Vega Sicilia Único Ribera del Duero 1995

97 points Sarah Jane Evans, MW (Decanter): "An Único to enjoy now, with its developed aromas, supple balsamic entry and remarkably youthful palate, which is lifted by darts of citrus and declines to a fine, mineral finish. Average spring, normal dry weather at harvest with high temperatures. After fermentation, the wine remained in large-capacity wooden vats for 22 months, then 22 months in new casks, 28 months in semi-new casks and ending with 24 months in large-capacity wooden vats before ageing in bottle. 88,340 bottles, 2,247 magnums and 149 double magnums. Tasted from magnum. Drinking Window: 2022-2035. (9/6/22)"

97 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Vega Sicilia, along with the single vineyard Guigal wines is a contender for one of the best, as well as consistent, high-end wines, Still young in appearance, as well as in taste, this concentrated, fresh, ripe, complex, deep wine is packed with ripe fruits, spice and earthy notes. While it’s drinking great today, it’s only going to improve over the next few decades. (May 2013)"

96 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "1994 and 1995 were a bit like 2004 and 2005, all very good vintages, but the ones ending in four were more elegant and the ones ending in five were more powerful and tannic. What I wrote about the 1995 Único in magnum is that it is tannic, serious and austere, a blend of Tinto Fino with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested after the 27th of September under dry weather and high temperatures, but the wine has 14% alcohol. It's a vintage that combines power with elegance. 2,247 magnums. The label has a painting from artist Miquel Barceló. Drink: 2007-2040. (Jan 2023)"

96 points James Suckling: "This has a soft and supple array of iodine, grilled herbs, cherries and blackcurrants. Juicy, ripe berries with a savory, soy and iodine kick makes this immensely drinkable. Sleek tannins and a fresh finish. 85% tempranillo and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. (9/6/22)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Still fresh, this concentrated red delivers vibrant cherry and plum fruit, with expressive licorice, mineral and game notes. Thick and firm on the palate, yet remains harmonious through the spicy finish... (10/15/06)"

94 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "(85% tinto fino, 15% cabernet sauvignon) Quite intense cherry with a brick red edge. Fine, slightly closed aroma with a rich expression of ripe black fruit and spicy notes (old leather, carpentry, hints of incense, liquorice). Generous, fleshy palate with very obvious fruit and oak tannins, well-cloaked by the alcohol, spices and creamy toast in the retronasal passage (chocolate, coffee) and a pleasantly bitter oak tannin finish. (2006)"