Vega Sicilia Unico 1986

Vega Sicilia Unico 1986 is a mature Tempranillo-based red wine produced in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Vega Sicilia was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who established the vineyards with cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec taken from the vineyards of Bordeaux. The estate planted Tempranillo alongside these Bordelais varietals, which now makes up the majority of the modern Vega Sicilia blend. The flagship wines are Unico and Unico Reserva Especial - the former is aged for 10 years before release while the latter is a blend of only the finest vintages. "Mature aromas of coffee, forest floor and balsamic fruits, before a succulent entry with redcurrants and plums meshed with brisk acidity. Displays a wonderfully spicy, berried finish; a classic. Enjoy now. In the 1990s Vega Sicilia changed to predominantly Tinto Fino for Único and reined back on the Cabernet Sauvignon. Even a little Cabernet makes a difference, says technical director Gonzalo Iturriaga; 100% Tinto Fino can be just too balsamic. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon makes 25% of the blend, yet there’s no sense of it dominating. At 36 years this is a glorious wine." Decanter, 2022