Vega Sicilia Unico 2004

Vega Sicilia Único 2004 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 Único and Único Reserva Especial – the former is aged for 10 years before release while the latter is a blend of only the finest vintages. On the 2004 Único. "Sumptuously aromatic with baskets of berries. Arrives in the mouth as promised on the nose. For enjoying already with its plump fruit, layered with sweet spices and a tang of white pepper. The tannins come in smoothly. This vintage is distinctive for being the last to have such a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (13%). I gave this the identical score in 2016. A ‘typical’ winter followed by a mild spring, warm summer with rain ‘at the right time’. 15 months in large-capacity wooden vats, 17 months in new barrels, then another 26 months in large-capacity wooden vats. Released in 2014." Decanter, 2022