2014 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero 750 ml

• Tempranillo
• 2014
• Spain
• Ribera del Duero

• The Story

  There might be no wine more painstakingly made, patiently cellared, and passionately sought after than Vega Sicilia’s Único. Eminent critic Hugh Johnson said “Vega Sicilia is the Latour” of Spain, and the 2014—aged an incredible ten years in barrel, oak vat, and bottle—is one of the greatest bottlings this century. Master of Wine Tim Atkin gave it a 99-point score, while James Suckling and Wine Advocate added 98, the latter calling it “one of the finest vintages of recent times.”

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• Wine Facts
  • Fruit Intensity
  • Oak Intensity
  • Body
  • Acidity
  • Tannin

  • ABV 14.00%
  • 2 hours
  • Now - 2045
  • 94% Tempranillo
    6% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Serving temperature - 58°
  • Cork
• Wine Access Tasting Note

  Deep and concentrated dark ruby color. Aromas of rich, dark fruit cradled in a basket of lilacs and violets, accented by Claro tobacco and exotic spices. The mouthfeel is robust yet elegant, with stern tannins framing layers of blackberry, cherry, and plum, plus plenty of mineral components, all leading to a persistent finish. A majestic wine for the long haul, with plenty of muscle and charisma. Drink now–2045.

• Food Pairings
  • Hard Cheese
  • Red Meat
• Critic Reviews

  99 pts

  Tim Atkin

  The 2014 Unico is the second wine in a row from a cooler, so-called Atlantic year although. The harvest was considerably less wet than 2013. Sourced from the best 40 hectares on the Vega Sicilia estate, covering a total of 30 parcels, this is a stunningly floral, complete, layered Tinto Fino with lily, wild rose and mountain herb aromas, subtle French and 25% American oak, some added backbone from 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a palate of bramble, black cherry, Asian spices and tobacco embellished and freshened by a bright, chalky finish.

  98 pts

  Wine Advocate

  The 2014 Único was produced with grapes from 40 hectares of vines selected from the 210 hectares the winery has. The grapes were picked between September 20th and October 3rd, and the blend was 94% Tinto Fino and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, with malolactic in stainless steel. The first part of the aging was in 225-liter barrels and the second one in 20,000-liter oak vats, and the élevage lasts 10 years between oak and bottle. It's a year that combines power and elegance; it's concentrated but has subtleness. I had a unique opportunity to taste it from magnum one year ago and was truly impressed. This tasting was consistent with those sensations. 2014 was a good vintage in the zone, a year with good rain and a big crop, not as powerful as 2012 or 2015 but a year with finesse. The wine feels very balanced, lower in alcohol and with integrated oak, crunchy, fresh and still young. It feels quite classical; it's fine-boned, elegant but also powerful, more like the Únicos from yesteryear. It has to be one of the finest vintages of recent times.

  98 pts

  James Suckling

  A refined, ethereal and elegant Unico. Streamlined layers of mixed peppercorns, smoked paprika, blackberries and spiced dark fruit. Hints of orange zest and flowers. Spicy, with tightly wound tannins. The length is impressive. 94% tempranillo and 6% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Coming along nicely. Try on release in 2026 or after.