Unico 2011

The wine in this vintage

Warm and dry, 2011 produced concentrated, fruit-rich and well-structured wines in Ribera del Duero, highly regarded by critics. In Unico 2011 that fullness comes with the house's customary elegance: blackberry, dark cherry, plum, liquorice, cocoa, cedar, black pepper and notes of leather and tobacco form an intense, deep nose; the palate is broad and juicy, with abundant yet polished tannins and a long, spicy finish. James Suckling gave it 98 points, Antonio Galloni 96. Unico 2011 is in a nicely harmonious phase, already enjoyable after decanting, yet it still has plenty of room to evolve and can be kept for many years, gaining tertiary complexity.

The producer · Vega Sicilia

Founded in 1864 in Valbuena de Duero by Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who returned from Bordeaux and planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec alongside the local Tinto Fino, Bodegas Vega Sicilia is Spain's most famous winery and one of the most admired in the world. For over a century it was an almost solitary beacon in a Ribera del Duero still far from its present renown, and its flagship wine, Unico, became a symbol of prestige, served at royal and diplomatic tables. Since 1982 the estate has belonged to the Álvarez family, who renewed the vineyards and winery while preserving the house's identity; it is now led by Pablo Álvarez. The vineyards, at around 700 to 800 metres, enjoy an extreme continental climate with wide day-night temperature swings. The house style rests on very long ageing in wood and bottle before release: Unico, from Tinto Fino with a share of Cabernet Sauvignon, reaches the market only after many years, while Valbuena 5° offers a younger expression.

Critics' scores

• 98 James Suckling
• 96 Antonio Galloni
• 94 Robert Parker

Technical details

Producer

Vega Sicilia

Region

Ribera del Duero

Country

Spagna

Type

Rosso

Vintage

2011

When to drink

Hold, still evolving

Critics' average

96/100

Sizes

75 cl, Magnum 150 cl, Case of 6 × 75 cl

eWibe code

0860111