1999 Unico Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Único was produced with 90% Tinto Fino and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% alcohol. The grapes were picked from the 11th of October, the same as yesteryear, and finished the 16th of November with the Cabernet Sauvignon. The magnum shows quite well; it has depth and concentration and is lively and balanced, with a certain elegance. 2,595 magnums produced. Artwork by Eduardo Arroyo.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
90% Tinto Fino, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. They started to pick on 11 October but had to stop until 1 November because of heavy rain. The last Cabernet grapes were picked on 16 November. The wine remained in large-capacity wooden vats for 21 months before being transferred to new casks where it was aged for 20 months, followed by 17 months in second-use casks and 24 months in large-capacity wooden vats. Released in 2009. 96,159 bottles, 2,596 magnums and 157 double magnums. From magnum. Sweet, very evolved – slightly too-ripe impression on the nose. And then on the palate acidity dominates to a slightly uncomfortable extent. Just a little too tart for comfort. The palate impression is jagged rather than smooth. (JR)
Psychologically very tough harvest. They started to pick on 10 Oct but had to stop when it rained heavily on 12 Oct. Temperatures fell. We went through the vineyard to tidy up to avoid rot. Started picking again 1-10 Nov – one of the latest harvests ever which cost them a third of production. Confident that their 1999 is the best in the region in terms of ageing potential. Not yet ready. With 1998 it suffers from misunderstanding because when they were bottled they were pretty brutal and austere but both wines are now less tense (stark contrast to the more generous 2005 and 2004 which are arguably less representative of our region). Dark ruby. Mellow on the nose – smells much more evolved than the 2000. Good freshness and tightness. Lots of acidity and balsamic notes on the finish. Just starting to charm though it seems to have the structure for a much longer life. (JR)
Ruby-red. Shockingly deep in color for a ten-year-old wine. Explosive aromas of cherry compote, black raspberry, blood orange, Asian spices and smoky minerals. Pure, vibrant and sweet, offering intense cherry and red berry flavors, with tangy mineral spine and an exotic smokiness. Extremely deep but energetic, with a powerful echo of minerals and singed orange on the endless finish. This is remarkably youthful but highly alluring already.
About the producer
Vega Sicilia is undoubtably Spain’s most famous winery; a true icon in fine wine with a history dating back to 1864.