Vega Sicilia Único Ribera del Duero 2009

99 points Falstaff: "Deep ruby colour with purple reflections. On the nose fine notes of tobacco, underlaid with dark forest fruit and red berries. Pleasant notes of oak, some leather, delicate nougat tones. On the palate juicy and full-fruited with nuances of cherry and dark forest fruit. Silky tannins with salty minerality on the finish, very harmonious, majestic style with great potential. (3/19/21)"

98 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "I tasted a bottle of the 2009 Único blind and was taken by the freshness, the red fruit notes and the Burgundian-like characteristics of this vintage, which on paper was quite warm and dry. With time in the glass the Único opened up and got closer to the character of Valbuena but with more depth and clout, while showing extremely elegant. I tasted it again in the context of all the wines from the group, and it delivered all that I saw when I tasted it blind. It takes some time to unfurl its aromatic palette, and it feels young and somewhat undeveloped, younger than it is. It has a touch that made me think of the old vintages of Único on the nose but with very polished tannins and a soft mouthfeel that provides elegance. This is a wine that ages for no less than ten years before it's released. 2009 seems like a great vintage for Vega Sicilia, much better than what I anticipated. It should develop nicely in bottle. It has been in bottle since June 2015. Drink: 2020-2035. (Jan 2019)"

98 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Inky ruby. An assertively perfumed, highly complex bouquet displays powerful, mineral-accented dark berry preserve, exotic spice, vanilla, potpourri and incense aromas, along with suggestions of cola and mocha. Broad, focused and deeply concentrated, offering palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that show remarkable clarity and are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. The spice, mineral and floral notes resonate emphatically on the strikingly long, sweet finish, which features harmonious tannins and building, resonating dark berry character. Drink: 2026-2042. (Feb 2021)"

98 points James Suckling: "The elevage is complex, building from smaller barrels to larger barrels over a period of six years, finishing in larger vats. Then four years in bottle. Non-sequential releasing with the 2005 and 2006 being released after the 2007 and 2008. This 2009 has good ripeness and deep fruit-presence on the nose with rich red and dark plums, subtly earthy spice, cedar and fresh tobacco. There’s terrific concentration on the palate and very ripe dark-plum, blueberry and cherry flavors. The tannins are fresh, very long and carry flavors deep. Natural freshness and effortless power, too — a hallmark of Unico! Very open-knit and approachable now, this will age for two decades easily, and then some more. (12/26/18)"

97 points Decanter: "The great eternal Unico, with a touch of extra fruitiness and spiciness. Made after very long ageing in different oak vats and barrels, from selected plots (including 6% Cabernet Sauvignon) within Vega Sicilia's estate, in the (rightly named) Unico method (72 months' oak). Probably too young now, it should ideally not be opened in the next 10 years. Spain's flagship, and very difficult for me to taste without passion. D?rink: 2025-2045. Alcohol 14%. (Mar 2020)"

95+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2009 vintage is the newest release of Único and it is just now entering the market here in the US. The wine looks to be an absolute classic in the making and in due time, it seems very likely to take its place amongst the finest vintages of the last twenty-five years here. The blend this year is ninety-four percent tempranillo and six percent cabernet sauvignon and the wine comes in listed at fourteen percent octane. The bouquet is still youthfully sappy and adolescent, offering up a blend of black cherries, blueberry, gentle balsamic tones, cigar wrapper, dark chocolate and new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with beautiful balance and grip, ripe tannins and impressive nascent complexity on the very long and focused finish. Much more complexity on both the nose and palate will emerge with further bottle aging, but all of the constituent components are in place here for future greatness. 2033-2100+. (Jan/Feb 2020)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$575 list] This red is rich yet vibrant, dense yet graceful. Cherry and plum flavors are backed by forest floor, cedar, tobacco and mineral notes, supported by muscular, well-integrated tannins that give way to a spicy, slightly bitter finish. Complex and harmonious. Tinto Fino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2029. 6,190 cases made, 570 cases imported. (6/30/19)"

95 points and 'Podium Award,' Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine (2019)

19/20 points Richard Hemming, MW (JancisRobinson.com): "Stewed tea, black cherry, dark chocolate and luxurious spicy notes to finish. Finely milled tannic texture makes this very ready to drink, although the tertiary character is only just emerging. Some mushroom and earthy scent hints at what’s to come. Excellent fruit clarity too. Keeps on going. Drinking Window: 2020-2040. (12/3/18)"