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93 By Robert Parker
87 By Wine Spectator
A blend of 70% Tinto Fino and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, initially, there seems to be a taint on the nose of the 1974, but what seems like corkiness is manifests into an earthy, tarry scent, suggesting the higher presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The palate is very well balanced and very pure with greater density of the 1975. Leaving it aside for one hour, it turns into one powerhouse of a wine, with laser-like focus and a vibrant, life-affirming finish with orange zest and liquorice. What began a potentially disappointing Unico, ultimately turns out to be a barnstormer. 63,500 bottles produced. Drink now-2025+.
Producer
Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Spain’s most famous red wine producer, Vega Sicilia consistently produces the best distinct blends from the Ribera del Duero, in both style and approach. Located in Valbuena de Duero, the estate has been in the Álvarez family since 1982, and has remained the largest in the country, with about 1000 hectares of property – 25% of which are planted to vines. Their top wine, Unico, is a delicious blend of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Unico benefits from extended cask-maturation time that has been perfected to preserve amble freshness in the finished wine. Then there is also the exceptional Reserva Especial, a non-vintage, which is a blend of the top selections, and is traditionally aged for 10 years consisting of mostly Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The second wine coming from Ribera del Duero’s most influential vineyard is Valbuena, which has more present fruit character, a cuvée of Tinto Fino, Malbec and Merlot.