Vega Sicilia Unico Tempranillo 2009

Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Ribera del Duero
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2009
Size: 750ml
Alcohol Volume / ABV: 14.00%
Body: Full
Sweetness: Dry

Why We Love This Wine

Vega Sicilia is by far the most prestigious wine estate in Ribera del Duero, and perhaps in all of Spain, with an almost mythical reputation of both rarity & quality for their wines. Located 100 miles north of Madrid on a high elevation, remote plateau of Castilla y Leon in the town of Valbuena del Duero, their grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec all brought from Bordeaux classified growth vineyards by the Estate's founder in 1864 with their main varietal still remaining to be the indigenous Tempranillo grape. The historical provenance of the estate was instrumental in the designation of Ribera del Duero as a DOC (Denominacion Origen Calcificada) in 1982, making the region at par with Rioja. Three flagship cuvees have made Vega Sicilia legendary: the Unico, Unico Reserva Especial (multi-vintage blend), and their Valbuena 5 Ano. These wines are legendary not only for their supreme quality but also for the prices they command. The 2009 Unico manifests a deep fruit ripeness on the nose with lifted rich red & dark plum characters along with subtle vestiges of fresh tobacco, cedarwood, & earthy spices. On the palate, there is a terrific concentration of very ripe blueberry, cherry, & dark fruit flavors. The tannins are fresh & very long carrying the flavors deep into its supple & smooth finish.

Winemaker / Tasting Notes

This red is rich yet vibrant, dense yet graceful. On the palate, cherry & plum flavors are backed by cedar, tobacco, & forest floor characters as well as added mineral notes buttressed by powerfully muscular and well-integrated tannins. There is keynote freshness to this wine that adeptly sustains its superbly long finish.