Unico 2012

The wine in this vintage

2012 in Ribera del Duero was marked by severe drought and low yields, producing small, concentrated grapes; a cooler end to the season helped preserve balance. Unico 2012 thus combines density and finesse: ripe black fruit, cherry, violet, sweet spice, cedar, graphite and a touch of aromatic herbs on the nose; on the palate the wine is full yet harmonious, with dense, silky tannins, well-integrated freshness and a long, savoury close. James Suckling rated it 97 points, Robert Parker 95. Unico 2012 is nicely open today and lends itself to being enjoyed after decanting, yet its structure allows it to keep evolving in the cellar for a long time.

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

• 97 James Suckling
• 95 Robert Parker

Technical details

Producer

Vega Sicilia

Region

Ribera del Duero

Country

Spagna

Type

Rosso

Vintage

2012

When to drink

Hold, still evolving

Critics' average

96/100

Sizes

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

eWibe code

0860112