opens up. While this wine has plenty going on right now, I've no doubt that it will enjoy a long, positive evolution as well.

Dark, deep wine-red with a purplish sheen, concentrated at the core. Expansive, finely scented bouquet, intoxicatingly sweet fruit and terroir expression: dried fruits, candied sugar notes, sandalwood, freshly roasted coffee, and a hint of black truffle. On the palate, full of elegance, finesse and power; soft, plush, sweetly expressive tannins that melt into the rich extract. Plum paste, precious woods, then an endless finish with Tempranillo rumtopf aromas and a touch of vanilla pod. World-class, an immortal Duero classic.