Wine: Vega Sicilia Único 1981 Magnum Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: 65% Tinto Fino, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and Malbec.
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: 65% Tinto Fino, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and Malbec.
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Winemaking
Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in large French oak vats, where it remained for 18 months. It was then transferred to seasoned wooden casks, progressively moving to older oak over a period of 7 years. The remainder of its aging took place in the bottle until its commercial release in 2002. Limited production of 77,092 Bordeaux bottles, 2,000 magnums, and 52 double magnums.
Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in large French oak vats, where it remained for 18 months. It was then transferred to seasoned wooden casks, progressively moving to older oak over a period of 7 years. The remainder of its aging took place in the bottle until its commercial release in 2002. Limited production of 77,092 Bordeaux bottles, 2,000 magnums, and 52 double magnums.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-ruby color of medium depth; dark, clean, and defying its age. It
shows brilliant, vivid reddish and orange reflections with a narrow,
coppery rim.
Nose:
Upon opening, it stuns with its sheer power and complexity. The raw
material here is of the highest caliber and abundance. Elegantly pure
Tinto Fino provides immense depth—stripped-back, floral, and highly
perfumed. It gains maturity and expression with aeration; ever-shifting
and intense, it offers elegant wood notes of cedar, ground spices,
pepper, cloves, and fine smoke. Throughout, it maintains a base of pure
Tempranillo characterized by dried petals and lavender. A beautiful,
slightly vegetal touch of grape skins and cold hibiscus infusion (carcadé) adds further intrigue. It accelerates like a cannonball.
Palate:
Perhaps the most "modern" profile among all the Vega Sicilias tasted:
concentrated, almost youthful, and brimming with candied red fruit
(cherries, redcurrants) alongside creamy nuances and roasted coffee
beans. Vivid and energetic; it feels like a baby in diapers—everything
is yet to come. One could argue it was released prematurely, as it
requires many more years of bottle age to reach its zenith. However,
this does not diminish its grandeur. The initial "cannon blast" on the
palate contrasts with the typical ready-to-drink nature of pre-90s Vega
Sicilias. Is this due to the Magnum format? Regardless, it is
monumental. A piercing acidity is bolstered by a wealth of fruit and
absolutely elegant toast, leading to a luxurious finish of fine oak and
spice.
Commentary
The future belongs to this 1981, and there is no telling how high it may soar. It is a formidable Ribera del Duero that bridges the gap between traditional long aging and a more structural, fruit-driven intensity. Sadly, it is unlikely we will encounter another Magnum of this caliber again, especially at this price point.
The future belongs to this 1981, and there is no telling how high it may soar. It is a formidable Ribera del Duero that bridges the gap between traditional long aging and a more structural, fruit-driven intensity. Sadly, it is unlikely we will encounter another Magnum of this caliber again, especially at this price point.
Personal Score: 96
Tasting Group Average: 95
Tasting Group Average: 95
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