2009 Vega Sicilia, Unico, Ribera del Duero, Case of 3 Btls

VM98 "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." JR for VM Feb 2021

JS98 "Some peppery notes showing here, underpinning the black fruit, tar, cedar and nutmeg. Excellent focus, with a medium body and firm, integrated tannins. So much focus and tension to the wild dark fruit and dry spice. 94% tempranillo and 6% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold." JS Sep 2022

RP97 "2009 was a warm and dry year, but the 2009 Único from magnum showed very well. It was released 10 years after the vintage, after the previous years were not released in chronological order. This felt young and energetic, still a little closed but powerful and balanced. As with the 2011, it's "only" 14% alcohol. 3,390 magnums were filled in June 2015. Artwork by Lita Cabellut." LG for TWA Jan 2023