Vega Sicilia Unico 1996

`Vega Sicilia Unico 1996 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. "In the glass, Único 1996 looks to be showing its age. Certainly on the nose too, where the notes of truffle and woodsmoke reveal its developing maturity. Nevertheless, the wine remains youthful and alive in the mouth, with bright redcurrant fruits, a silky mid-palate and just a balancing rasp of tannins on the finish. This is a superbly elegant wine, which still has plenty of years ahead." Decanter, 2019