1994 Vega Sicilia, Unico, Ribera del Duero, Case of 3 Btls

RP98 This bodega has produced many profound wines, but the 1994 Unico Reserva may be the greatest vintage released since their legendary 1970 and 1968. A truly prodigious effort, it boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet, expansive bouquet of sweet cherries interwoven with black currant, truffle, licorice, and scorched earth aromas. Full-bodied, potent, powerful, and well-delineated with crisp acidity, sweet but noticeable tannin, a multidimensional, expansive, layered palate feel, and a pure yet refreshing finish, it should be a wine for the history books.

JS97 "A dense, intense wine with firm and chewy layers of cocoa, thyme, oregano and dark fruit, together with hints of eucalyptus and balsamic. Medium to full body with lightly chewy tannins. Broad and firm finish. 85% tempranillo and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold." JS Sep 2022

DR97 "Fresh, lifted aromas of flowers and fruits. In the mouth, there’s a distinctive balsamic character with notes of iodine and mineral that typically appear at around 20 years of age. Smooth, very long and memorable. Contains 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cold winter, mild and wet spring; a ‘normal' harvest, says Vega Sicilia. 24 months in large-capacity wooden vats, 22 months in new casks, 30 months in semi-new, finishing with 30 months in large-capacity wooden vats." SJE for DR Sep 2022