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Unico 1953

Bodegas Vega Sicilia, Ribera el Duero, Spain

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera el Duero Spain
  • 91
    Points
  • The 1 663 best
    of 3 290 954
    wines globally
  • 8 Pros of
    12 recommend
    this wine
824 91
  • Taste
  • Moment

  • Country ranking ?

    195

  • Producer ranking ?

    73

  • Decanting time

    1h

  • When to drink

    now to 2030

  • Food Pairing

    Spanish Lamb with Rosemary

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The Story

Of the 1,000 hectares making up the Vega Sicilia estate, 210 are used for wine growing, and there are 19 soil-types divided for management purposes into 52 plots with very specific characteristics. The influence of the flow of the river Duero and the passage of time have been vital in forming these soils.

70 of these hectares are employed to produce Unico. A unique, magical estate which, along with extraordinary management of the vineyard, ...

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Tasting note

color

Medium, Ruby red and Dark

ending

Medium, Smooth, Round and Harsh

flavors

Nutty, Chocolate, Cherry, Leather, Earthy and Dried-fruit

nose

Modest, Refined and Intense

recommend

Yes

taste

Average in Acidity, Medium tannin, Well-structured, Balanced, Light, Sharp, Elegant, Round, Fresh, Dry and Drying tannins

Verdict

Poor and Impressive

Written Notes

In my opinion this is one of the best Unicos of the 1950´s. When I last had the opportunity to taste this almost majestic wine at a tasting arranged by Decanter in London in 2003, the half century that this wine has lived had started to show. The color was quite brown even for its age, but there was still a noble purple-red shimmer peeking through. The scent was typical to Unico elegance, full of berries with a breath of eucalyptus - promisingly intensive and clear. Very well balanced, fruity and fresh. The aftertaste was maybe somewhat short and dryish. The first time I tasted this wine was at the vineyard in the early 90´s. The experience then approached perfection. Though the bottles now being tasted also came straight from the vineyard, I could not help but recall longingly those moments from over ten years ago. Now this wonderful wine is losing its peak, but in a very harmonious and beautiful way. Still a very attractive wine!
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  • 94p

Dark, brick-red colour. Reserved nose with bouillon, walnut, earthy and leathery aromas. The medium-bodied palate has a silky structure which is formed by vivid acidity and gentle tannins. The fruit is on the driy side while nutty, dark chocolate and leathery flavours escort the long and round finish.  JL 89p

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  • 89p

This was the wine to celebrate the genesis of the Varsity tasting match, kindly sent straight from the cellars of Vega Sicilia.  With its strong overtones of vanilla oak and slight cheesiness, I had it as a very mature rioja. Medium body and very expressive – of age more than anything else.  No one guessed it was anything close to 60 years old.
 

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  • 93p

Sweet and opulent with plenty of intense sweet, dried fruit notes. Seductive and sweet with generosity and depth. Gorgeous, drinking beautifully now.

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  • 97p

Dark brick red hue. Aromatic nose with distinct ethereal character, well managed oxidation, hints of dark hot chocolate and banana, reminiscent of an elegant Madeira bouquet. On the palate well structured with opulent character and fine acidity.

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  • 91p
Bright ruby, brick rim. Blueberries, figs, leather, liquorice, exotic, floral and detailed nose, more youthful than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder palate, fruity, figs and plums, blueberries, long. 95
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  • 95p
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Information

Origin

Valbuena, Ribera el Duero

Vintage Quality

Above Average

Value For Money

Good

Investment potential

Below Average

Fake factory

None

Glass time

1h
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