96 points Falstaff Guide: "Deep ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle ochre rim. Hints of precious wood, red wild berry confit, blackberries, dried plums in the background, tobacco, a hint of nougat. Extract sweetness, ripe heart cherries, velvety, perfectly integrated tannins, finesse-rich structure, salty minerality, freshness and length. (7/9/15)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "They have kept 2005 and 2006 for now, and they are releasing the 2007 Único from a lighter vintage that is accessible already; they will even sell 2008 before 2005 and 2006. 2007 was a cold vintage in Ribera and it produced lighter, fresher wines (perhaps not as problematic as 2008, but there was also frost in 2007). The wine might be a tad lighter than other vintages, but it's more structured than 2008; it combines elegance and power, is nicely balanced and should be able to develop in bottle for many years, although the quick evolution of the bottle once opened made me hesitate about its drinking window. Let's hope I'm wrong. 80,000 bottles produced. Drink: 2015-2025. (Oct 2015)"
95 points Sarah Jane Evans, MW (Decanter): "Bold, with earthy, meaty and floral aromas. Intense, balsamic palate, the alcohol seems more apparent here. Powerful and spicy with a concentrated finish. Say Vega Sicilia’s notes: ‘it is not a famous vintage, but it is one that identifies the region and style of the house. It is, in one word, elegant.’ It certainly is true to its terroir, though I might argue with the word elegant at present. Warm spring, ‘abnormally cold’ summer'; technical director Gonzalo Iturriaga calls it 'a really complicated year'. One and a half years in new oak barrels, one year in used barrels and about two and a half years in large-format tanks. Tasted from magnum. Drinking Window: 2026-2040. (9/6/22)"
95 points James Suckling: "There’s a savory, herbal touch here, with dried thyme and olives married with wild bramble and black berry fruit. Some tar and tobacco, too. It’s medium-bodied with firm and tight tannins. Fresh and still a little reserved. 95% tempranillo and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold. (9/6/22)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$450 list] This harmonious red is balanced and deep, offering ripe plum and currant flavors, with black pepper, tobacco, licorice and mineral accents. Delivers plenty of structure, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. The wine remains graceful through the long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2027. (7/15/15)"
94 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Colour: bright cherry. Nose: ripe fruit, sweet spices, creamy oak, medium intensity, balsamic herbs, scrubland. Palate: flavourful, toasty, light-bodied, spicy. (2015)"
This is the reference wine of Vega Sicilia, although it shares its special character with the rest of the wines from the winery. It comes from the older vines on the estate and is made with the varieties of Tempranillo and more Cabernet sauvignon than Merlot. Even with age, it maintains its liveliness thanks to its good acidity level compensated by solid alcohol content. It has an intense ripe cherry color, with the lively edge of a wine that is always at its best. The aroma prevails with hints of roast from the wood, and touches of hazelnut from its oxidative evolution from its years in the cask. It has generous tastes of old but clean wood, with dry tannins that are pleasantly embittered by the oak, together with the sensation of its light sweetness of its alcohol. It is a pedigree wine with a long, lasting taste.
Steven Spurrier (Decanter): "Winemaker Javier Ausas opened the tasting by saying that the aim of Unico was to be thruthful to 150 years of tradition: 'Elegant, grand, feminime, complex both on the nose and tha palate, this is what we wish to protect.' ...Unico is by far the most famous wine in Spain. But despite its fame over 150 years, it has seldom (until well into the ownership by the Alvarez family) been openly available, even to those who could afford it. Thus, few people, myself included, have the tasting experience of Unico that one has of the Bordeaux first growths, Australia's Grange or even Burgundy's Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. All I can say is that the vintages of 70, 60 and 50 years ago show the same unique vineyard expression as do those from this century. I've always been aware of Unico's reputation, but can only now state that it is truly justified. (Jan 2013)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "They have kept 2005 and 2006 for now, and they are releasing the 2007 Único from a lighter vintage that is accessible already; they will even sell 2008 before 2005 and 2006. 2007 was a cold vintage in Ribera and it produced lighter, fresher wines (perhaps not as problematic as 2008, but there was also frost in 2007). The wine might be a tad lighter than other vintages, but it's more structured than 2008; it combines elegance and power, is nicely balanced and should be able to develop in bottle for many years, although the quick evolution of the bottle once opened made me hesitate about its drinking window. Let's hope I'm wrong. 80,000 bottles produced. Drink: 2015-2025. (Oct 2015)"
95 points Sarah Jane Evans, MW (Decanter): "Bold, with earthy, meaty and floral aromas. Intense, balsamic palate, the alcohol seems more apparent here. Powerful and spicy with a concentrated finish. Say Vega Sicilia’s notes: ‘it is not a famous vintage, but it is one that identifies the region and style of the house. It is, in one word, elegant.’ It certainly is true to its terroir, though I might argue with the word elegant at present. Warm spring, ‘abnormally cold’ summer'; technical director Gonzalo Iturriaga calls it 'a really complicated year'. One and a half years in new oak barrels, one year in used barrels and about two and a half years in large-format tanks. Tasted from magnum. Drinking Window: 2026-2040. (9/6/22)"
95 points James Suckling: "There’s a savory, herbal touch here, with dried thyme and olives married with wild bramble and black berry fruit. Some tar and tobacco, too. It’s medium-bodied with firm and tight tannins. Fresh and still a little reserved. 95% tempranillo and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold. (9/6/22)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$450 list] This harmonious red is balanced and deep, offering ripe plum and currant flavors, with black pepper, tobacco, licorice and mineral accents. Delivers plenty of structure, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. The wine remains graceful through the long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2027. (7/15/15)"
94 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Colour: bright cherry. Nose: ripe fruit, sweet spices, creamy oak, medium intensity, balsamic herbs, scrubland. Palate: flavourful, toasty, light-bodied, spicy. (2015)"
This is the reference wine of Vega Sicilia, although it shares its special character with the rest of the wines from the winery. It comes from the older vines on the estate and is made with the varieties of Tempranillo and more Cabernet sauvignon than Merlot. Even with age, it maintains its liveliness thanks to its good acidity level compensated by solid alcohol content. It has an intense ripe cherry color, with the lively edge of a wine that is always at its best. The aroma prevails with hints of roast from the wood, and touches of hazelnut from its oxidative evolution from its years in the cask. It has generous tastes of old but clean wood, with dry tannins that are pleasantly embittered by the oak, together with the sensation of its light sweetness of its alcohol. It is a pedigree wine with a long, lasting taste.
Steven Spurrier (Decanter): "Winemaker Javier Ausas opened the tasting by saying that the aim of Unico was to be thruthful to 150 years of tradition: 'Elegant, grand, feminime, complex both on the nose and tha palate, this is what we wish to protect.' ...Unico is by far the most famous wine in Spain. But despite its fame over 150 years, it has seldom (until well into the ownership by the Alvarez family) been openly available, even to those who could afford it. Thus, few people, myself included, have the tasting experience of Unico that one has of the Bordeaux first growths, Australia's Grange or even Burgundy's Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. All I can say is that the vintages of 70, 60 and 50 years ago show the same unique vineyard expression as do those from this century. I've always been aware of Unico's reputation, but can only now state that it is truly justified. (Jan 2013)"
| Product SKU | 322216 |
| Producer | Vega Sicilia |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Ribera del Duero |
| Varietal | Tempranillo/Tinto Fino |
| Vintage | 2007 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Ships To |
