| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Spain > Castilla y León > Ribera del Duero |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The happy, juicy and ripe 1989 Único was produced with 80% Tinto Fino and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and despite having only 13.5% alcohol, it feels more Mediterranean, coming through as a charming Único with a developed nose that reveals hints of mushrooms and a profile of a hedonistic and sensual vintage, quite relaxed. 2,632 magnums produced. Artwork by Cuixart.
The renowned Unico (produced from 80-100 year old vines) is one of the world's most distinctive, singular wines. Always released late, it is incredibly fresh, and capable of 2-3 more decades of evolution. The sensational 1989 Unico Reserva boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, fragrant bouquet of plums, black currants, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. It possesses tremendous density, an opulent, textured, full-bodied palate, great purity, and moderate tannin in the 60+ second finish. It needs another 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25-30 years.
The 1989 Unico, a blend of 80% Tinto Fino and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon picked early from 30th September, has a gorgeous, minty bouquet with blackberry, a touch of blueberry, crushed violets and a little strawberry jam. It blossoms with aeration in the glass. The palate is smooth and rounded on the entry: caressing and voluminous in the mouth. The fruit is very pure with notes of strawberry, Tiptree raspberry jam, marmalade and quince. It has great weight towards the finish with orange cordial and a hint of mango. However, it does not have the tension or focus of the 1994 or the 1996. 105,860 bottles produced. Drink now-2035.
The 1989 Unico is dark ruby-colored with a complex nose exhibiting the effects of extended aging. Plush and spicy on the palate, it has ample layered fruit and a very long finish.
Bodegas Vega Sicilia remains a benchmark for the world's great red wines. The Valbuena bottling receives 3 years in barrel and 2 years in bottle prior to release. On the occasion of my visit in May 2010, the three Reserva Especials already in bottle and awaiting release were tasted side by side. They are identified (for the purposes of this review only) as the 2013 Release, the 2012 Release, and the 2011 Release. I was not told what vintages are in each bottling but it actually makes little difference. The Reserva Especials are blended to a house style designed to reflect Vega Sicilia at its very best. The vagaries of vintage (as reflected in Unico) are blended away leaving a wine that is, in my opinion, better than any of the single vintage wines with the possible exception of the 1942.
Saturated dark, fresh red. Exotic dried fruits complicated by minerals, cedar, cigar box and nuts on the nose. Huge, dense and solid with great sappy redcurrant and wild strawberry sweetness buffered by powerful acids. With its huge concentration and extraordinary chewy extract, this has fruit of steel. The wine's explosive extremely long finish and great thrust go beyond 99.99% of the world's wines.
